Teaching Library
The Call of Wisdom: Jesus & The Proverbs
The book of Proverbs offers more than just wise sayings—it points us to Jesus, the embodiment of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, a posture of humility that acknowledges God as the source of all knowledge. Obtaining wisdom requires not only the right heart posture but also active pursuit through studying God's Word and practicing what we learn. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of wisdom's call, as He invites us to His table and offers us life.
Understanding the Purpose of Proverbs
Wisdom for Righteousness
The purpose of Proverbs is to provide wisdom and instruction for living according to God's standards of righteousness, justice, and equity.
For the Simple
Proverbs focuses on the "simple" - those who are ignorant but willing to learn, in contrast to the "fool" who is unwilling to change.
God's Framework
God has established both natural laws and a framework of morality that He has built into our world and calls us to follow.
Two Competing Voices
Lady Wisdom
"Wisdom has built her house. She has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table."
Lady Wisdom prepares a feast, builds a house, and sends servants to invite the simple to come and live. She offers substance, nourishment, and life.
The Adulterous Woman
"The woman Folly is loud, seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house. She takes a seat at the highest places of town."
The foolish woman offers nothing of substance, only lies. She promises that "stolen water is sweet," but leads to death and "the depths of Sheol."
Wisdom Leads to God Himself
Communion with God
The ultimate purpose of wisdom
Protection and Guidance
God shields those who walk in integrity
Understanding Righteousness
Discerning justice and equity
Fear of the Lord
The beginning of knowledge
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints."
The Three P's of Obtaining Wisdom
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Posture
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." A humble heart that recognizes God's supremacy and our position as His creation is essential. This humility leads to healing and refreshment.
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Pursuit
"Get wisdom, get insight." Actively and intentionally seek knowledge and understanding of God. Bind God's commands to your heart, treasure them, and keep them close to combat the lies of foolishness.
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Practice
"Keep your heart with all vigilance." Apply what you learn through right actions based on God's truth. Wisdom is not just knowledge but the right application of godly knowledge through practice.
Jesus: The Embodiment of Wisdom
Christ: The Mystery Revealed
"In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." - Colossians 2:3
The Mind of Christ
"We have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:16
The Wedding Feast
Like Lady Wisdom, Jesus prepares a feast and invites all to come.
The House on the Rock
Jesus offers security and rest to all who build their lives on Him.
New Covenant Wisdom in Action
The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 provide insight into the life that is founded upon the wisdom of Jesus.
Humble Posture
"Blessed are the poor in spirit" - Those who approach God with humility
Active Pursuit
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" - Those seeking God's truth
Faithful Practice
"Blessed are the merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers" - Those applying wisdom
Christ-Centered
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you … falsely on my account." - Those who are living for Jesus
The Invitation of Wisdom
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Assurance
Understanding God's mysteries brings deep assurance of salvation
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Healing
Meditating on Christ brings "healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones"
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Discernment
God's wisdom helps discern between righteousness and sin
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Rest
"My yoke is easy and my burden is light" - Jesus offers true rest
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. You will find rest for your souls." - Jesus