Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#17]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM FINDING WISDOM
Proverbs 3:16
Introduction:
As we continue our chapter 3 verse 16 series, we once again find Solomon talking about wisdom. In Proverbs 3, Solomon is giving advice to his son about finding wisdom and the benefits that she brings.
Proverbs 3:13 (NIV)
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.”
For a moment, I want to remind you of our Scripture Reading that was read this morning.
James 1:5-6 (NIV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
So, if you thought that finding wisdom does not apply to us as New Testament Christians, you are wrong. Solomon tells us that the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding is blessed; and James tells us that if we lack wisdom that we need to ask God for it, and believe that it will happen.
Proverbs 3:13-20 (NIV)
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.”
There is hope in…
1. The benefits of wisdom.
I have often been asked to give a definition of wisdom. I found a good one online- Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Wisdom is much more valuable than material things. Our text tells us about some of the benefits of wisdom.
Wisdom…
? Can bring long life.
Now, this is not a guarantee; but it does make sense. This is saying that with wisdom you are not going to have your life cut short through foolish choices and activities.
Wisdom…
? Can bring riches and honor.
Before you interpret this as you are going to be rich and famous; remember that the riches a Christian is supposed to be storing up is riches in Heaven.
Wisdom…
? Leads to pleasant and peaceful paths.
Again, this doesn’t mean that your life is going to have no troubles. It means that when you apply wisdom to your life that you will find peace and joy in Christ.
Proverbs 3:21-26 (NIV)
“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.”
There is hope in…
2. Clear judgment and common sense.
Solomon tells his son to not lose sight of clear judgment and common sense. That is what will keep him going in the right direction. Making wise decisions will be noticeable to others and it will bring you safety and security. When you are walking in godly wisdom, you will not fear things that happen to you.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this sermon, I want to remind you of the definition of wisdom. Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Notice that you gain wisdom through experience. That means that you have to go through things and learn from them.
