Using Words Wisely - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) series intro (2) intro to Proverbs (read v.1) → title, structure, etc. (3) “small sayings with big truths (cf. parables) → my favorites (4) “wisdom” = truth lived out practically → framework for words (4) wisdom connected to gospel (cf. Mt. 12:42, 1 Cor. 1:23-24)

What Wisdom Is (2-6)

1. Instruction and Understanding (v.2):
(1) “instruction” → recognition that I don’t know everything and can’t do everything (cf. “my do it”) (2) requires humility/recognition of God (3) willingness to receive correction → who are you willing to be influenced by? (4) “understanding” → awareness of what is going on around you (cf. playbook vs. game) (5) app to words

2. Right and Wrong (v.3):
(1) wisdom more than not being foolish (cf. grandma on trampoline) (2) biblical wisdom grounded in right vs. wrong OR obedience vs. disobedience (cf. Adam/Eve, Israel, Pharisees) (3) living right(eously) only possibly when I live under God’s authority (cf. teens) (4) possible only through Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 1:23-24) (5) app to words

3. Prudence and Discretion (v.4):
(1) ability to read a situation and make the best decision (2) “prudence” = shrewdness (cf. dad’s advice) (3) “discretion” = consequences to actions (cf. economics, elders) (4) simple/youth → inexperience aspect of wisdom (cf. Tim T maxim) (5) app to words

4. Guidance and Learning (v.5-6):
(1) v.2-4 for beginners, v.5-6 more advanced (2) those who are wise realize that they never arrive, must learn to enjoy the process of long-term slow growth (cf. weight lifting) (3) easier to think we have it figured out as we get older (cf. young vs. old pastors) (4) app to words → God’s past faithfulness, continuing to ask questions, don’t know everything

Conclusion: (1) v.7 is how we get wisdom (2) v.7 breakdown → only God is wise, he calls us to trust him more than ourselves (cf. 3:5-6) (3) happens through Christ (cf. Mt. 7:24-27, John 14:6, 2 Cor, 1:23-24) (3) will spend coming weeks looking at categories of wise words