On Sunday morning, we looked at Proverbs 9. At the conclusion of the first major section of Proverbs, Lady Wisdom invites the reader to a dinner party. All those who turn away from folly and into her house, they will receive life. All those who scoff her and accept Lady Folly's delicacies will inherit death. Essentially, wisdom's call is a call to worship and fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. Have you RSVP'd to wisdom's dinner?

Wisdom gives her life story in this passage. Why do we need to hear it? Why do we need wisdom's autobiography? We need it because it makes sense of the world, reveals life's purpose and blesses those who find it. All of this is because wisdom is ultimately displayed in Jesus Christ who is wisdom from God.

God's wisdom isn't just for the intelligent and not only for certain times. Instead, wisdom is for everyone and for every occasion! There is a Mondayness to God's wisdom. In embracing God's wisdom we're given provision for every circumstance.

Sexual temptation bombards us from a number of different angles. How do we guard ourselves? Proverbs gives us a defensive strategy through explaining how to guard our hearts and our way. We're further armed by knowing the consequences of sexual immorality and remembering those who have fallen. Yet, for all those who have failed, we have a Redeemer who brings both forgiveness and cleansing through His perfect sacrifice.

If you desire to shoot yourself in the foot and limp wounded through life, be a guarantor, be lazy, be a conman and be what God hates. Instead we are to pursue generosity, diligence, discretion and the delight of God in the Lord Jesus.

Sexual immorality is pictured as a forbidden woman; an adulteress. She seduces with her words and those who yield to her stand to lose their reputation, wealth, health and eventually their lives. Thus, we're encouraged to find delight in our spouse and to find ultimate fulfilment in our Husband, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God's wisdom calls us to listen and pay attention. Paying attention is how we get wisdom, watch where we're walking and keep a close watch on our heart.

Our culture tells us that life is better when there is nothing stopping us. Proverbs, however, explains that there are definite things to avoid in the pursuit of true happiness. For the one who doesn't lose sight of wisdom, doesn't withhold good and doesn't envy the wicked, there is the assurance of being in God's confidence. 

The truly happy one is the one who finds wisdom. Wisdom satisfies, shepherds us on the right path and secures us. Wisdom is so important to being truly happy because in finding it we find God, who created everything by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Thus, wisdom reveals that true happiness is found in being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. 

The lifetime benefits of wisdom are seen in this passage through the rhythm of command and promise. Yet, we must approach this passage cautiously, looking at God's blessings flowing to us through the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

In Proverbs 2, a father sits down with his son and explains the importance of pursuing wisdom. Wisdom reveals the One true God and rescues us from wicked and destructive paths.

God's wisdom is personified as a woman who calls everyone to listen. Wisdom is made publicly available, but many refuse it. All who ignore God's wisdom are choosing judgement. Yet, for all who would listen to wisdom's appeal, they will receive security and live without dread of disaster.

We are surrounded by many voices in this world. Who do we listen to? The voice of our peers are enticing, but they are not wise. It's only in God's voice that we hear the voice of wisdom.

In Proverbs 1:1-7, wisdom is defined and its audience identified. Wisdom is living in harmony with reality; it is living corum deo - before the face of God. Wisdom calls to the simple, the youth and the wise to the right fear of God as the governing principle of our lives.