Proverbs 24

Hello Project Ezra!  This week the suggested reading is Proverbs 24. Like much of Proverbs, there are contrasts made in this chapter between the wise and the foolish.  Our focus will be reminding people that there is nothing wiser than trusting God, and nothing more foolish than desiring evil.  I pray this outline is a blessing.

All for His glory,

Dan

INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND THE GROUP

READ PROVERBS 24

Today we are praying you will come to know wisdom and foolishness, and know Him who discerns between the two

There is nothing more important.  A wise understanding of who God is matters eternally.

The book of Proverbs frequently compares the wise man to the foolish

This chapter tells us not to foolishly desire evil, but hunger after wisdom

We have a natural desire for sin.  The things God calls sin can often bring us pleasure.

But this chapter tells us not to be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence and their lips talk of trouble.

 

Rebellion against God’s law does not come without its price.  God’s word tells us we are all by nature children of wrath, and under God’s judgment.

Gaining wisdom can be and often is difficult, but is of inestimable value.

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.

Honey is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.  Know that wisdom is such to your soul.  If you find it, there will be a future.

The Bible tells us in multiple places that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

But if God is a loving God, why should we fear Him? 

Because He is also a just and holy God.

We should fear Him because He is good, and we are not. He is a just judge, and we are guilty criminals

24:12 tells us God weighs the heart, and will repay man according to His work.

I know enough about my own heart to know I do NOT want to be repaid according to my work!

Proverbs 24:19-20 says “Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”

And Hebrews 10 tells us “For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  (Hebrews 10:30-31 ESV)

If we look at ourselves in light of God’s standard, in light of His holiness, we all deserve judgment and hell for our moral crimes against Him..

Do you doubt your guilt?  Look at yourself in light of His law

God’s law is a reflection of His character and nature, and His word tells us He has written it on our hearts.  Even if you deny His existence, you know this is true.

They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

(Romans 2:15 ESV)

If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?  (Proverbs 24:12 ESV)

GO THROUGH GOD’S LAW TO BRING CONVICTION OF SIN.  THERE ARE SEVERAL PASSAGES THAT DEAL WITH THE SPECIFICS OF GOD’S LAW, THE MOST OBVIOUS BEING EXODUS 20.  1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10 AND REVELATION 21:8 ARE ALSO USEFUL.

God is just, and will make sure the penalty for all sin is paid to the fullest

But God is also patient, and merciful, and loving.  He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.

So, by His grace and for His glory, He made a way for us to be made right with Him, for our sins to be paid.

Jesus Christ, perfect man and God in the flesh, came to earth 2000 years ago.

He lived the perfect life none of us could live.  Then He died on a cross.

And all our guilt, all our evil, all the pain and suffering we rightly deserved, was laid on Him instead.

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

(1 Peter 2:22-24 ESV)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”

(Galatians 3:13 ESV)

He took the curse due to us, bore it, and paid it in full.

On the cross, He said the debt was paid in full.

Then three days later He rose again from the dead, and ascended into heaven to sit at 

God’s right hand.

Now, through His death and resurrection, we too can have eternal life, through repentance and faith in Him

Repent.  Turn from your sins.  Though perfect obedience on this side of heaven is impossible, when God come to live in you, you are changed more every day, as the Holy Spirit transforms you into the likeness of Christ.

Faith.  Trust in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, for your salvation.  Only He is true deity.  Only he died for sins and rose again.  Only He is the way, the truth, and the life.

So come to Him today.  Repent and trust in Him, and one day, you will be with Him in paradise!