“Two Invitations with One Moral” Chapter 2

Opening Up Proverbs

A study by Jim Newheiser

“Two Invitations with One Moral” Chapter 2

Wisdom Begins at Home

• God’s plan is that parents are to be the primary teachers of wisdom.
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• A major purpose of Proverbs is to prepare a young man to wisely and effectively assume the responsibilities of life. 
• Children are exhorted to listen and receive wisdom.
• Parents cannot pass off their responsibility to impart wisdom to the school, church, or other means.
• Many parents are so busy trying to provide the best material things for their children that they abdicate their responsibility to properly train them in wisdom.

Refuse the appeal of ungodly companions

• The enticement of moral misfits.
• Gullibility and malleability of youth
• False promises of happiness and belonging
• If you follow evil companions, you will reap destruction. 
• Foolishness is short-sighted.
• Foolishness is self-destructive.
• Choose your companions wisely.

Heed the appeal of Wisdom before it’s too late

• Wisdom calls out to you (20-23).
• Wisdom appeals to four different kinds of fools (v. 22):
• The naïve: simple and vulnerable
• The fool: rejected wisdom and is morally insensitive
• The rebel (1:7): loves folly and despises wisdom
• The scoffer: mocks God, sin, judgment
• Wisdom promises blessings to those who repent (23).
• If you reject Wisdom’s appeal, you will reap calamity (24-32).
• Those who seek Wisdom are secure (33).

Conclusion

• The voice of wisdom is the voice of God.
• Jesus is wisdom incarnate.
• You are the voice of wisdom in a foolish world.
• Are you wise?
• Wisdom cries out, pleading with people to turn away from foolishness and enjoy true life.