Sayings of the Wise

SAYINGS OF THE WISE PROVERBS 24:23-34

INTRODUCTION: “That thirty something crowd” has been extended to some further sayings of the wise. This sermon teaches us five lessons. It teaches us lesson about:

I. Partiality (v.23-25) A. The Case (See 17:15; 18:5; 28:21). We depict justice as a “blindfolded woman” with a sword in one hand and a set of scales in the other. The message is that justice is to be administered fairly to all regardless of riches or rank. Yet how often is justice subverted by bias. Skill and patience are required to overcome our natural bias when we face a situation or judge a case. B. The Condemnation (v.24) Justice should be equal to all. God does not have favorites, only intimates. C. The Consequences (v.24-25) Some are partial for a profit.

II. Popularity (v.26) Kiss = sign of love. See 18:13; 25:11; 25:23. Today, we might say shake the hand, applaud or give a standing ovation to one who gives a right answer. Popularity comes to the one who knows how to hit the nail on the head. We appreciate a word fitly spoken. Here is a call for honesty. The kiss of a lover is a great delight. The same level of delight results from an honest answer.

III. Priorities The lesson here is to complete what is essential before doing what is important. A house is of no use without any crops. “House” = family. Be able to provide for a family before starting one. The practical rule is “produce before you consume.” Work for what you want and save so you can afford to buy it. Pay as you go may be better than we think.

IV. Perjury (v.28-29) Dishonesty is evil. The aim is to discourage revenge. “Deceive” = delude. To make wide your lips. It does not say we have not been wronged, only that we are not permitted to retaliate. That is usurping God’s role. See 24:12; 20:22. It all comes down to a matter of trust. You need sure grounds for accusation. Don’t volunteer to be a witness against a neighbor. Mind your own business.

V. Poverty (v.30-34) Notice what He: A. Saw (v.30-31). The condition tells a lot about characters. B. Studied (v.32) C. Said (v.33-34). A tragedy. This is like a lot of individual lives and a lot of churches!

CONCLUSION: Learn these lessons well.