Wisdom's Path To Life (Prt 1)

What is godliness? Who even uses this term “godly” today to describe fellow Christians in the church? Is this something that we personally aspire to? Yet this is what we read throughout the book of Proverbs as how we should live - to know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; to discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, to receive instruction in wise behavior and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity. Do these godly attributes describe you and me?

Godly wisdom is not merely about knowing or understanding right principles, or staying on the right path but wisdom is also about walking with the right people, to acquire it takes a process, and brings us to a desired place or outcome. Ultimately, wisdom and the path to life is about walking with Jesus Christ, trusting Him in every circumstance, putting Him above all else.

We are now in Proverbs ch 4 in our Wisdom that Works series and Solomon is reiterating the principles found in Prov 1 through 3 to reinforce wisdom’s ways in the mind and, more importantly, in the heart of the listener.

How is this relevant to us today? Well, all of us, no matter how intelligent or laser-focused we might be, we need to hear something over and over again before we comprehend things and before they become a part of us. That is why Moses told the nation of Israel to commit themselves wholeheartedly to God’s commands, to repeat them again and again to their children. To talk about them at home, when on the road, when going to bed and when getting up. He told them to tie the commands to their hands and on their forehead as reminders, and to write them on the doorposts of their houses and on their gates (Deut 6:6-9). In the NT, Paul told the Philippian church, “I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith” (Phil 3:1 NLT). And as we look at Proverbs ch 4, we see Solomon iterating the earlier instructions to his kids in the same teaching style as the other biblical writers. We will be looking at Prov 4:1-4, 10-12, 18-19, 23-27.

Proverbs 4

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4 focuses on the:

People of Wisdom ,Path of Wisdom ,Process of Wisdom ,Place of Wisdom

The People of Wisdom

Solomon had time to reflect on the principles of wisdom his father had instilled in him during his formative years and now he is passing these valuable lessons onto his sons. These lessons in wisdom were handed down to him by his father David who had received it from his father, Jesse, who had received it from his father, Obed, and from the former generations who had ultimately received it from God. These patriarchs understood how vital it was to train up their children. Why? Psalm 78:7-8 tells us:

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors, stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God (NLT).

These people were people of wisdom, training the next generation in the ways of wisdom in the hope that one day they too would give their hearts to God, and follow Him all their days with others who loved and reverenced the Lord. They taught them so...

Prov 2:20 says: