Christ Lutheran

A study on the book of Proverbs by Pastor Hanson of Christ Lutheran Church in Lodi, CA

Chapter 11 continues with the behavior of the righteous. God wants us to have a proper sense of worth. We aren't to steal or think too highly of ourselves. Rather, in humility, seek God's way and life.

Solomon now specifically instructs his sons. Stay away from the forbidden/strange woman. There are consequences. A wife is like water which brings life. She is scarce, valuable, and brings great blessing. A wayward woman however leads to death. There are consequences.

The undisciplined life may look like an exciting road to easy money and friends but it's anything but that. The easy road is parasitic and consumes all who live according to it. Listen to your father's discipline and your mother's teaching. It will be for your glory and your good.

Solomon sets before his son the way of life, safety, and security. Just as God promises in Psalm 23 to go with us and guard us through this world, God also promises to protect us from evil men and women.

Wisdom is freely given but not everyone is interested. Critics mock but rarely create. The ignorant ridicule and even reject wisdom. As a result there are consequences. Thankfully wisdom again calls out to all who will listen. Christ Lutheran Church - Lodi, CA. Pastor Hanson

Solomon intends to make us wise for salvation. He invites us and even promises blessing for obedience. God is indeed faithful to his people bringing health and healing in this world and in life to come.

Solomon summarizes the first section to his son. Follow wisdom and your days will be many. Follow Folly and you'll both end up as fools eternally. How does one follow the way of Wisdom? It starts with the fear of the Lord. .

God gives wisdom and discernment. In their use we find life, grace, honor, blessing... and my favorite, "Your sleep will be pleasant." God's wisdom and discernment bring confidence not because God is good and he watches over us.

Wisdom brings blessings beyond what money can buy. The life of a Christian won't always be fun or enjoyable but it is blessed.

Solomon sets before his son the path of life. Solomon takes his son's hand and leads him down this path. Don't treat life or religion like a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Don't, "I'm just going to let my children choose." Follow the truth. Listen to the advice of those who have gone before you. Listen to Solomon's advice and find freedom. Sin enslaves but a disciplined life in Christ sets one free.

This is the sixth discourse of Solomon to his son. This one is a bit more poetic as Solomon involves the whole body or at least 10 parts of the body. With the body we are instructed to pay attention. Use all that we has for good and to speak truth. Focus on good and avoid evil for this will be your life and your health.

After the 4th discourse to my Son, Solomon takes a break to talk to Sons, as a father. He returns to some of his earlier themes and speaks of the advice his Father gave to him.

The enthusiasts, fanatics, those claiming divine revelation may think they are helping Christianity along but they are directing people away from the Word toward their own imaginations. Search the scriptures like the Bereans of Acts 17. Be a disciples of Jesus and don't set aside his Word, for these Words are your life.

Grace Alone. What is grace? Grace is God's undeserved love towards those who don't deserve it. It is grace alone that saves and this grace is for all people.

The righteous are generous and give freely as God has given to them. The miser, on the other hand, hoards his wealth and is poorer for it. Blessings come in many ways, family, friends, and not be cursed at by others. Trust God, find blessing, and be children of your father. This is how God deals with us and also how we should deal with others.

Solomon reminds his son of the dangers of wayward women. They stand in opposition to wisdom and their way leads to death. If you go looking for sin, sin will find you. That is what happens to the foolish youth lacking any sense, he's led away like a steer to the slaughter. Yes, my hands are dirty. PVC glue isn't so easy to wash off.

The book of Proverbs isn't just randomly thrown together. We see Solomon's wisdom in connecting each proverb to another. He we see wise and foolish use of words. Listen, don't keep talking, know when to respond, and speak truthfully. That advice will save you a lot of headache in life.

Wisdom is revealed in knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Wisdom is also revealed in keeping your ear open but use discretion and keep the pigs out.

This is the 8th of 10 discourses to my son. Solomon gives his advice in regard to loans, get rich quick schemes, hard work, and those who plot evil to gain wealth. It doesn't work. Work hard, trust God, and speak truthfully.

What are we to make of this? It is a short portion of a larger Psalm dealing with trust in the Lord, no matter what the world around you looks like. Here a few explanations given for verse 25.

Chapter 10 continues with a comparison between the righteous and the wicked. God is indeed in control, justice will come, and the righteous will find joy in the Lord.

Our u-pick garden out back is almost ready. The tomatoes have some color but they need more time. In the meantime summer squash and lemon cucumbers are plentiful. The peppers could use more time too.

Wisdom's prepares a hospitable house large enough for everyone, she's prepared a luxurious meal, she sends out the invitations, and then we realize that it's not just the wealthy and the elite who are invited. We all are. The simple and lacking sense are invited to come and feast freely on her food. Jesus is wisdom. He has prepared a place, a meal, and he brings life. Pull up a seat, eat and drink your fill, and be satisfied.

Here we find another poem to Wisdom. Wisdom stands in contrast to the adultress and the fool. Where as they exchange money for sex, wisdom is freely given and worth more than riches bringing forth abundant life. Wisdom is not hard to find. You don't have to go on a pilgrimage. It's found in the streets and at your church.