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PROVERBS AND GODLY WISDOM
Lesson Six
The Challenges for Those Who Would Be Wise
Text: Proverbs 3:1-12
That which is worthy of acquiring almost always is costly. That which is easily acquired is rarely worth the cost of acquiring. The person who expects to receive something worthwhile for no investment is ripe for an act of deception. Do not invite disaster into your life by thinking the truly valuable things in life will be yours at no cost.
Though people are determined to find bargains, most understand the following. In business: There are no free lunches—everyone wants something. In education: The person who buys a degree knows the same after acquiring the degree as he/she knew before obtaining the degree. In real estate: A million dollar farm that cannot find a buyer (sell) for more than $100,000 is a $100,000 farm (regardless of what is called).
Most people realize that acquiring anything involves determined effort. Most are not surprised when the person who does nothing experiences a collapsing enterprise. Most are not confused when the irresponsible person produces the results of irresponsibility. Most are not shocked when an obviously lazy person experiences only sorrow for self.
Wisdom requires a serious investment. It takes more than wishing to have wisdom. Being wise involves more than saying, “I am wise!” The person who seriously seeks wisdom pays the price for becoming wise.
The text of this lesson points to some of the prices of wisdom. (1) Do not forget the Lord’s teachings [verse 1]. (2) Do not be separated from kindness and truth [verse 3]. (3) Do not lean on your own understanding [verse 5]. (4) Do not be wise in your own eyes [verse 7]. (5) Do not reject the Lord’s discipline [verse 11].
Or, stated in positive terms: (1) Remember the Lord’s commandments [verse 1]. (2) Find favor in God’s and man’s sight [verse 4]. (3) Place absolute trust in the Lord [verse 5]. (4) Fear the Lord and turn from evil [verse7]. (5) The Lord reproves those He loves [verse 12].
Consider the results of accepting this challenge. In # 1, such behavior will lengthen life and bring the person peace. In # 2, both God and people will hold you in high regard. In #3, God, Himself, will determine the direction of the person’s life. In #4, while no one “enjoys” being wrong, everyone is “wrong” about many things. God cares enough about those who follow Him to want them to understand better ways to live. Thus, God cares enough about His followers to correct them in order to enable them to avoid the consequences of their errors.
Consider some observations. Observation #1: These are not “conversion” insights, but “guidance” insights for those who are among the converted. The perspective of this study is that these insights primarily were given to Israel to benefit the Israelites as they sought to be God’s people. It was too simple for them to say, “Look at me—I am an Israelite! I am a citizen of Israel—look at my father, mother, and past! I am a part of Israel and that makes me a part of God’s chosen people! I am something you cannot be because I was born an Israelite to Israelite parents. Therefore, I have ‘it made’ with God!”
Surely that attitude can exist among Christians today. “We are a part of God’s people, the church! Just as God delivered Old Testament Israel from slavery, gave them a land, and made them a people, look at all God did for us in Jesus Christ. I come from a long line of Christians who did many things for God. I have it made because I am “in” the church and because of my personal history in Christianity.”
The writer of Proverbs said, “Realize that who you are and your history does not make you wise. Your relationship with God makes you wise. Much more is involved in being a wise person led by God than simply declaring who you are and trusting your history.”
Observation #2: The investment in becoming God’s wise follower involves a major life investment. God must be your first priority in life. Therefore, there are some things you will not do. You will not forget God’s teachings, nor separate yourself from kindness and truth, nor trust only yourself, nor consider yourself independently wise, nor reject the Lord’s correction. Instead, you will remember God’s commandments; you will seek both divine and human favor; you will place your primary trust in God; evil will be your continual enemy as God is your source of strength; and you welcome God’s correction.
Observation #3: In the matter of godly wisdom, nothing has changed.
For Thought and Discussion
1. Discuss this: People do not acquire something for nothing.
2. Illustrate what most people understand.
3. Most people realize what?
4. Discuss this: Wisdom requires a serious investment.
5. In negative terms, what are five prices of wisdom?
6. In positive terms, what are five prices of wisdom?
7. What are the results of accepting the challenge to seek wisdom?
8. List the three observations.
9. Discuss what the complacent Israelite might say.
10. Discuss how Christians can produce the same attitude.
Link to Teacher's Guide Lesson 6
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