INTRODUCTION

1. The personification of Wisdom

2. Wisdom as a builder of a house

 

THE HOUSE THAT WISDOM BUILDS

Wisdom has built her house,

She has hewn out her seven pillars; Proverbs 9:1

1. Wisdom has successfully built her house

2. It is a stately house that has seven pillars

3. She rejoices that she has such a beautiful home

4. She sends out Invitations to all and sundry to partake of her newly built house

 

AN INVITATION FROM WISDOM

2 She has slaughtered her meat,

She has mixed her wine,

She has also furnished her table.

3 She has sent out her maidens,

She cries out from the highest places of the city,

4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”

As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

5 “Come, eat of my bread

And drink of the wine I have mixed. Proverbs 9:2-5

1. A well-furnished table

a) Meat

b) Wine

2. Maidens sent out

a) To invite guests

b) To partake of a feast

c) Guests:

i) In high places

ii) Simple people

iii) Those lacking in understanding

 

ADMONISHMENT OF WISDOM

6 Forsake foolishness and live,

And go in the way of understanding.

7 “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,

And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Proverbs 9:6-7

1. Those who have chosen foolishness

a) To forsake foolishness

b) To choose the way of understanding

2. Two difficult sets of people

a) The scoffer may cause shame to come

b) The wicked person may respond with harm

 

THE WISE MAN

8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;

Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:8-9

1. The contrast between

a) The scoffer

b) The wise man

2. The scoffer

a) He will respond with hate

b) There is a risk factor

3. The wise man

a) He will respond with love

b) He will receive instruction

c) He will become even wiser

3. The just man

a) He is like the wise man

b) He will increase in learning

 

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied,

And years of life will be added to you. Proverbs 9:10-11

1. The fear of the Lord

It is the beginning of wisdom

2. The knowledge of God, the Holy One

Therein is understanding

3. Special blessings

a) Multiplication of days

b) Years of life would be added

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To build a house of wisdom

2, To cultivate the fear of the Lord

3. To find the blessings of the Lord