February 26, 2020

Practical Wisdom

Proverbs 18:13 -

Introduction

I. Hearing (Proverbs 18:13)

A. Ahasuerus

1. Didn’t listen (Esther 3:8-10)

  • The King wasn’t influenced by facts!
  • The King was influenced by finances!
  • Prov. 17:23 ¶ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

B. Israel’s promise:

  • Gen. 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
  • Foolish to allow the Jews to be destroyed in his kingdom.

C. Listen to God!

Rev. 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev. 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev. 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

2 ears, one mouth, twice x listening than talking

II. Discouragement… (Proverbs 18:14)

  • Spirit – is the part of man that is associated with life, and emotion. Man is made up of three parts, body, soul and spirit.
  • Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

A. Strong spirit

1. Military and first responders are taught to use positive encouraging phrases in the worst of a situation. Why? Keep someone in good spirits

  • First responder: “Man, this looks bad buddy, I don’t think you are going to make it.”
  • No, they are positive… why? -
  • “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity”

2. The Bible confirms this.

  • Prov. 15:13 ¶ A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
  • Prov. 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

B. Wounded spirit

1. Discouragement, depression are real

  • In times of discouragement, focus is often on the negative.

2. David overcame… how?

  • In Ps 77:1-9 – discouraged!
  • Psa. 77:10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11 ¶ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

III. Learn from prudent (Proverbs 18:15)

  • Some of the verses contrast, this verse states similar ideas with subtile differences.

A. Learn from prudent & wise

  • Prudent – cautious; circumspect; practically wise; careful of the consequences of of enterprises, measures or actions

B. Heart knowledge

    • 1. Knowledge – is simply information.

2. Greatest Knowledge is the Bible!

      • Psa. 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

3. Getting -

  • Knowledge requires work on our part.
  • 2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

C. Hearing Knowledge!

1. Gateway to the heart

  • Knowledge is often heard!
  • Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
  • Listening is a skill that is developed by practice
  • Some people are natural talkers… and need to work more on listening.

2. Seeketh

  • Knowledge should be sought after.
  • Pick and choose between good and bad content.
  • Matt. 7:7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

IV. Buying your way (Proverbs 18:16)

  • This is a simple statement of fact… not a condoning, or condemnation of it.

A. Perverse Gift

1. Gifts given with the wrong motivation, also move you, but at the cost of righteousness!

Prov. 17:23 ¶ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

  • Gifts don’t make things right… they cover them, and that they only do temporarily.
  • Prov. 28:13 ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
  • Law
  • Ex. 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • Deut. 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
  • Samuel’s sons…
  • 1Sam. 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

B. Perfect gift

1. Gifts given in sincerity and appreciation, are as stated here, endear you to people.

2. God’s Gift

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Proverbs 18:12 Proverbs1 8:17