A Summer of Wisdom

A Summer of Wisdom: Starting Strong with Proverbs

Hey Church family! We hope Father's Day was special for you, and we want to wish a Happy Father's Day to all the dads.

While some summers are spent at the beach or on the water, we're kicking off our "Summer in the Proverbs." Think of it as a wonderful vacation destination for your soul! Proverbs is a fantastic place to spend time, to reconnect with your family, and most importantly, with the Lord.

If you're new to reading the Bible, or just a bit out of the habit, Proverbs is the perfect spot to jump back in. Try reading a chapter from Proverbs and a chapter from Psalms each day—it's a great habit! You'll find incredibly practical wisdom alongside deep theological truths.

In theology, we call Proverbs "Wisdom Literature." When I share Bibles, I often say, "This book contains the Wisdom of Kings!" And that's exactly what we're here to receive and understand.

What is Wisdom, Really?

Wisdom isn't just about having a lot of knowledge. It's the ability to apply that knowledge with sound judgment and discernment. For us, as believers, it's about applying that knowledge in a way that glorifies the Lord. Let's pause and pray for that wisdom now.

Fathers: Leading the Way

Fathers have an incredible role to play in the world around them. Like a rudder on a ship, they have the profound ability to control the direction of their family and community towards or away from righteousness. Dads, you have the power to lead your families.

Just last week, we were in Quincy for the baptism of my sister and my nephew. It was a beautiful time, and the incredible thing was, my brother-in-law led them there. Statistically speaking, when a father leads his family to follow God, the family often follows suit.

Solomon's Fatherly Counsel

In Proverbs chapter 1, we find Solomon stepping into that fatherly role as he writes these truths. He's speaking to his own sons, who would be future kings, and to the young and inexperienced people throughout Israel and beyond. Solomon famously prayed for wisdom, and God granted it to him. Now, as King, his desire is to share that wisdom with everyone.

Godly wisdom benefits everyone around us by keeping us from being foolish. And let's be clear: foolishness can be so damaging that it becomes sinful. As a father who deeply cares that his sons (and his nation) don't turn into fools, Solomon writes these powerful words in Proverbs 1.

Let's dive into Proverbs 1, verses 1-19:

Proverbs 1 (CSB)

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings; 3 for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity; 4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man— 5 let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance— 6 for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. 8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, 9 for they will be a garland of favor on your head and pendants around your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded. 11 If they say—“Come with us! Let’s set an ambush and kill someone. Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun! 12 Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the Pit. 13 We’ll find all kinds of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder. 14 Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share the loot”— 15 my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path, 16 because their feet run toward evil and they hurry to shed blood. 17 It is useless to spread a net where any bird can see it, 18 but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives. 19 Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it.

From these verses, Solomon gives us three essential lessons:

1. Fear the Lord

This is where it all begins. Solomon, the King, understood that even he must submit to the Lord. You simply can't have true wisdom or knowledge without starting here.

Dads, if you've led your families to church, that's a wonderful start. Now, let's also lead them to the Lord in your homes. As Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline."

2. Listen to Wisdom

You don't have to stumble through life cutting your own painful path. Proverbs encourages us to listen and learn. "Let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance."

Think about it: a man who doesn't read is no better than a man who cannot read. Don't be one who despises wisdom and discipline. Instead, embrace the instruction of your parents, because as Proverbs 1:8-9 promises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of favor on your head and pendants around your neck." It's a crown of honor!

3. Avoid Foolishness! (Choose Your Company Wisely)

This might sound blunt, but it's vital. Be careful who your friends are. The company you keep truly matters. Solomon warns, "My son, if sinners entice you, don’t be persuaded." (Proverbs 1:10).

He paints a vivid, almost chilling, picture of the temptations that can arise: schemes for quick wealth, dishonest gain, even violence. But he quickly reminds us that these paths are self-destructive. Those who chase dishonest profit ultimately "attack their own lives."

Don't give in to temptation. Don't travel that road with those who lead you astray.

Wisdom Calls Out

Later in Proverbs 1 (verses 20-33), Solomon makes a powerful plea. He personifies wisdom, depicting her as calling out in the streets, making her voice heard in public squares, even at the city gates. She cries out, "How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge?" (Proverbs 1:22).

Wisdom offers an incredible invitation: "If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words." (Proverbs 1:23).

But there's also a stark warning for those who refuse, who neglect counsel and reject correction. When terror strikes and calamity comes, wisdom will not answer their calls. Why? Because "they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction" (Proverbs 1:29-30). They will ultimately face the consequences of their own foolish choices.

However, the good news is this: "But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger." (Proverbs 1:33).

Our Call to Action

To Fathers: Lead your children in this way. Your voice is incredibly strong, not just for the children in your own home, but for the wider community and even the nation.

To Our Church Family: Receive the wisdom of Solomon. Embrace the fear of the Lord, listen to wisdom, and choose your path and your companions wisely.

May your summer be filled with the deep, lasting wisdom that only comes from God's Word.