The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom
Text: Proverbs 9:1-10
27 January 2008
(I) THE FIVE ASPECTS OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD
1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
2. To understand the fear of the Lord is to seek wisdom as treasure
“If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:4-5
3. To fear the Lord is to hate evil
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil…” Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life…” Proverbs 14:27
4. The fear of the Lord gives life
“…To turn one away from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27
5. The fear of the Lord has its rewards
“By humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honour and life.” Proverbs 22:4
(II) THE SUCCESS OF WISDOM
1. Wisdom described as a great house
“Wisdom has built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars;” Proverbs 9:1
2. Wisdom described as a feast
“She has slaughtered her meat,
She has mixed her wine,
She has also furnished her table.” Proverbs 9:2
3. Wisdom described as an excellent host
“She has sent out her maidens…” Proverbs 9:3
(IV) THE INVITATION OF WISDOM
1. Wisdom Cries Out
“Come, eat of my bread
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
Forsake foolishness and live,
And go in the way of understanding.” Proverbs 9:5-6
2. All Are Invited
“…She cries out from the highest places of the city,
‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him…” Proverbs 9:3-4
(V) CHOOSING OUR RESPONSES
1. Choosing To Be The Wise Man
“…Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
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
2. Choosing To Be The Unwise Man
“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,
And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you…” Proverbs 9:7-8