The Beginning Of Wisdom: Proverbs 1-9

Wisdom, Creation & The Christian Worldview

Proverbs 3:19-20 — As Solomon continues to write in praise of wisdom, he says to his son that “the LORD by wisdom founded the earth.” In making this statement Solomon tells us about the nature of God’s creative work. God intentionally, thoughtfully and with great skill created the universe and this has immense implications for the…

The Purchasing Power Of Wisdom – Part 2

Proverbs 3:13-18 — Wisdom can buy what money can’t. That’s what the Holy Spirit through Solomon’s pen teaches us in this text. It’s only when we live by God’s wisdom that life works. But far more importantly, God’s wisdom is that which leads to everlasting life. We can enjoy a wonderful life now, but what about eternity?

The Purchasing Power Of Wisdom – Part 1

Proverbs 3:13-18 — What is true happiness and how do we find it? These are some of life’s most important questions and the world doesn’t really have an answer. We live in communities filled with people who, though outwardly cheerful, are deeply unhappy. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit through Solomon’s pen tells us plainly in this…

The Lord’s Loving Correction

Proverbs 3:11-12 — Immediately after reminding his son about God’s promise of prosperity, Solomon raises the matter of God’s correction – “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord…”  How do we understand this text, and others like it in the Bible, that talk about chastening? What form does this chastening take? Does the…

The Promise Of Prosperity – Part 2

Proverbs 3:9-10 — In these verses Solomon reminds his son of God’s promises in the Mosaic Covenant. God promised the Nation of Israel material prosperity if they honoured Him with their substance. How does this Old Testament text apply to the New Covenant people of God? Can Christians expect prosperity in this life? The answer…

The Promise Of Prosperity – Part 1

Proverbs 3:9-10 — The witness of the New Testament is that many of the first Christians were faithful and yet desperately poor. How do we square this away with the promises of material prosperity in the Old Testament? These are the promises that Solomon reiterates to his son in this text. In this sermon we begin…

On Whom Are You Leaning?

Proverbs 3:5-8 — There are some who consider faith in God to be a crutch. It is something that people who can’t cope with reality rely upon. But the truth is that everyone is leaning on someone. In this well-known text, Solomon instructs his son to have total trust in God and to acknowledge Him in…

Christian Ethics

Proverbs 3:1-4 — Our “ethics” is that network of principles and beliefs that informs our decisions about right and wrong, good and bad. Whether we’ve given it much thought or not we all have a set of ethics. So what should this look like for the Christian? In this discourse with his son, Solomon answers this question for…

What Wisdom Will Do For You

Proverbs 2:10-22 — In the first half of this chapter (vs.1-9), Solomon promises his son that God would give him wisdom if he applied himself to finding it. In the second half, he describes the good things that wisdom will do for him. Wisdom will deliver him from the “evil man” and the “strange woman”. As…

Human Effort & God’s Wisdom

Proverbs 2:1-9 — Solomon knew the pitfalls his son would face. He knew of the easy counterfeit wisdom to which he would be drawn and so he exhorts his son to pursue true wisdom – the wisdom that comes from God. In speaking to his son, Solomon answers some vital questions for all of us,…