Your Ticket to Success - Proverbs 1:1-6, 1:7; 2:4-8; 3:5-6, 11-12 - June 1, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Your Ticket to Real Success – June 1, 2008

This begins a new series of study titled “Extraordinary Wisdom for Everyday Living.” All of our scripture in this series is taken from Proverbs.

The majority of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, King David’s son. King Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba. After Solomon was made King of Israel, GOD appeared to him in a dream. (1 Kings 3:9-11) GOD told him “Ask for whatever you want ME to give you.” This is a broad question being asked by GOD WHO can provide whatever Solomon asked. Solomon’s father, David, had taught Solomon about GOD and Solomon knew what GOD was capable of providing. Solomon had seen the hand of GOD working in his father’s life. Solomon had seen the forgiveness of GOD, through the fact that GOD allowed him, a product of David and Bathsheba, to become king.

Solomon asked GOD for a discerning heart to govern HIS people and to distinguish between right and wrong. This pleased GOD. Since Solomon did not ask GOD for long life or wealth nor death for his enemies, GOD granted him a wise and discerning heart, wealth, honor, long life (Provided he walked in GOD’S ways, obeyed HIS statutes and commands as David his father did.)

Here is a quick overview of the month of June:
June 1 – GOD wants HIS children to succeed. But GOD’S definition of success is different from the world’s definition of success.
June 8 – Identifying attitudes and actions that can damage a believer. GOD wants believers to choose to pursue wise attitudes and actions.
June 15 – discovering ways to strengthen family life and once discovered take action to implement ways to strengthen the family.
June 22 – Our speech is powerful and can either be helpful or hurtful.
June 29 – Explore Biblical principles about earning and using our resources (money).

Solomon wrote Proverbs during his early reign as king, about 970 B.C., when a person’s relationship with GOD was more works oriented. A believer was doing or working to maintain their relationship with GOD. They would have to go to the temple to have the priest make a sacrifice for their sins. It was difficult for the believer to internalize the presence of GOD in their lives. GOD was always outside of them in some other place like the temple.

Psalms was David expressing his heart as he tried to internalize GOD and maintain their relationship. Proverbs was Solomon instructing others on how to live and have a relationship with others but from the point that the person was to seek GOD first. Proverbs was the everyday application of the right things to do if a person wanted to succeed. Both a believer or non-believer could benefit from proverbs but a believer could benefit more because GOD would reveal truth to them.

We can see how right, consistent living can result in gaining wealth because people like to do business with or be friends with people who practice what they preach.
After CHRIST came to earth, lived a sinless life, gave HIS life for the sins of mankind, died, was resurrected and ascended into heaven to sit at the right-hand of the FATHER, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to earth to indwell every believer. Today believers are permanently free of sin, past, present and future and have been made righteous at the moment they receive CHRIST. They receive eternal life, become children of GOD and are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT. THE HOLY SPIRIT empowers each believer daily and assures every believer that he or she is GOD’S child (Romans 8:16).

So how can believers, today, profit from Proverbs? Simply, living for GOD still takes a decision. Who rules our lives on a daily basis, GOD or our flesh (our will be done or GOD’S will be done)? We, as believers, live in the world and we have relationships with people every day. Often we have to be reminded how best to respond in life’s situations. Proverbs gives us instructions and guidance in wisdom as we build our relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Believers must keep in mind that GOD’S goal for us is to be made in the image of HIS SON, JESUS.

Living for GOD becomes a frustrating chore when we are works oriented. However, when our relationship to GOD comes to the point that we allow HIM to rule our lives, living for HIM becomes natural.

Proverbs are words of wisdom based upon experience and are applicable in life’s situations. Today, believers seek the spiritual experiences of other believers and attempt to apply their experience to their lives. GOD will allow us to do that because HE will reveal to us that HE is not in the cookie cutter spiritual business. We can learn from others and be challenged by others but our experiences with GOD are special and unique. We must seek our own personal relationship with HIM. HE will open the windows of heaven and shower us with blessings that cannot be put into words.

Let’s read Proverbs 1:1-6: Learn from Scripture

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 For gaining wisdom and being instructed; for understanding insightful sayings; 3 for receiving wise instruction [in]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. righteousness, justice, and integrity;[1] Pr 2:9 4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced,[2] Or simple, or gullible knowledge and discretion to a young man— 5 a wise man will listen and increase his learning,[3] Pr 9:9; 16:21,23 and a discerning man will obtain guidance— 6 for understanding a proverb or a parable,[4] Or an enigma the words of the wise, and their riddles.[5] Hab 2:6

Solomon gives the purpose of Proverbs in verses 1-6.

Often we interpret knowledge as “wisdom” but here we need to think of wisdom as being beyond the mere knowledge of this world. I heard a pastor say years ago that wisdom is knowledge applied to GOD ‘S plan.

Solomon attempts to “expose” others to words of wisdom. I used the word “expose” because all a teacher, preacher or wise person can do is present and expose a person. The words have to be heard, understood and internalized before they become wisdom to the hearer. The purpose of most teachers is to expose others to knowledge which can be internalized, put into perspective by GOD and result in wisdom. The Book of James tells us that believers can ask for wisdom (James 1:5). Here is where many believers get the notion of instant wisdom. Most of us ask for wisdom and expect to be showered with Holy Dust from GOD and be endowed with wisdom. It can work that way but most often GOD works in many other ways. Some are not comfortable but get the job done. Often believers have to look back to see that the hand of GOD was leading and teaching them through some difficult times.

Often we interpret cleverness as being wise. Like the story of the two (2) young men who had heard of a wise man that lived in their area. They decided to go to the wise man’s home. One of the young men would take a live bird and hold it behind his back. He would ask the wise man whether or not the bird was alive or dead. If the wise man said the bird was alive he would kill the bird. If he said the bird was dead he would show him that the bird was alive. The young men approached the wise man and one asked him their question, hoping to trap him. But the wise man said, “Whatever you choose my son.”

Solomon states that Proverbs were written for gaining wisdom. The word “gaining” means to know. It is understanding and internalizing what one has heard or read.
“And being instructed” can mean “discipline” or “correction”. GOD’S discipline or correction can be gentle or severe with the intent of the circumstances working for good in HIS children. Most of us think of discipline in a negative way. GOD can discipline HIS children harshly but most often it is gentle. What we need, HE knows. We have to trust HIM. Remember GOD is loving, kind and gentle but HE is also all powerful.

I know I have prayed for wisdom and it seemed that everything I would do was the opposite of what I should be doing. I prayed again and asked the LORD, why had things gone wrong? The answer was, “Now you know what not to do and that is gaining wisdom.” Now that is not what I expected from GOD but HIS ways are not our ways. HE chooses how best to teach us so we will learn.

Reading words or listening does not mean we have learned. HE knows our hearts and HE knows when learning has been transformed into understanding. The next step is to internalize and put into action what we learn and comprehend as appropriate.

The question is, “Can wisdom be taught?” This is a Yes/No answer. True wisdom comes from GOD and when sought, HE reveals it, based upon our relationship to HIM and ability to comprehend it. Our physical and spiritual growth and maturity are keys to our ability to be taught wisdom along with our relationship to GOD.

The next words go together “understanding” and “insightful.” These words carry the idea of “discerning” or “distinguishing” one idea or thought from another.

Solomon used the word “receiving.” It means to be open to taking “wise instruction.” I have observed that many people just plain do not listen. They are often more interested in presenting their views than listening to what someone else has to say. This goes back to our lesson on communication.

Receiving wise instruction in righteousness - Righteousness refers to the character of a person and is a testimony that the person is in right standing with GOD.

Next is “Justice.” Justice is associated with the righteousness of a believer. It means to judge issues or matters fairly.

Next is “integrity.” Integrity means to “to be straight” and to be obedient to GOD as HE guides a believer through life.

Righteousness, justice and integrity are three (3) characteristics in a person serving HIM that define success.

Proverbs are good for teaching the inexperienced in shrewdness. Inexperienced means those who have not encountered life’s experiences in order to learn from them. When we think of shrewdness, we generally think of something underhanded or deceptive. But in this instance it means carefully thinking and weighing matters in order to make a decision. The inexperienced often look at matters superficially. Solomon wanted people to look more carefully and weigh matters more carefully before they made a decision. Reading Proverbs had the potential for giving those inexperienced with life situations a heads up on making good decisions.

Those more experienced with life can still profit from Proverbs because they impart knowledge and discretion. Knowledge as used here carries the idea of understanding and discretion carries the idea of carefully considering ones choices. Choices can be good or bad. Solomon’s desire is that young people would choose wisely and avoid things they may regret in the future when they become more mature.

Verses 5 and 6 put the finishing touch on defining how a wise person acts – They listen, seek to learn, understand what they learn and obtain guidance. Seek understanding of proverbs, parables or riddles because in doing so it will give a person a depth of understanding. It also shows that a person is not stiffed necked but is eager to make sound decisions and that is wisdom.

Let’s read Proverbs 1:7; 2:4-8: Revere the LORD

7 The • fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;[6] Pr 9:10; 15:33; Jb 28:28 fools despise wisdom and instruction.[7] This verse states the theme of Pr. [8] Eph 5:17
4 if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the • fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up success[2] Or resourcefulness for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity[3] Pr 10:9; 20:7; 28:18 8 so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers.

The very heart of Proverbs is found in verse 7. The word “fear” is not being afraid of GOD but having absolute reverence and respect for GOD. GOD is our supreme teacher and all wisdom comes from HIM. As HE reveals truth, a person should not become too big for his or her britches. As we learn and understand, it is easy for us to think that this wisdom is coming from us.

The “it” in Proverbs 2:4 is wisdom. Seek wisdom like you would search for things the world considers precious. Search for wisdom like you would for hidden treasure.

The search will lead a person to a deeper relationship with GOD and he or she will discover that GOD is the source of all wisdom and holds the key for understanding and comprehending knowledge. Notice, it is GOD WHO gives wisdom. Wisdom is a gift for those who diligently seek it. By the same token GOD can give wisdom to whoever HE chooses.

GOD gives “success.” Here we have to be careful. We think of “success” in terms of wealthy and power but GOD defines success as knowing HIM and being obedient to HIM. Success to GOD is living a righteous life on a daily basis, walking uprightly and practicing good judgment.

When we serve HIM, HE defends HIS children. HE is our shield. I have seen this during my life.

Let’s read Proverbs 3:5-6: Live by Faith

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.[5] Pr 11:5

These are verses I memorized years ago and have found them comforting during some dark times. A pastor many years ago used to say, “You have to practice in the dark what you have learned in the light.” This scripture can be of great comfort during times when you cannot see the next step.

As humans it is our nature to depend upon our own understanding. Trusting in the LORD means having complete faith in the direction HE is leading you. We want to see the path but GOD wants us to let HIM guide us along the path. Those are the times when we have to look only upon HIM and not at the circumstances surrounding us. We are to place our entire confidence in HIM during these times.

Let’s read Proverb’s 3:11-12: Appreciate GOD’S Correction

11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe His discipline;[11] Pr 5:11–13; 15:5,31–33 12 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.[12] Pr 13:24; Jb 5:17–18; Heb 12:5–7

GOD is our FATHER. Solomon used the word “my son” to show that relationship and the relationship GOD wants parents to have with their children. As mentioned earlier, GOD loves and is kind and gentle. HE will discipline HIS children but it is always with love. HE sometimes has to teach us through some difficult circumstances. No one likes to be disciplined but the LORD’S discipline is designed to move us to a higher level of growth, maturity and understanding. When we receive the discipline from the LORD, we know we belong to HIM as a son or daughter.

When we discipline our children, always let them know that you love them.
The key to success is building and maintaining a loving and intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST. GOD will teach us HIS wisdom. When we really get to know HIM, through the relationship, we will see the world and life as HE sees them. We will be comfortable trusting HIM because HE is the source of wisdom and understanding. HE will reveal truth to us as we grow and mature in HIM. Just as it takes time for us to grow and mature from a baby to an adult, it takes time for us to grow and mature spiritually.

Growth, maturity and trust will come as a natural process of the relationship. Keep in mind that mankind was not made for time but for eternity.