Get Wisdom at Any Cost
Proverbs 4:1-27
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
#People = Solomon, Solomon's Father (David), Solomon's Sons, The Wise, The Wicked
#Time =
#Place = The Paths of Righteousness, The Paths of Wickedness
#Obedient faith
#Sin
#Key Idea
A Father's Wise Instruction
4 Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,
and be attentive, that you
may gain insight,
2 for I give you good precepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
3 When I was a son with my father,
tender, the only one in the sight of my
mother,
4 he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
keep my commandments, and live.
5 Get wisdom; get insight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the
words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
love her, and she will guard you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
10 Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
11 I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
and if you run, you will not stumble.
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15 Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done
wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made
someone stumble.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the
light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter
until full day.
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know over what they stumble.
20 My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4 offers timeless wisdom about life's journey, emphasizing the pursuit of wisdom, morality, and discernment. It serves as a blueprint for navigating life's complexities while avoiding the pitfalls of wickedness. The key takeaway is the powerful exhortation to "above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23), reminding us of the central role that our inner life plays in shaping our external actions.
Verses 1-9: The Gift of Wisdom
Solomon starts by urging his sons to hear his teachings and gain understanding. He shares the wisdom passed down to him by his father, emphasizing wisdom as the principal thing to strive for. This wisdom, he says, will adorn those who embrace it with a beautiful crown.
Verses 10-19: The Contrast of Two Paths
The chapter then moves on to Solomon guiding his sons to follow the path of wisdom, which leads to life and avoids the darkness of wickedness. He warns them about the dangers of the wicked and their dark path that leads to stumbling and ruin.
Verses 20-27: Guarding the Heart and Focusing on Righteousness
In the final section, Solomon underscores the importance of internalizing wisdom and keeping it in the heart. He urges his sons to stay focused, keep their words and actions pure, and avoid diverging from the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 4, attributed to King Solomon, is a rich tapestry of parental advice highlighting the critical importance of wisdom, moral uprightness, and discernment. In this chapter, Solomon, inspired by his father's teachings, implores his sons to walk the path of righteousness, avoid wickedness, and guard their hearts. It is an enlightening glimpse into the heart of a king and father, whose primary concern is the wisdom and moral fortitude of his children.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- What is the main point of Proverbs 4?
- What does it mean to get wisdom at any cost?
- What is the significance of the number 4 in Proverbs 4?
- How can we practically apply Proverbs 4:7 in our lives?
- What does Proverbs 4:18-19 tell us about the path of life that wisdom leads us on?
- What implications does Proverbs 4:20-22 have for our relationships with others?
- What does Proverbs 4:23 teach us about the importance of guarding our hearts?
- How does Proverbs 4:26-27 relate to the theme of wisdom in this chapter?
- How can we apply the pursuit of wisdom as described in Proverbs 4 to our daily lives?
- How does the teaching of parents influence the path a child takes according to this chapter?
- How can you practically guard your heart as advised in Proverbs 4:23?
- Discuss how you can differentiate between the path of the wicked and the path of the righteous in modern society.
- What does it mean to "let your eyes look straight ahead" in the context of your life? (Proverbs 4:25)
- How does the metaphor of wisdom as a woman apply to modern understandings of wisdom?
- In what ways can you apply Solomon's advice to avoid the path of wickedness?
- How can the principles in Proverbs 4 help in making ethical decisions in your workplace?
- How can you embody the characteristic of wisdom adorning one with a beautiful crown in your own life?
- What practical steps can you take to ensure your words are pure and your actions are righteous as advised in Proverbs 4:24?
- How can the advice in Proverbs 4 help you navigate difficult situations or challenges in your life?
- How does society today illustrate the contrast between the paths of righteousness and wickedness described in Proverbs 4?
- In what ways does modern culture either support or contradict the teachings in Proverbs 4?
- Discuss the role of wisdom and moral uprightness in maintaining good relationships with others.
- How does "keeping your foot from evil" resonate with you in your personal life? (Proverbs 4:27)
- What impact does guarding your heart have on your behavior and decision-making processes?
- How can the teachings in Proverbs 4 inform your understanding and interpretation of other biblical texts?
- How can you integrate the lessons from Proverbs 4 into your spiritual practices?
- How does the advice "Do not swerve to the right or the left" apply to today's world of distractions and diversions? (Proverbs 4:27)
- How can you use the teachings in Proverbs 4 to guide your actions and interactions with others in your community?
Thesis: Accumulating wisdom requires a persistent effort to seek knowledge and understanding.
1. God wants us to be wise and follow the path of righteousness.
A. Proverbs 4:7-8: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you.”
2. Our wisdom comes from God and is available to all who seek it.
A. Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
3. We must be diligent in seeking God’s wisdom.
A. Proverbs 4:25: “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.”
Body:
1. We must recognize our fallen state and repent.
A. Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
2. We must fix our eyes on Jesus and trust his guidance.
A. Proverbs 4:26-27: “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
3. We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us.
A. Proverbs 4:19: “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.”
Conclusion and Application:
1. God desires for us to be wise and follow his path.
2. We must seek knowledge and understanding from him.
3. Through his power, we can be transformed.
A. We must repent and trust in the Lord to guide us.
B. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to transform us.
- What will happen to those who reject wisdom, according to Proverbs 4:14-19?
- What does Proverbs 4:20-27 tell us about the importance of keeping our thoughts pure?
- How can we acquire wisdom, according to Proverbs 4:5-6?
- In Proverbs 4:10, why is it important to take hold of instruction rather than let it go?
- What are some of the benefits of having wisdom, according to Proverbs 4:9?
- What does Proverbs 4:7 mean when it says "Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom"?
- Why is it important to never let go of wisdom once we have attained it, according to Proverbs 4:13?
- What example is given in Proverbs 4:23-27 of the importance of guarding our heart?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
#Heart
- Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
- Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
- Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
- Proverbs 5:10 [Attend to wisdom] Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger; 11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, 12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
- Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
- Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
- Proverbs 11:20 They that are of a froward heart are an abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
- Proverbs 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
- Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counselors of peace is joy.
- Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
- Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
- Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
- Proverbs 14:10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
- Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
- Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
- Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
- Proverbs 15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
- Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
- Proverbs 15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
- Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
- Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
- Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
- Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
- Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
- Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
- Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
- Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
- Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
- Proverbs 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
- Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
- Proverbs 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
- Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
- Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
- Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
- Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
- Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
- Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
- Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
- Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
- Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
- Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
- Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
- Proverbs 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
- Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
- Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
- Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
- Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
- Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
- Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
- Proverbs 24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
- Proverbs 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
- Proverbs 25:20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
- Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
- Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
- Proverbs 27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
- Proverbs 27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
- Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
- Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
- Proverbs 28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
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