WEEKLY
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An
international Sunday school lesson commentary
For
Sunday June 7, 2020
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LISTENING TO GOD’S WISDOM
(Wisdom begins with seeking the LORD)
(Proverbs 1)
The book of Proverbs is a
collection of practical wisdom that was garnered over the span of many
centuries. It deals with many diverse matters and situations ranging from the
disciplining and rearing of children, to social justice, and from how to deal
with the foolishness of this world, to how to wisely handle money, wealth, family,
and personal relationships. It also teaches about politics, sexual behavior,
and religion, and its theme is that, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of
knowledge and wisdom”.
This book of Proverbs can have the same effect
on a person’s every-day life that the book of Psalms can have on a person’s
spiritual and devotional life. It teaches that there is “special wisdom” that
is revealed to us by GOD, and, that there is also “innate wisdom” (common
sense), that is instilled inside of each of us, by GOD. Each of these sources
of wisdom must play a significant role in our overall existence, and, on the
choices that we are faced with making, on a daily basis.
When these wisdom writings are followed and
applied diligently, they can make even the simple-minded seem cleaver, and can
even give mature knowledge and purpose to the young. GOD, by sharing some of HIS
nature with us (in this case, “Wisdom”), has given all human beings a moral
insight. HE has given each of us an innate knowledge of what is right, and what
is wrong, and so we all have an innate sense of what “just and right behavior
really is”. It is deeply ingrained in each of us and we can readily find many
expressions of moral teachings in any society, no matter where in the world we
may travel.
In Proverbs chapter 1, verses 1-7, the writer’s
purpose and theme are explained. Here it tells us that, these wisdom writings
are for “teaching and development of a disciplined lifestyle under GOD”. The text
helps us to focus our attention on what is important to GOD, as far as how HE
wants us to approach life’s issues, values, and commitments. The wise person is
always sensitive to what GOD wants, and how GOD wants us to apply and enjoy
that which HE has provided for us, be it a person, place, or thing.
In verses 8-19, we see “a father’s
exhortation for his children to accept and acquire wisdom”. Our actions always
speak louder than our words, and this is especially true in the home. Our children
learn all, or at least, most of their values, morals, and principles by observing
their parent’s behavior in various day-to-day situations, be they good or bad. When
parents exhibit a consistent earnest dependence on, and reverence for, the
Almighty GOD, their children are likely to develop that same attitude
themselves.
We should always let our children see our
reverence toward GOD and teach them those principles that are “right according
to the Word of GOD”. We must, also, always strive to give the worship of GOD an
important place in their lives. Our teachings must be such that, it causes our
children to be drawn to GODly people, places, and things, and not be attracted
to those situations that rob them of the best possible life for themselves, and,
for their children, who come after them.
In verses 20-33, “Wisdom personified”
shouts from the streets of the city to all who will listen. Here he seems to be
wondering out loud, just how long mankind will refuse his assistance in life,
ignoring his advice. In verse 22 “the simpleton” that is depicted, is not a
person who has a “mental deficiency”, but rather, is a person who has a “character
deficiency”. He is not “stupid”, but rather has, over time, become unable to
tell, “that which is right”, from “that which is wrong”.
GOD wants desperately to pour out HIS “Spirit
of Wisdom” upon any and every member of HIS greatest creation, which is mankind.
However, too many of us refuse to take HIM up on HIS “free offer” (Vs.21-23). If
we wish to understand what it takes to become wise in this life, we can truly
start by “spiritually digesting” the instructions that shout to us from the
pages of this book.
In order to receive GOD’s advice, we must
be willing to listen, and refuse to let pride get in our way. Pride causes us
to think higher of ourselves than we, in reality, think of GOD. That kind of
attitude leads us down a “path of self-destruction”, which, thereby, puts us in
a position where we are forced to eat the bitter fruit that is harvested as a
result of trying to lives our own way.
Only a simpleton (fool) turns away from
GOD, and to himself. By doing so, he chooses “eternal damnation” over “eternal
life in paradise with GOD”. His own complacency, in the end, will destroy him. However,
for all those who believe in, and actually heed the Word of GOD, there will be
peace and safety, and they will be “divinely unaffected” by “the fear” that is
introduced into our lives by the wiles of satan.
A
Sunday school lesson by,
Larry
D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
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