The Benefits of Wisdom - Proverbs 3:1-18

by David Woods

Everyday we are bombarded with advertisements. Billboards on the highway, special stands in the grocery store, blurbs on the radio, visual feasts on TV all compete for our attention.

Each advertisement touts the benefits of buying that particular product. You might be startled if you were to seriously consider many of the ads in recent years. Buying a certain car is likened to a spiritual experience. Eating from a certain fast food restaurant will attract a life mate.

Seriously, many of these over-sell their products. A bunch of people found this out a couple months ago when Blockbuster was advertising "No more late fees" on rentals.

It was not mentioned in the actual ad that if you did not return with the rental after so much time, your account would be charged as if you were purchasing the DVD, VHS tape, etc.

Our text could be described as a "Wisdom's Advertisement." Wisdom promises some wonderful benefits. However, unlike many advertisements for this world's goods, wisdom delivers on its promise.

I would like us to talk for a few moments about how life could have been had Adam and Eve not sinned in the Garden of Eden.

Discussion: How long do you think God was planning for Adam and Eve to live?

Discussion: How hard did God envision mankind would have to work to eat, do you think?

Discussion: How do you think God pictured relationships with people?

Discussion: What kind of relationship with man did God have planned for Himself?

List: What are the benefits of wisdom listed in our scripture?
(Long life, peace, God's favor, men's favor, God's direction, Good health, Wealth, God's love)

In the previous lesson, we came to the conclusion that wisdom is living life from God's perspective. If possessing wisdom is living life from God's perspective, what are the results of such a life?

Because of Adam and Eve's sin and the spread of sin from that day till now we will never be able to truly experience life as God had intended. That is self-evident. However, I would like to suggest that:

Big Idea: Wisdom gives us a second chance to experience God's life-plan.

You may remember that in last week's lesson we noticed a very close parallel between wisdom and holiness of heart and life. It is only when we receive forgiveness from committed sins, cleansing of inbred sin, and then continue to grow in careful, holy living that we really live life from God's perspective.

Discussion: How does holiness of heart and life enable a person to enjoy many, if not all, of the benefits of wisdom listed above?

This sounds really good, doesn't it? With all these promised benefits, who wouldn't pursue holiness of heart and life? It's time for a reality check.

Many of the godliest people we know of often suffered for their faith, enduring sickness to minister or offering their lives as Christian martyrs. Often the godliest people are very poor.

Discussion: Can we truly say that a radical life for God will result in long life, good health, peace, wealth, etc.? If so, why or how?

Reflection: Our scripture text lists the benefits of wisdom and it lists requirements that must be followed to gain those benefits. As I read this list of requirements, I urge you to reflect to see if you are struggling in any of these areas.

1. Remember God's Law
2. Obey God's commandments
3. Be merciful
4. Live by the truth
5. Trust God completely
6. Reject your own wisdom
7. Use your belongings as a steward of God's possessions
8. Accept God's discipline willingly

Prayer: