Sermons

Why the Book of Proverbs Matters!

Posted by Alex on
Sermon on May 7 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi

Scripture: Proverbs 4:11; 9:1-6, 13-18

Where do we find wisdom for our journey through life? Proverbs are like God’s Twitter pointing us to true wisdom,

If we would journey wisely through life, we need:

1. EXPERT COACHING THROUGH THE TRIP! (9: 1-6)

Proverbs is not a book of moral advice. Each proverb points to the Life Coach we need for life and eternity

Jesus watched his tongue, worked hard and  is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. He has lived each proverb.

Lady Wisdom is a picture of Jesus. What He offers to travellers at His table is not just ready, but rich.

‘… Jesus is the highest personality in psychology, the supreme subject in literature, the fundamental doctrine of theology. He is the corner-stone, the cap-stone, the stumbling block of all religions. He is miracle of the ages.’
(Anne Lot: ‘Just Give Me Jesus’)

  • Jesus supplies wisdom gladly (Acts 4:11)
    Lady Wisdom’s servants were the prophets and apostles (who predicted and taught His wisdom). Every time a preacher, Sunday–school teacher, or parent shares the Word and the gospel, God is supplying wisdom for life.

“Here’s a simple gospel mantra always to keep in mind. ’One, I am a complete idiot. Two, my future is incredibly bright. Three, anyone can get in on this.’”
(Ray Ortlund).

2. RIGHT CURRENCY FOR THE TRIP! (4:18 ; 9:13-18)

Apart from the Life Coach, get the right currency for your journey.

  • Choose well – and be responsible
    God is like a maths teacher. He will not give you the solution to your problems, for He knows you will learn more by solving it yourself. Proverbs are not for passive learners!
    This book teaches us that small things have a big impact when added together. Choose well..

‘For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths.’ (Proverbs 5:21)

  • Slow down – and go deep

The ‘simple’ traveller does not pause to think deeply in his or her Journey. Proverbs calls us to go deep with the Lord.

‘… And what the Net seems to be doing is chipping away my capacity for concentration and contemplation. My mind now expects to take in information the way the Net distributes it; in a swiftly moving stream of particles. Once I was like a scuba diver in a sea of words- now I zip along the surface like a guy on a jet-ski.’
(Nicholas Carr – ‘Is Google making us Stupid?’)

We need Jesus to save us first from not needing to be saved, then from thinking we can go it on our own without trusting Him.

Remember! We need Proverbs. True wisdom forces us to walk further with Jesus than we have ever been before.

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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

  1. What is the relationship between the wisdom of Proverbs and Jesus? Read both Chapter 8 and 9 to see these.
  2. Contrast the banquets offered by Lady Wisdom and Madame Folly. What does the first offer compared to the second?
  3. Can Christians be foolish on their journey through life? In what way? What will help you and me to make the best choices in this week?
  4. Plan to read one chapter of Proverbs a day either on your own, or together with your family. Pray for this series.