Who Is A Wise Man?
I. Introduction
A. The difference between knowledge and wisdom.
1. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information.
2. Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.
3. Knowledge is the awareness that a surface is hot, wisdom is not touching it.
4. Knowledge is knowing service times, wisdom is attending the assemblies.
B. The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom.
1. The word proverb in the Hebrew language means, “putting this and that together.”
2. The purpose of the book is set forth in the first six verses.
a) To know wisdom and instruction.
b) To discern the words of understanding.
c) To receive instruction of wisdom.
d) To teach prudence or foresight.
e) To increase learning and understanding.
f) To attain wise counsel.
C. Tonight we want to answer the question, “Who is a wise man?”
1. From God’s book of wisdom.
2. By looking at what a wise person will do.
II. Who is a wise man?
A. A wise man is one that hears and listens.
1. Several verses in Proverbs affirm this truth.
a) 1:5 – “A wise man will hear and increase learning.”
b) 8:33 – “Hear instruction and be wise. And do not disdain it.”
c) 10:8 – “The wise in heart will receive commands.”
d) 10:14 – “Wise people store up knowledge.”
e) 13:1 – “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction.”
2. What should wise people listen to?
a) Wise people listen to good advice – Proverbs 12:15
b) Wise people listen to correction and rebuke – Proverbs 9:8-9
c) Wise people listen and hear the word of God – Jeremiah 19:3
d) Wise people keep the law of God – Proverbs 28:7
e) Wise people listen to Jesus – Matthew 17:5, John 2:5
f) Wise people listen to the teaching of others – 1 John 4:1-6
B. A wise man is one that is prepared.
1. Proverbs 10:1-5 teaches us to prepare for service in the Lord.
a) Honoring our father and mother (1)
b) Seeking righteousness not earthly treasure (2-3)
c) Working diligently in all that we do (4)
d) Plans for the future (5)
2. Proverbs 6:6 – “Go to the ant you sluggard, consider her ways and be wise.”
3. The New Testament exhorts to be prepared
a) Be ready to give an answer – 1 Peter 3:15
b) Be ready to serve – Galatians 6:9-10
c) Be ready for the coming of the Master – Matthew 25:1-13 (Virgins)
d) Be ready to give an account of our live – Matthew 25:14-30
C. A wise man practices self-control.
1. Proverbs 25:28 – “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls.”
2. He guards the tongue.
a) Proverbs 10:19 – “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
b) Proverbs 15:1-2 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly…”
c) Proverbs 17:28 – “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace. When he shuts his lips he is considered perceptive.”
3. He chooses wise companions – Proverbs 13:20
4. He is able to withstand evil allurement – Proverbs 1:8-19, Proverbs 7
a) He does not consent to sin (1:10)
b) He does not allow himself to be placed in compromising situations (1:13-17)
c) He is not fooled by the outward beauty of sin (7:14-18, 26-27)
5. A wise man overcomes evil with good – Proverbs 25:21-22 (Romans 12:19-21)
D. A wise man wins souls.
1. Proverbs 11:30 – ¬“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise.”
2. Proverbs 14:25 – “A true witness delivers souls but a deceitful witness speaks lies.”
3. Proverbs 15:7 – “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge…”
4. Proverbs 15:28 – “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer…”
III. Conclusion
A. The Wise Man of Proverbs has much to say about wisdom
1. True wisdom is found in the wisdom from above – James 3:17-18
2. True wisdom begins with a respect for the Lord – Proverbs 1:7
3. True wisdom comes from trusting God – Proverbs 3:5-7
a) Decide to trust in the Lord – (5)
b) Devote yourself to Him (6a)
c) Direct your steps toward Him (6b)
d) Denounce yourself (7)
B. Are we people that are wise in the eyes of the Lord?
