Learning to Walk in Wisdom– message #1 in the series The Way of Wisdom

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

² To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
³ to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
⁴ to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
⁵ Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
⁶ to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. (ESV)

What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?

² Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, 
to help them understand the insights of the wise.

³ Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair. (Prov. 1:2-3, NLT)

Who will benefit from the “wisdom” found in Proverbs?

1. Those who are , untaught, and inexperienced (v. 4)

2. Those who are , well taught, and well down the road of wisdom (v. 5)
   

The first step on the way of wisdom is a relationship with .

Theme Verse:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:7, ESV)

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.
(The Message)

To “fear the Lord”…

• approach him with
• submit to his

The “fear of the Lord” . . .

• is something we (1:29)

• is gained by being eagerly to God’s word and God’s commands (2:1-5)

• TFOTL is the opposite of being “wise in your own ” (3:7)

• “is of ” (8:13)

• is the “ of wisdom” and “knowledge of the Holy One” (9:10)

• “prolongs ” (10:27)

• Is to “walk in ” (14:2)

• “In TFOTL one has strong , and his children will have a ” (14:26)

• “is a of ” (14:27)

• “Better is a with TFOTL than great and trouble with it (15:16)

• TFOTL is “ in wisdom” (15:33)

• “by TFOTL one from evil (16:6)

• “TFOTL leads to life, and whoever has it satisfied; he will not be visited by ” (19:23)

• “The for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (22:4)

• TFOTL keeps us from sinners, so we should “ in TFOTL” (23:17)

• We should not “ with” those who refuse to “fear the Lord and the king” (24:21)

• The person who fears the Lord will be “,” “but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity” (28:14)

• Those who fear the Lord should be “” (31:30)

The way of wisdom and the fear of the Lord is best taught by godly in God-honoring families.

⁸ Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
⁹ for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9, ESV)

Dear Mom and Dad,
            I know that to be wise means that I will honor you by listening to and obeying what you teach me.  I’m sorry when I have been disrespectful and disobedient.  I’m asking God and you to forgive me.
            Please keep teaching me how to be wise and to honor the Lord.  Please tell me with your words and show me with your example.  Even when I struggle or fall short, please don’t give up on me.
            God’s word says that you are the voice of wisdom in my life, . . . and today I am making a new commitment to the Lord and to you to listen and obey.  I love you and I need you to help me be wise.
                         

Dear Family,
          I know that God expects me and your Mom to lead our family to love Him, to learn His Word, to obey His commands, and to walk in His wisdom. 
         I’m sorry for the times that I have not provided the spiritual leadership that I should have.  I’m asking God and you to forgive me. 
         Today I am making a new commitment to the Lord and to you to learn to lead our family in a way that pleases God and to make seeking Him our first priority.  My desire is for my voice and my example to always reflect the wisdom of God and His Word.
        Please pray for me and encourage me as I make this new commitment.  I love you.                      

To walk in wisdom always means and following God’s Son, Jesus Christ.