Yesterday, at two different times during the day, I was confronted with the idea of God granting success to people. The first time occurred while I was reading the story of David and Jonathan where, in one chapter, the idea is repeated several times.

1 Samuel 18:5 — And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants.

1 Samuel 18:14 — And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him.

1 Samuel 18:15 — And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him.

1 Samuel 18:30 — Then the princes of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed.

Then, later in the day, someone reminded me of a verse in Nehemiah:

Nehemiah 1:11 — O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.

In fact there are also several other examples of God giving success to his people and/or them asking him for it.

Psalm 118:25 — Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!

Genesis 39:2 — The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

Proverbs 3:3-6 — Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.

It struck me that those of us who believe in the sovereignty of God have a common temptation to react so strongly against "faith" teaching that we feel fearful to ever follow this biblical example and ask for success. But it really does seem that a mark of the Lord being "with" someone is this surprising success that seems disproportionate to a person's natural ability. This is what the grace of God is all about. It means that God often chooses someone and plucks them from obscurity to be successful. It also means that we should not feel so shy about asking for God to grant us success.

God doesn't grant such favor in order for us to be proud. Quite the opposite, because it is his to give and he makes us look better than we are, the glory goes to him alone.

1 Corinthians 1: 26-29 — For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

The 26th most read post on this blog is a set of results from a survey I conducted on sex.

The 25th most read post is a set of sermon notes from an old sermon of mine on finding the will of God for your life.

As I return to blogging, I cannot help but think of a verse in Proverbs which haunts a chatterbox and prolific blogger like me. What implications does it have for us?  Does it mean we should write less and think more?  I suspect so!

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." (Proverbs 10:19)

I preached the next sermon in our series on proverbs this morning. The message can be downloaded on the Jubilee Church London website or listened to right here in this embedded player thanks to odeo


Prov 23, Jer 2:13, Prov 14:27, 1 Cor 6:9-20, Eph 5:15-18, John 7:37
This chapter is about discipline – children mentioned in there but we can only discipline our kids to the extent that we are disciplined ourselves.

We see here that far from the modern advice to let it all hang out and pursue our rights for pleasure the writer is telling us to be careful of our appetites – and to tame them – to discipline them. He uses drink as an illustration of this –

The Evils of drink

The writer of proverbs asks us to consider what one must pay for excessive drinking -
Woes, pain, confusion, bruises, desperation – “give me one more drink”!

22% of UK men and 9% of women drink over the recommended amounts and are at risk of alcoholism and alcohol related sickness
Deaths due to Alcohol in the UK doubled in the last few years –
4,144 in 1991 to 8,380 in 2004 plus road deaths

What are you drinking?
Its not just drink….

• -88,800 deaths due to smoking in 2004


• In Great Britain in 2005, 72 per cent of current smokers aged 16 and over reported that they wanted to give up smoking, with health reasons being the most common reason given for wanting to stop.


• Almost 1 in 5 teens have taken drugs in the last year – significantly more than smoke, and just a little less than drink


• Drugs


• Porn


• Spending money

BUT ALSO seeking after anything other than God for ultimate fulfilment and pleasure:-

“for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Je 2:13).

• What is it that I believe I cannot be happy without?


• What is it that I crave?


• What is it that I believe I must have?


• What is it that I spend most of my spare time thinking about?


• What is it that I most worry about losing?


• What is it that I seek my happiness in the most? (or to use older language delight in?)


• What do I love more than God?

(Taken from John Piper) I added one more

• What is the one thing I am thinking of right now that he cant possibly mean

What keeps us drinking?
-Sense of need – the wine/cigarette/whatever is my friend- HAS A CONVERSATION WITH US – some friend! Give it a chance and it will steal all your money, take all your time, break up your marriage, cause others to look at you with contempt, make you stink, give you diseases, kill you and condemn your soul to hell!
"Be killing sin or it will be killing you." John Owen
-Pleasure
-denial
-helplessness

How to STOP drinking
-recognise the extent of the problem
-Turn to Jesus - AA "higher power … helpless..."
Prov 14:27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death”
1 Cor 6:9-20
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food"—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. … Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

CAN YOU GLORIFY GOD WHILST WATCHING PORN WHILST DRINKING TO EXCESS WHILST SMOKING?

WRATH IS COMING – TURN TO GOD TO HIDE FROM HIS WRATH IN HIS SON

Then, having believed in Jesus, then what?
-just DO IT or rather DON’T DO IT!
- practical steps - flee, etc.. you CAN stop as you aren’t doing it right now!
God COMMANDS US to repent!

Legalism vs fleeing from sin – the decision needs wisdom for the alcoholic it is obvious….even for some who have not been alcoholics…

2 christian approaches to drink that are acceptable depending on the individual, their personal beliefs and situation – abstinence and moderation. Asked Tope and Stuart, both happy as our elders for people to hold either position – just NOT to be drunk or addicted!

Personally at different points of my own life I have lived by both approaches and I hold my current position on this issue very lightly – I would change in an instant if I felt it appropriate.

Someones story I found “I haven't touched alcohol since January 1st, 1996. I don't plan on touching it ever again. Several different reasons affect this decision. First, with Christ in my life, I have no need to fill the emptiness with drinking like I used to. Second, I do not want to give in to temptation and have that demon control my life again. Even though I have faith in Christ, I am aware that the flesh can be weak. I also am concerned that taking up drinking again could fall into the category of testing God. Third, I have friends who drink, many times to excess. I want to show them that life with Christ is the only dependency I need. I know and am the first to address that the Bible does not tell us to have a zero-tolerance for alcohol. Everything in moderation. That's why I don't tell anyone that they can't drink. For some people who I recognize as having a problem I will suggest they explore why they drink so much. This is my question: Can someone who is an alcoholic but has not had a drink since before baptism ever reach a point in life where he or she can have a glass of wine with dinner and treat it as if drinking a soda, glass of tea or water?”

MY REPLY TO THAT QUESTION - "I am sure that there are some recovered alcoholics who learn to be able to drink in moderation, I just haven’t met any yet. Every successful dry ex-drinker I have met abstains totally."

Same principle for all addictions. If you are not addicted but know you are seeking your joy in something good, a temporary fast can be of help….

NT puts it this way….

Eph 5:15-18 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”

1, Be wise/careful
2. Do not get drunk – instead be disciplined (opposite of debauchery)
3. BE FILLED (or be being filled!)
4. IT’S A COMMUNITY THING – NOT AN INDIVIDUAL THING….

BUT more then that need to FILL self with something else….-DRINK from another fountain - fear of the lord is a fountain of life….

All sins are attempts to fill a void – if you are full of Jesus far from a void you will have a fountain inside welling up to bless others!
don’t get drunk get filled

“..when the soul is exercised to communion with Christ, and to walking with him, he drinks new wine, and cannot desire the old things of the world, for he says "The new is better." He tastes every day how gracious the Lord is; and therefore longs not after the sweetness of forbidden things, — which indeed have none. He that makes it his business to eat daily of the tree of life will have no appetite unto other fruit” John Owen. Temptation (144).

"Would you want to watch a football game where all the players were no better than you? Or watch a movie where the actors could act no better than you and were no better looking than you? Or go to a museum to see pictures by painters who could paint no better than you?" Why are we willing to be exposed in all these places as utterly inferior? How can we get so much joy out of watching people magnify their superiority over us? The biblical answer is that we were made by God to get our deepest joys not from being superior ourselves but from enjoying God's superiority. All these other experiences are parables. God's superiority is absolute in every way, which means our joy in it may be greater than we could ever imagine.” PIPER

“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,  'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' " (Jn 7:37).

When you have a river flowing from inside of you, self control becomes easy!

Hi, my name is Adrian Warnock and I am a blogaholic...it's been three days since I last posted on my blog ...

Yes, I know posts have been appearing in this time, but I cheated by writing them earlier and having my editorial assistant publish them and post a couple of links whilst I was away!

Anway, despite my addiction to the written word, I am a great believer in the power of the SPOKEN word. I believe that there is a reason why the Bible says that faith comes by HEARING the word of God.

As such, I want to give you today two great clips from John Piper - one audio and one video. They are both fairly short excerpts, and it will take just a few minutes of your time to listen to them both. Between them, they could change your life forever. They have the power to impact you emotionally and spiritually in a way that merely reading the words would most likely entirely fail to do. It really won't take long to listen/watch. Please, take up my challenge and do so!

But just before I share these with you, I would also like to open the opportunity to you, my faithful readers, to comment on this post over the weekend in one of the following ways:

• To link to a quote or excerpt from a Piper sermon that you have loved.
  
  
• To share a quote or thought that these Piper quotes spark in you.
  
  
• To talk about or quote from any source that discusses how we can make Christ our source of pleasure and how to wean ourselves from the pathetic idols that this world offers us - drink, drugs, sex, food, money, power, and the rest.

OK, so the main reason for this request is that I plan to speak on Proverbs 23 and Ephesians 5:15-18 at the weekend, and I am wondering if there is anyone out there who wants to suggest any thoughts that might be helpful! There's no shame in asking, is there? Some prayers would also be greatly appreciated!!

Just so you know (if you don't already) it is quite okay to add a link to a related site here in my comments section - just type something that looks like the following <a href="http://www.yourlink.com/text.htm">Here is my link</a> into your comment.

Anyway, back to these two clips which could change your life. I pray the Holy Spirit will grip you as you listen to them. The first comes from the recent DGM conference and may be of some interest to you as during it Piper refers to Driscoll in a very positive way. Listen to this one first (just right click on the word listen and click save if a normal left click doesn't work.

Enjoy that? Well, here comes the video. When you have watched this, I will give you the links for the transcript, and better yet, the full audio and/or video of both sermons!

Well, again, I hope you liked that! The transcripts and further media files for both talks are available at Desiring God. I do hope you now want to go and read/listen/watch the first as well as the second. Then, when you have done so, please don't forget to come back and contribute to my open blog mic - perhaps you might just share a snippet that will help me prepare!

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of listening to my favourite preacher preach on anger from the book of Proverbs. I would urge you to listen to it, but I thought I would share a few thoughts I had and quotes I found on anger.

The first place I want to start is actually the American Psychology Association who asked, "Is It Good To Let it All Hang Out?" — this is in light of the old notion that it is important to "lance the boil" of anger and let it all out. You might be surprised to read what this secular organisation had to say:

"Psychologists now say that this is a dangerous myth. Some people use this theory as a license to hurt others. Research has found that "letting it rip" with anger actually escalates anger and aggression, and does nothing to help you (or the person you're angry with) resolve the situation.

It's best to find out what it is that triggers your anger, and then to develop strategies to keep those triggers from tipping you over the edge.

Over on the Desiring God website, there is a great article, "Is It Ever Right to Be Angry at God?, which says:

" . . . when we get angry at a person, we are displeased with a choice they made and an act they performed. Anger at a person always implies strong disapproval. If you are angry at me, you think I have done something I should not have done."

This is why being angry at God is never right. It is wrong — always wrong — to disapprove of God for what He does and permits. "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" (Genesis 18:25). It is arrogant for finite, sinful creatures to disapprove of God for what He does and permits. We may weep over the pain. We may be angry at sin and Satan. But God does only what is right. "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments" (Revelation 16:7)."

Because of this definition of anger from Piper above, it becomes immediately clear why even our anger with other people is rarely anything other than sinful. Who are WE to say that we strongly disapprove of what someone has done? Are we God? Are we their Judge? If they have said something we found hurtful, how can we be so sure that they meant it the way we thought they did? What if they had said it innocently? How can we read their hearts? If they sinned, who are we to judge the severity of that sin given the upbringing they may have had? And most of all, what about the log in our own eyes? What gave sinners the right to suddenly be the judge and determine the guilt of another and so to disapprove of them strongly and angrily?

It is only to the extent that our anger is inspired and in line with the revealed anger of God towards sin rather than our own indignation at being slighted or let down that we can hope to be angry and not sin. We actually have NO RIGHT to be angry on our own account with another because the other person is answerable to God and not us!

Piper also says: "harbored anger is the one thing the Bible explicitly says opens a door and invites the devil in." We must make sure that even if our anger really is justified, we do not nurse it, as that will destroy us. Elsewhere in the same article Piper says:

"In marriage, anger rivals lust as a killer. My guess is that anger is a worse enemy than lust. It also destroys other kinds of camaraderie. Some people have more anger than they think, because it has disguises.

When willpower hinders rage, anger smolders beneath the surface, and the teeth of the soul grind with frustration. It can come out in tears that look more like hurt. But the heart has learned that this may be the only way to hurt back. It may come out as silence because we have resolved not to fight. It may show up in picky criticism and relentless correction. It may strike out at persons that have nothing to do with its origin. It will often feel warranted by the wrongness of the cause. After all, Jesus got angry (Mark 3:5), and Paul says, "Be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).

However, good anger among fallen people is rare. That's why James says, "Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20). And Paul says, "Men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling" (1 Timothy 2:8). "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you" (Ephesians 4:31).

Therefore, one of the greatest battles of life is the battle to "put away anger," not just control its expressions. To help you fight this battle, here are nine biblical weapons . . ."

I will let you read the rest of the article for his biblical weapons. But I do want to leave you with one more thought of my own. Are we angry because God's honor has been slighted? Even then that righteous anger should be tempered by the realisation that we, too, have angered God by our own sin.

Let's call our anger what it is — sin. Remember, sin destroys relationships by the recriminations it prompts. Sin destroys people by the guilt they feel. Sin kills, steals, hurts, and divides. To Christian theology sin is something to be battled against in our own personal minds, and indeed this war never stops. John Owen said, "Be killing sin, or it will be killing you."

It is possible to be angry and not sin, but hard. Our own sense of our violated rights drives much anger. How often do we meditate on the wrongs we have done to others rather than the wrongs they have done to us? How much does anger contribute to sadness in the world? Recriminations and a tit-for-tat mentality lead to conflict in the home and on the world stage. Sooner or later someone needs to stop the cycle and forgive.

The sad truth is that sin produces wrath, partly because it should do. We are, in one sense, right to be angry at the damage sin has done. So is God. It is just for sin to be punished. So, a consideration of sin should leave us slightly despairing of ourselves. It should leave us aware that we deserve nothing but punishment from the hands of God.

God disapproves of what we have done wrong ourselves with the same righteous fury that He disapproves of the other party. Even if we feel the other one has got God's anger coming to them first, we better realise we are not far off — unless we have truly hidden in the God who is a refuge from His own wrath.

Psalm 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Over the last month or so I have been publishing collections of proverbs. Today, I would like to share with you a collection of proverbs which speak of the fool. I encourage you to read these slowly and ask yourself the following questions:

• In what ways am I like the fool?

• How can I learn not to be a fool but instead to be wise?

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THE FOOL IN PROVERBS

Prov 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Prov 1:22
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Prov 1:32
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.

Prov 3:35
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Prov 8:5
O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

Prov 10:8
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Prov 10:10
Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Prov 10:14
The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Prov 10:18
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

Prov 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.

Prov 10:23
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Prov 11:29
Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Prov 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Prov 12:16
The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Prov 12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Prov 13:16
In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

Prov 13:19
A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

Prov 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Prov 14:3
By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Prov 14:7
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Prov 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.

Prov 14:9
Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.

Prov 14:16
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Prov 14:24
The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

Prov 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

Prov 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Prov 15:5
A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Prov 15:7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Prov 15:14
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Prov 16:22
Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Prov 17:7
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

Prov 17:10
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

Prov 17:12
Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.

Prov 17:16
Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

Prov 17:21
He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.

Prov 17:24
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Prov 17:28
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Prov 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Prov 18:6
A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Prov 18:7
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Prov 19:1
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Prov 19:10
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.

Prov 19:29
Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

Prov 20:3
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarrelling.

Prov 23:9
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Prov 24:7
Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.

Prov 26:1
Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

Prov 26:3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

Prov 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.

Prov 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Prov 26:6
Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.

Prov 26:7
Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Prov 26:8
Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

Prov 26:9
Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Prov 26:10
Like an archer who wounds everyone is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.

Prov 26:11
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Prov 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov 27:3
A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

Prov 27:22
Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him.

Prov 28:26
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Prov 29:9
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Prov 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Prov 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov 30:22
. . . a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is filled with food.

Last Sunday, I preached on controlling the tongue. At the time I shared a number of proverbs with the congregation. I thought that today I would share the entire collection of proverbs on the subject that I worked through as I prepared the sermon. This list was easy to produce — I just thought of a few key words and put them into my Logos Bible Software and let it go searching for me!

Once again it would be good to see some blog posts on some of these verses!

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WORDS AND ANGER IN PROVERBS

Prov 1:2
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight …

Prov 1:6
… to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

Prov 1:23
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

Prov 2:1
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you …

Prov 2:12
… delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech …

Prov 2:16
So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words …

Prov 4:4
He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live."

Prov 4:5
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Prov 4:10
Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.

Prov 4:20
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

Prov 4:24
Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

Prov 5:3
For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil …

Prov 5:7
And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

Prov 6:2
… if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth …

Prov 6:12
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech …

Prov 6:17
… haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood …

Prov 6:24
… to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

Prov 7:1
My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you …

Prov 7:5
… to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

Prov 7:21
With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.

Prov 7:24
And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.

Prov 8:8
All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

Prov 8:13
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Prov 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Prov 10:20
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

Prov 10:31
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

Prov 12:6
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

Prov 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Prov 12:19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Prov 12:25
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Prov 13:13
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

Prov 14:7
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Prov 14:29
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Prov 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Prov 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Prov 15:4
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Prov 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

Prov 15:23
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Prov 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure.

Prov 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Prov 16:20
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

Prov 16:21
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

Prov 16:23
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Prov 16:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Prov 16:27
A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

Prov 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Prov 17:4
An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

Prov 17:7
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

Prov 17:20
A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.

Prov 17:27
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Prov 18:4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Prov 18:8
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Prov 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Prov 19:1
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Prov 19:7
All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

Prov 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Prov 19:27
Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Prov 20:2
The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.

Prov 21:6
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

Prov 21:14
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.

Prov 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Prov 21:28
A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.

Prov 22:11
He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

Prov 22:12
The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.

Prov 22:17
Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge …

Prov 22:24
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man …

Prov 23:8
You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten, and waste your pleasant words.

Prov 23:9
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Prov 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

Prov 24:18
… lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.

Prov 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Prov 25:15
With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Prov 25:23
The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

Prov 26:22
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Prov 26:28
A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Prov 27:4
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Prov 28:23
Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.

Prov 29:19
By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.

Prov 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov 29:22
A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Prov 30:1
The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.

Prov 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Prov 30:6
Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Prov 30:33
For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

Prov 31:1
The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him …

Prov 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

This morning I preached on the need for us to control our tongues. Jubilee Church has made the audio available to download. I thought I would share with you the outline I preached from:

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KEY VERSE

Prov 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

See also James 3:1-12: “…the tongue is a fire …”

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1. DON'T SAY TOO MUCH

Prov 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Prov 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Prov 18:6
A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

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2. DON'T SAY TOO LITTLE

Prov 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Prov 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Prov 12:25
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Prov 15:23
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Prov 22:11
He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.

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3. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING

Prov 2:12

. . . delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech . . .

Prov 4:24
Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

Prov 26:28
A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Prov 12:19
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Prov 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Prov 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Prov 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

See also 1 Samuel 25: David, Nabal, and Abigail.

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4. THINK ABOUT WHO YOU ARE SPEAKING TO

Prov 17:4
An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

Prov 18:8
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Prov 23:9
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Prov 26:4
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.

Prov 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Prov 9:8
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

See also Luke 8:31-2: And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

In our introduction to the book of Proverbs at Jubilee the preacher mentioned the fact that proverbs are not promises, they are principles. I have been thinking a lot about that since. My new friend, Dan Phillips, has some great posts about proverbs that, among other things, help to unpack that. I am sure he won't mind if I extract some quotes and interact with them here. The first post is where we find the reason why proverbs are not general cast-iron promises.

Dan reminds us of some definitions to begin with:

“A simile is the comparison of A to B, and a metaphor says that A is B. Virkler describes the former as an expressed comparison and the latter as an unexpressed comparison (p. 158)

Proverbs 15:19 gives one example of each:

The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns [simile], but the path of the upright is a level highway [metaphor].

That's hardly original. But then Virkler observes that a simile, if extended, becomes a parable; and a metaphor, if extended, becomes an allegory. I'd never thought of it that way, and it's worth a thought.

Then Virkler goes on to observe that if the parable or the allegory is compressed, it becomes — you guessed it — a proverb . . .

This compression factor highlights both the genius and the peril of the proverb.

Genius, in that it simply won't do to read the book of Proverbs in a hurry. It isn't fast-food. Proverbs are meant to be chewed over, savored, relished slowly and thoroughly. We have to see through its brief statement, and unpack the larger story — the parable or the allegory — that lies behind it in the writer's thinking . . .

But this compression factor is perilous to the interpreter, too. If we try to force the compressed form to say everything, we miss its point. It isn't always supposed to be a guarantee or an exhaustive statement on any given subject. Rather, it is a pithy pointer, usually designed to drive one truth into the mind. Ryken says it well: "The aim of a proverb is to make an insight permanent" (Leland Ryken, How to Read the Bible as Literature, Zondervan: 1984, p. 122).

An insight; not all insight

This is nothing less than brilliant. It expresses perfectly what I have instinctively known, but probably not known how to clearly express before — the fact that proverbs are not always true in my experience does not mean that they are somehow flawed.

This is why, for example, we are foolish to take a proverb like 18:21 which says — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” — remove the second clause, and turn it into a magical statement that means we must be careful about what we say or we may curse ourselves to death.

I remember a man who, when I asked what the doctor at the hospital had said about his sick son said, “Well, I will not use my tongue to name what the doctor said was wrong with him.” This is not what this proverb means at all!!

It is well worth reading the rest of Dan’s series. In the second one he gives a fantastic illustration of how you can start with a story or two — even a true story — that seems to make a point and then condense it down into a pithy proverb that almost sounds like it belongs in the Bible (no cessationist cracks about the canon being reopened for Dan at this point, OK?!)

In his final post of the series, Dan uses his own proverb to explain some principles we can use when interpreting proverbs. He has a number of steps we can use.

1. ASK THE AUTHOR

I knew I couldn’t talk about Dan for a whole post without mentioning the issue of modern impressions. Amazingly, right in the context of this post on proverbs, he argues my case for me. Thanks Dan, I couldn’t have said this better myself! After explaining that, of course, we cannot ask Solomon what he meant by a proverb, he goes on as follows:

However, behind Solomon is the Spirit of God, who does still live. It would insult the truth of the sufficiency of Scripture to ask for further direct revelation, but it honors that same sufficiency to ask God to open our understanding. It is as we think hard and analytically about Scripture that the Lord gives us understanding (2 Timothy 2:7). We won't ask for new law, but we will pray that God opens our eyes to behold wonders out of the revelation already given.

What Dan is telling us to ask for is essentially what I call a prophecy or a revelation with a small "r," or perhaps more acceptably to Dan, an “illumination”. Anyway, back on track . . . His second step is as follows

2. HONOR THE GENRE

I love the way Dan says the following here:

“A proverb communicates a truth. It does not characteristically communicate all truth. It is a sage insight; it isn't a legal contract.”

We cannot interpret proverbs the same way we would a letter, or the books of the Law! Dan explains that proverbs often simply compare to things with the aim of making it clear that one of them is better than the other. This does not always mean that the better one is best or even at all times better! Some proverbs seem to contradict each other — if we understand the purpose of proverbs, this should not surprise us!

3. ESTABLISH THE AUTHOR'S CONTEXT

Allowing the rest of the book to effect our interpretation of individual proverbs protects us from obvious errors!

4. FIND THE LARGER CONTEXT

For those of us who believe the Bible to be God's Word in its entirety, it is not wrong for us to interpret Proverbs against the backdrop of what the rest of the Bible says — a proverb cannot be intended to contradict the clear teaching of Scripture elsewhere!

5. PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

When we synthesise our efforts, we should find (since we believe in the clarity of Scripture) that the meaning pops out at us and hits us between the eyes the way only a proverb can!

This past Sunday I was privileged to listen to the second part of our series on Proverbs. This time we focused on the topic of work and, of course, the sluggard featured heavily in the sermon. It is a sermon that is well worth a listen, and I commend it to you. What better time than for me to share with you a collection of proverbs related to the sluggard.

I would love for some of my readers who have blogs to take one of these proverbs and use it as a springboard for a post. In a sense, the book of Proverbs is a book of sound bites. To me these sound bites just cry out to be blogged. My favourite blog posts always are those which take a sound bite from somewhere and react to it in some way — either ask it a question, challenge it, applaud it, explain it, expand it, apply it, or whatever. Play with these words a bit and may God use them to bless others!

Please pray for me as I prepare to preach the next sermon in this series on Sunday.


Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

Proverbs 6:9
How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

Proverbs 10:26
Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 15:19
The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

Proverbs 19:24
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

Proverbs 21:25
The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

Proverbs 22:13
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”

Proverbs 24:30
I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense . . .

Proverbs 26:13
The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!”

Proverbs 26:14
As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.

Proverbs 26:15
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.

Proverbs 26:16
The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Last Sunday I posted the first in a series of posts I am planning which will be a collection of Proverbs by subject. Today I thought I would share with you proverbs about the scoffer. As Tope pointed out in his sermon (linked to in last week's post), the scoffer is one of two types of “fool” mentioned in Proverbs. A quick search of the Bible will reveal that there are few mentions of the scoffer outside of the book of Proverbs, and that, not surprisingly, all mentions are negative. That might not seem surprising, but in our culture I suspect that the scoffer would, in fact, be honoured. He might be called the cynic, the self-assured, the realist or the independent thinker.

One of our society's favourite songs is “I Did it My Way . . . .” How many of us seek out correction and welcome it? Do we not instead inwardly smart and find ourselves secretly hating the person who dared to correct us? “It's my life,” we say, “I didn’t ask you for your advice!” Sadly, we are often only too willing to criticise others, often in an angry dismissive way — we who ourselves hate the notion of others correcting us!

When you read of the scoffer, don't think about other people. Instead, ask yourself: “Am I like this — even just a little bit?” For the character of the scoffer is not set in stone. God intends for us to change, and provides us with all that we need for godliness. This is both through the Spirit in us and through our Christian brothers and sisters. How does this work? Quite simply by the scoffer understanding he cannot go on living this way and seeking out someone he trusts enough to whom he can open his life — someone to whom he can say, "Please be honest. What do you see in me that I ought to think about changing?"

As I was reading these proverbs through again today, I fear that we could easily switch the word “scoffer” for the word “blogger.” These proverbs have so much in them to challenge the Christian blogging community. How easily could we write — “Bloggers set a city aflame,” or “. . . a blogger doesn’t listen to a rebuke,” or “whoever corrects a blogger gets himself abuse,” or dare I say it — “Blogger is the name of the arrogant haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.” I do not say this merely to rebuke other bloggers — I am only too well aware of these tendencies in myself.

I would love to issue a challenge to any blogger willing to take it up to mention one of these proverbs on their own blog and discuss how we can avoid falling into this kind of behaviour — both online and in our off-blog lives.

The Scoffer in Proverbs

Prov 1:22
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Prov 9:7
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

Prov 9:8
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Prov 13:1
A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Prov 14:6
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Prov 15:12
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Prov 19:25
Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Prov 19:29
Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

Prov 21:11
When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Prov 21:24
“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.

Prov 22:10
Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarrelling and abuse will cease.

Prov 24:9
The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

Prov 29:8
Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

People often say that common sense is not common. Last Sunday Tope began a sermon series at my church. His sermon is available online and forms a fantastic introduction to this amazing book of the Bible. The audio of this sermon is available online.

To me, it seems that as well as simply reading the book through, this book lends itself well to collecting verses together by subject. I have had some fun using my Logos Bible Software to do just this with the book of Proverbs, and thought I would share some of the results of my searches here. So to begin with, here is what Proverbs says about wisdom . . .

Wisdom in Proverbs

Prov 1:2
To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,

Prov 1:3
to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

Prov 1:5
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Prov 1:6
to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

Prov 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Prov 1:20
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;

Prov 2:2
making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

Prov 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Prov 2:7
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Prov 2:10
for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

Prov 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Prov 3:13
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,

Prov 3:19
The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;

Prov 3:21
My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,

Prov 3:35
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Prov 4:5
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Prov 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

Prov 4:11
I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

Prov 5:1
My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding,

Prov 6:6
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

Prov 7:4
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend,

Prov 8:1
Does not wisdom call ? Does not understanding raise her voice?

Prov 8:11
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Prov 8:12
“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.

Prov 8:14
I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

Prov 8:33
Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.

Prov 9:1
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.

Prov 9:8
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

Prov 9:9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Prov 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Prov 9:12
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Prov 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Prov 10:8
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Prov 10:13
On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

Prov 10:14
The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

Prov 10:23
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

Prov 10:31
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

Prov 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Prov 11:29
Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

Prov 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

Prov 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Prov 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Prov 13:1
A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Prov 13:10
By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Prov 13:14
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Prov 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Prov 14:3
By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Prov 14:6
A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Prov 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.

Prov 14:16
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Prov 14:24
The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.

Prov 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

Prov 14:35
A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

Prov 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Prov 15:7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Prov 15:12
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Prov 15:20
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Prov 15:31
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Prov 15:33
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Prov 16:14
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

Prov 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Prov 16:21
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

Prov 16:23
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Prov 17:2
A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

Prov 17:16
Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

Prov 17:24
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Prov 17:28
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Prov 18:4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Prov 18:15
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Prov 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Prov 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Prov 20:18
Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

Prov 20:26
A wise king winnows the wicked and drives the wheel over them.

Prov 21:11
When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Prov 21:20
Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Prov 21:22
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.

Prov 21:30
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.

Prov 22:17
Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,

Prov 23:15
My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.

Prov 23:19
Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.

Prov 23:23
Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Prov 23:24
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.

Prov 24:3
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;

Prov 24:5
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

Prov 24:6
for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Prov 24:7
Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.

Prov 24:14
Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Prov 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.

Prov 25:12
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Prov 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Prov 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov 27:11
Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.

Prov 28:11
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.

Prov 28:26
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Prov 29:3
He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Prov 29:8
Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.

Prov 29:9
If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Prov 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Prov 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Prov 30:3
I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

Prov 30:24
Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise:

Prov 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Hi, Andree here again! Being in a household of six, with lots of work to do, I recently found myself in the throes of self-pity. All I ever seem to be doing, I thought, is cleaning up, cooking, tidying, rushing about, laundry, etc etc. In short, I was feeling a bit like a slave. So imagine how I felt when I read the following . . .

'"You want to be great?" Jesus is saying. "Well, here's what has to happen. What's required is that you become a servant to others; it means nothing less than becoming a slave of everyone."' (Humility, True Greatness, C.J. Mahaney).

This quote was made in connection with a request by James and John to Jesus that they be allowed to sit on either side of Him in glory. (Mark 10:35-45)

Does this mean, then, that I need to literally become a slave to my family while they (particularly the children) sit and do nothing? 'Surely not!' I thought. Then I remembered. We are told to 'train a child up in the way that he should go . . .' (Proverbs 22:6). This must mean to train them in humility and servanthood, too! So in reality I should not end up having to do 'everything!' When everyone is serving, there is less work for one person to do.

I thank God for this fresh encouragement, both to apply this to myself and to model it to my children. I pray that with God's help I will be better able to serve my family with servanthood and humility, and teach my children to do likewise. And for those of us who feel that we just cannot stretch to 'slavery', cultivating this quality also comes with a huge bonus:

'God gives grace to the humble!' (James 4:6)

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight [some translations: make straight] your paths.

Thought I would repost an old set of sermon notes here:

Intro
How can I know God's will? What if I make a mistake? if my life is in such a mess at the moment can I really be in God's will? Shall I give up and go somewhere else where it will all be alright?

The bible says without vision the people perish or alternatively cast off all restraint. SO it is critical for us as Christians to be convinced that we are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing in the right way, with the right people under the right leadership and for the right motives.

Only that certainty will keep us going when things seem hard or people question why we are doing something.

So the key question of our life and of this talk is 'How can I know that I am doing the right and best thing' or alternatively 'how can I know God's will'? The too are of course identical- a fact which many miss.

The aim of this message is nothing less than that you will go out of this room understanding the steps needed to receive God's guidance and be enabled to practice them with complete confidence of being in the centre of God's will and the very best place that you could be.

In these verses, are a promise. God says if we fulfil certain conditions, he will direct us. Direct v straighten or make pleasant- examples in the bible of each. Refer to Job 37:3 'sends it forth'.

God is more ready to guide you than you are to be guided. Jn 7: 17 If anyone desires to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God, or I speak from Myself. Ps 25:12 What man is he who fears the LORD? He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.

The starting point is not our ability to hear God. Many Christians go wrong at this point. We only know in part, and our hearts are deceptive so if it was to depend solely or even mainly on our ability to hear God we would be in trouble.

A famous American preacher tells us that very regularly men will come to him and say something like this 'God has told me that I have made a mistake and married the wrong woman for me. To get back into his will I must divorce my wife and marry this other lady in the church'. To us that seems obviously wrong, but it rests nonetheless as a strong warning against relying too much on 'hearing God' only for our guidance. In fact, hearing God and learning how to do that, as important as that is  the wrong place to start.
So: How can we hear God?

There are only three conditions outlined here, and if we meet these, we can have an absolute confidence that God wont let us make a mistake. We may start off down the wrong path, but if we follow these conditions, we will be brought back on track- to use the NIV word he will straighten our path.

1 Trust in God with all your heart

heart does not equal emotions, but the centre of our being- the decision making, and constant part of us that doesn't change. We may not feel like trusting God but must preach at ourselves that we are to trust him and have every reason to.

Trust him in the bible

v1-4 outlines this. We must come to the conclusion that his word is truth.

Jn17:17- Jesus said it- can we believe it. Here we have absolute guidance which never fails. Do not go to God to speak to you if the answer is found in the word. Immediately you fall down at the first hurdle and give the devil a field day and permission to speak to you.

A command in the bible does not need to come to you specifically in revelation for it to be binding on you ! Do not wait for God to speak to you about baptism- if you want to follow him, obey what he already has said.

A leading Christian gynecologist, made the mistake of seeking God for a sign regarding abortion. He was given a sign alright that it was fine what he was doing- but I am sure it wasn't from the same God who said 'In the womb I knew you' Jer 1:5. A deceptive vision is a key reason why we face the abortion problem in the UK to the degree we do.

Trust his ways

Mercy and truth are always the best way of handling a situation- maybe simply asking yourself what is the most truthful and merciful way of dealing with this will answer the question.

Trust him with your money lets not get complacent about this! v9

Trust him in difficulties v 11- Gods chastening isn't about punishment however- rather correction and training, also as with Paul, a problem can be granted us to prevent us getting proud or whatever. Will you believe he really has your best at heart and is working for good (ro 8)

Believe that he is the strong all powerful God who's decisions are infinitely better than ours

Trust him in others-

    * Your husband
    * Your leaders
    * Even that he will change the hearts of unbelievers where necessary

This is one way he guides us separate from us hearing God


2. Trust not in your own understanding
Do NOT trust

    * The worlds ideas foolishness
    * Man- even Christians ultimately- we put no trust in flesh- we are to trust God in people though!
    * Ourselves = 2nd point ie We are not the clever ones!

What seems reasonable is not necessarily right!

Solomon the worlds wisest man wrote this. But Solomon, God gave you your common sense. Surely you should follow it. This way makes sense, so God must be in it. If you do that you will get more money to give to the kingdom of God, so God must be in it. Solomon replies 'No- I will not depend on my great wisdom and understanding- don't you realize how puny that is- I know in part, God knows fully- God may seem foolish at times to me- but even that foolishness is far wiser than the wisest I could be- God gave me my brains yes, but I will trust in him first. I do know what I am talking about- after all I didn;t always do that- Kings have lots of wives and it seemed reasonable to me that I should marry to extend treaties with my neighbours. When the wives wanted me to join them in worshipping their gods it seemed sensible to me to do so- after all if I went with them, perhaps they would come with me to God's temple and would be converted- how wrong I was!'

This is not to say that reason is always worthless. Principles are important, but just sometimes God will act outside our principles. It is a good principle to be very wary of giving prophetic words that speak of God promising children to people. I stand by that. But one day recently God spoke to me with such clarity to tell the couple we were praying with who were struggling to conceive that soon he would give them a child and it was to be a picture of the fruitfulness of their ministry. My reason said- don't be silly, what if you are wrong. But I knew God had spoken. So I said it. A few months later we found out that the woman was pregnant and had become pregnant immediately on us praying. Now don't go out and do this unless you are absolutely sure God has spoken, and even then as I did you must show there is room for weighing and it being wrong- but this is an example where good reasoning in a certain situation was wrong.

This is so vital. We must truly believe that God's way is best.  But what about.....If God speaks trust him with the what abouts!
Finally

Acknowledge him every step you take.

Even if you are absolutely sure you are in God's will, as you go down a path we must say. 'Not my will but yours'. If I am wrong Lord, show me. Speak to me. Tell my husband/ leader. Shut a door. Do whatever you need to to keep me on track.

We will often have a prayer time like that about an important decision, and then ask each other has God said anything. If he hasn't, or if he has, then I will make the decision and say. 'Right, this is what we will do'. At that point it is easy to panic and not do anything. But it is easier to guide a moving ship. DO something. Make a step. Don't commit yourself though emotionally or in any other way initially. Instead hold it lightly. Better to look a fool by withdrawing an offer on a house, or fouling up at an interview or whatever than end up bludgeoning your way into something that is not of God.

Maybe you feel that you've already blown it. You've made your path crooked already. God spoke about something and you ran away. You went into something without having these attitudes. Perhaps up to this point you feel God hasn't been absolutely free to take you where he wants and do with you as he wishes. Well theres a promise here for you too.

Fulfil these criteria today. From today on resolve to surrender to God's ways. Perhaps talk to one of us, and God will restraigten you path. The inheritance can be redeemed. You can get back into the centre of God's will. And amazingly when you do so (and not before!) God can even change your mistakes and sins around to be part of his purpose for you and his world. We spoke of Solomon. Not many of us may realise that his mother was Bathsheba the same woman David committed adultery with and murdered her husband. A product of this very wrong relationship became an ancestor of Christ.

So fulfil these criteria and know with all certainty that whether by prophetic revelation or by common sense or by circumstances or by whatever means God will keep you on the right path.    

Many Christians struggle with finding God's will for their lives. I though I would share with you an old sermon I preached on this matter......

Proverbs 3:5-6

by Adrian Warnock

Introduction

A changing, uncertain world. Cast off tradition and Christian ways of doing things now what do we base decisions on?

Illustrate from politics. Tony champions even a britain where the elite is finnished. Family values, but a foreign minister can be trusted to keep his promises to his country when he cant to his wife.

Confusion in workplace- different options our fathers never had. Which is right for me?

Confusion in leisure- too much choice.

For Christians- how can I know God's will what if I make a mistake. if my life is in such a mess at the moment can I really be in God's will Shall I give up and go somewhere else where it will all be alright Some of my friends have apparently heard God and now moved on- how can I know I havent missed him speaking to me

As a church- should we buy a building- if so which one How far along the cell route should we go How should we prepare for revival How will we see more leaders raised up?

The bible says without vision the people perish or alternatively cast off all restraint. SO it is critical for us as Christians to be convinced that we are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing in the right way, with the right people under the right leadership and for the right motives.

Only that certaintly will keep us going when things seem hard or people question why we are doing something.

So the key question of our life and of this talk is 'How can I know that I am doing the right and best thing' or altenatively 'how can I know God's will'? The too are of course identical- a fact which many miss.

The aim of this message is nothing less than that you will go out of this room understanding the steps needed to receive God's guidance and be enabled to practice them with complete confidence of being in the centre of God's will and the very best place that you could be.

In these verses, are a promise. God says if we fulfill certain conditions, he will direct us. Direct v straigten or make pleasant- examples in the bible of each. Refer to Job 37:3 'sends it forth'.

God is more ready to guide you than you are to be guided. Jn 7: 17 If anyone desires to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God, or I speak from Myself. Ps 25:12 What man is he who fears the LORD? He shall teach him in the way that he shall choose.

The starting point is not our abilty to hear God. Many Christians go wrong at this point. We only know in part, and our hearts are deceptive so if it was to depend soley or even mainly on our ability to hear God we would be in trouble.

A famous American preacher tells us that very regularly men will come to him and say something like this 'God has told me that I have made a mistake and married the wrong woman for me. To get back into his will I must divorce my wife and marry this other lady in the church'. To us that seems obviously wrong, but it rests nonetheless as a strong warning against relying too much on 'hearing God' only for our guidance. In fact, hearing God and learning how to do that, as important as that is is the wrong place to start.

So: How can we hear God?

There are only three conditions outlined here, and if we meet these, we can have an absolute confidence that God wont let us make a mistake. We may start off down the wrong path, but if we follow these conditions, we will be brought back on track- to use the NIV word he will straighten our path.

1 Trust in God with all your heart

heart does not equal emotions, but the centre of our being- the decion making, and constant part of us that doesnt change. we may not feel like trusting God but must preach at oursleves that we are to trust him and have every reason to.

Trust him in the bible

v1-4 outlines this. We must come to the conclusion that his word is truth.

Jn17:17- Jesus said it- can we believe it. Here we have absolute guidance which never fails. Do not go to God to speak to you if the answer is found in the word. Immediately you fall down at the first hurdle and give the devil a field day and permission to speak to you.

The heresy of the concept of the rhema word of God, where a word has to come to you specifically in revelation for it to be binding on you is wrong. Do not wait for God to speak to you about baptism- if you want to follow him, obey what he already has said.

A leading Christian gynaecoligist, made the mistake of seaking God for a sign regarding abortion. He was given a sign alright that it was fine what he was doing- but I am sure it wasnt from the same God who said 'In the womb I knew you' Jer 1:5. A deceptive vision is a key reason why we face the abortion problem in the UK to the degree we do.

Trust his ways

Mercy and truth are always the best way of handling a situation- maybe simply asking yourself what is the most truthful and merciful way of dealing with this will answer the question.

Trust him with your money lets not get complacent about this! v9

Trust him in difficulties v 11- Gods chastening isnt about punishment however- rather correction and training, also as with Paul, a problem can be granted us to prevent us getting proud or whatever. Will you believe he really has your best at heart and is working for good (ro 8)

Believe that he is the strong all powerful GOd who's decisions are infinitely better than ours

Trust him in others-

• Your husband
• Your leaders
• Even that he will change the hearts of unbelievers where necessary

This is one way he guides us separate from us hearing God

We thought we had the right house and God made the vendor refuse our offer and decide they wanted more money than they had asked for at first. When we heard this we said to the agent we are fed up of all this, and to be honest at that moment we almost felt like giving up. The next minute the agent said- well there is something just coming onto the market....and we got the cheapest and nicest place we had seen all year! Do NOT trust

• The worlds ideas foolishness
• Man- even christians ultimately- we put no trust in flesh- we are to trust God in people though!
• Ourselves = 2nd point ie We are not the clever ones!

What seems reasonable is not necessarily right!

Solomon the worlds wisest man wrote this. But Solomon, God gave you your common sense. Surely you should follow it. This way makes sense, so God must be in it. If you do that you will get more money to give to the kingdom of God, so God must be in it. Solomon replies 'No- I will not depend on my great wisdom and understanding- don't you realise how puny that is- I know in part, God knows fully- God may seem foolish at times to me- but even that foolishness is far wiser than the wisest I could be- God gave me my brains yes, but I will trust in him first. I do know what I am talking about- after all I didn;t allways do that- Kings have lots of wives and it seemed reasonable to me that I should marry to extend treaties with my neighbours. When the wives wanted me to join them in worshipping their gods it seemed sensible to me to do so- after all if I went with them, perhaps they would come with me to God's temple and would be converted- how wrong I was!'

This is not to say that reason is always worthless. Principles are important, but just sometimes God will act outside our principles. It is a good principle to be very wary of giving prophetic words that speak of God promising children to people. I stand by that. But one day recently God spoke to me with such clarity to tell the couple we were praying with who were struggling to conceive that soon he would give them a child and it was to be a picture of the fruitfulness of their ministry. My reason said- dont be silly, what if you are wrong. But I knew God had spoken. So I said it. A few months later we found out that the woman was pregnant and had become pregnant immediately on us praying- in fact the scan even seemed to suggest she had become pregnant a couple of weeks before. Now don't go out and do this unless you are absoulutely sure God has spoken, and even then as I did you must show there is room for wieghing and it being wrong- but this is an example where good reasoning in a certain situation was wrong.

This is so vital. We must truly beleive that God's way is best. But what about schooling for my children- well if God calls you he will sort that out. But what about.....If GOd speaks trust him with the what abouts!

Finally

Acknowledge him every step you take.

Even if you are absoulutely sure you are in God's will, as you go down a path we must say. 'Not my will but yours'. If I am wrong Lord, show me. Speak to me. Tell my husband/ leader. Shut a door. Do whatever you need to to keep me on track.

We will often have a prayer time like that about an important decision, and then ask each other has God said anything. If he hasnt, or if he has, then I will make the decision and say. 'Right, this is what we will do'. At that point it is easy to panic and not do anything. But it is easier to guide a moving ship. DO something. Make a step. Don't commit yourself though emotionally or in any other way initially. Instead hold it lightly. Better to look a fool by withdrawing an offer on a house, or fouling up at an interview or whatever than end up bludgeoning your way into something that is not of God.

Maybe you feel that you've already blown it. You've made your path crooked already. God spoke about something and you ran away. You went into something without having these attitudes. Perhaps up to this point you feel God hasnt been absolutely free to take you where he wants and do with you as he wishes. Well theres a promise here for you too.

Fulfill these criterea today. From today on resolve to surrender to God's ways. Perhaps talk to one of us, and God will restraigten you path. AS Ian said yesterday- the inheritance can be redeemed. You can get back into the centre of God's will. And amazingly when you do so (and not before!) God can even change your mistakes and sins around to be part of his purpose for you and his world. We spoke of Solomon. Not many of us may realise that his mother was Bathsheba the same woman David committed adultery with and murdered her husband. A product of this very wrong relationship became an anscestor of Christ.

So fulfill these cirterea and know with all certainty that wether by prophetic revelation or by common sense or by circumstances or by whatever means God will keep you on the right path.