By Brittenne Boykin
Lesson Text: Proverbs 4:10-15, 20-27
Overview
In today’s lesson we are reminded through the book of Proverbs that God’s wisdom is precious not only for us but for our children. Wisdom is the gift that keeps on giving from generation to generation.
Solomon instructs his son in Godly wisdom. Solomon urges his son to not only hear his voice but accept his words. He reminds the young man of the example that he has lived before him, teaching him in wisdom and leading him in uprightness.
Walking in wisdom will allow him to walk unhindered and when he runs, he will not stumble. He reiterates throughout the passage to hold firm to instruction and not let her go. Do not enter the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil, steer clear and turn away from it are his final instructions.
Related Scriptures
Deuteronomy 11:18-21
In this set of related scriptures, God tells the Israelites to lay up his words not only in their heart but also in their mind. He says to put His word ever before them as a frontlet. God reminds them to teach to their children constantly rehearsing His words as they go about their days. As they remember and heed His words, the days of their children would be multiplied in the land that God promised to give their fathers.
Job 28:12-28
The related scriptures in Job, reminds us that wisdom cannot be found in temporal things but comes from God. It cannot be bought and sold for it is worth more than gold or glass. God alone understands the way to it and where it resides. God alone has seen everything and understands everything for He created everything. God reminds us that the fear of the Lord is wisdom and turning away from evil is understanding.
Psalm 1:1-6
In one of the most familiar passages in scripture, the psalmist contrasts the way of the righteous as opposed to the way of the wicked. He compares the blessedness of not walking in the counsel of the wicked or standing in the way of sinners. He is blessed when he delights in the law of the Lord and mediates on it continually. He likens it to a tree planted by the streams of water that does not wither and in all he does it prospers. In sharp contrast the wicked are not so and are cut off and driven by the wind.
Proverbs 2:1-15:6:12-19
The passage emphasizes the benefits of seeking Godly wisdom. To seek both wisdom and understanding with as much fervor as if they were seeking treasure. Proverbs 6:12-19 details the things that God abhors, among them haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a false witness bearer, and one who sews discord among brothers.
Practical Points
“Wisdom involves what we say and what we do”
Wisdom is not merely what we profess, we know that wisdom has taken root and produced fruit because it becomes what we do as daily practices so much that wisdom lives out as obedience becomes our lifestyle. We not only speak wisely but wisdom shows up in our trips to the grocery store, as we are interacting with our neighbors and on our jobs, as we manage our finances as we choose where we are and what we do. Wisdom is lived out everywhere we live, work and play.
