Ignorance is Not Bliss (Acts 17:22–23, 30)

In Acts 17, Paul addresses the men of Athens—not arrogant atheists, but religious thinkers. Their error wasn’t disbelief but misattribution: they gave credit to everything except the One True God. Paul declares ignorance is no longer an excuse (v30). Believing in something isn’t enough – the truth matters! A false belief leads to a false life. Paul proclaims that the time of ignorance has passed. God is knowable, near, and calls everyone to account.

The World is an Effect (Acts 17:24–26)

Paul states that God made the world (v24). He is self-sufficient (v25); everything depends on Him. John 1:3 confirms this: “All things were made through Him…” In contrast, Stephen Hawking claimed, “Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself out of nothing.” But this begs the question: how can laws (which presuppose order) arise from chaos?

Paul affirms in v26 that God is a God of order, setting the boundaries of nations and seasons. Theologian Charles Hodge supports Paul’s view: the world is an effect—it had to come from something external. Nothing in creation is self-existent or eternal. If the parts are dependent, the whole cannot be independent. So, we conclude: the universe had a cause. That cause is not nature, chaos, or man. It is the Creator—God.

God is a Necessary Being (Acts 17:25, 28–29)

God is not like human parents whose children can survive their death. He is necessary for our existence. Paul says in v28: “In Him we live and move and have our being.” If the universe and all within it are contingent - dependent on something else - then there must be one thing that is not: God. Since man is bound by time, space, and matter, he couldn’t be the cause. The world’s ordered complexity demands a transcendent source. The Bible’s account aligns with what we observe: the Creator is timeless, spaceless, Spirit—and in Him is life.

The Divine Call to Action (Acts 17:27, 30–32)

God designed man to seek Him (v27). He is near to each one. Ayaan Hirsi Ali, once a prominent atheist, shared how deep depression led her through every scientific remedy. Nothing helped. A doctor finally said, “Maybe your problem is spiritual bankruptcy.” She cried out to God and found Him. Now she’s a believer in Christ. Like Ayaan, we must recognize that the longing in our hearts is a spiritual hunger. Prayer and God’s grace should be our first remedy, not our last. Paul urges unbelievers to treasure God’s patience and repent while they can.

Jesus is the Messiah and Judge (Acts 17:31–32)

You may ask: “If I accept God exists, why should I believe in Jesus?” If God is all-powerful and necessary, then He has the ability to enter His creation. And unlike the distant god of Islam or the impersonal force of Buddhism, the God of the Bible acts in history. He came near. The Bible tells of a holy, eternal God who made a good world. But humanity rebelled and became His enemy, deserving judgment. Yet, instead of leaving us to perish, Yahweh—out of love—entered creation as a man, Jesus Christ.

Jesus was born of a virgin, lived sinlessly, and willingly suffered and died. Why? To bear our rebellion, shame, and punishment. His death paid our debt—fully and finally. And on the third day, He rose, conquering death. His resurrection proves He is exactly who He claimed to be—God in the flesh. Now, through Him, those who believe are reconciled, transformed, and made blameless. John 3:16 says it best: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus, who is Savior, is also Judge. At the appointed time, every knee will bow before Him—even the world’s most brilliant skeptics. So, to you my atheist friend: When you meet Him, will He face you as Redeemer or as Judge? Keeping in mind that, if a righteous man like Job couldn’t make case before God, what hope is there for anyone else?

Is it a human invention, passed down through cultures to explain the unknown? Or is it something deeper, woven into the fabric of our being? The near-universal belief in a higher power across civilizations suggests more than mere imagination. Scripture, through the Apostle Paul, affirms that the knowledge of God is innate, revealed by God Himself, and known to all, leaving humanity without excuse.

In his Systematic Theology, Charles Hodge, whose work guides our study, argues that the idea of God is not learned but instinctive. We are born with an awareness of God, a truth rooted in Scripture, particularly in Romans 1:18–32. Here, Paul doesn’t write an abstract philosophical treatise but proclaims the gospel, declaring it “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16–17). Yet, this raises a pressing question: What about those who never hear the gospel? Paul’s answer is profound: God has revealed Himself to all through creation and conscience, making His existence undeniable.

God’s Universal Revelation in Creation

Paul’s argument in Romans 1:18–20 is clear: God has made Himself known through the created order. His “invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20, ESV). The stars, mountains, and intricacies of life proclaim a purposeful intelligent design, pointing to a powerful and divine Creator. This revelation is not hidden in sacred texts or reserved for the educated; it is plain to all, accessible to every person, regardless of culture or era. Because of this, Paul declares, “they are without excuse.” No one can claim ignorance of God’s existence, for creation itself testifies to Him.

The Problem of Suppression

If God’s existence is so evident, why do many reject Him? Paul explains that the issue is not a lack of evidence but a willful suppression of truth. “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him” (Romans 1:21). Humanity’s rejection stems from a moral rebellion, a desire to live free from God’s holy standards. Instead of worshiping the Creator, people exchange His truth for lies, crafting idols—false gods shaped in their own image (Romans 1:22–23). As Alistair Begg has noted, the intensity of some atheists’ anger toward a God they claim doesn’t exist often betrays a suppressed awareness that refuses to stay buried. This suppression is not neutral; it is a deliberate choice to love sin over righteousness.

The Moral Law Within

Paul extends this argument in Romans 2:14–15, noting that even those without God’s written law “by nature do what the law requires.” How? Because God has inscribed His moral law on every heart. Our consciences bear witness, accusing or excusing us, confirming an innate sense of right and wrong. This universal moral awareness reinforces our knowledge of God’s holy character. To reject Him is to rebel against both His existence and His authority, saying, “I will not have this God rule over me.” Yet, this rebellion only underscores the truth: we know God exists, and we know He is righteous.

The Gospel as the Ultimate Goal

Paul’s teaching in Romans 1 is not an end in itself, but a bridge to the gospel. Knowing God exists is not enough; it leaves us accountable, under judgment for our sin. The good news is that the same God who reveals Himself in creation has revealed Himself fully in Jesus Christ. Paul doesn’t stop at proving God’s existence; he points to the coming judgment and the salvation found only in Christ (Romans 1:16–17). As believers, we must follow his example. Winning an argument about God’s existence – whether with a skeptic, a Jehovah’s Witness, or a Seventh-day Adventist – is incomplete if it doesn’t lead to the cross. The gospel is the power of God for salvation, transforming rebels into worshipers through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Implications for Our Faith

What does this mean for us? The innate knowledge of God, revealed through creation and conscience, affirms several truths:

• God’s Revelation Is Universal: No one is truly ignorant of God. His existence is evident to all, from ancient tribes to modern cities.
• Rejection Is Rebellion: Denying God is not a matter of confusion but a moral choice to suppress His truth in unrighteousness.
• The Gospel Is Essential: General revelation points to God’s existence, but only the gospel reveals His saving grace through Christ.

This truth challenges us to engage the world with confidence. We don’t need to convince people God exists; they already know, deep down. Our task is to proclaim Christ, the only way to salvation. As we study systematic theology, let us marvel at God’s self-revelation and commit to sharing His gospel. The God who made Himself known through creation has made Himself known supremely in Jesus—crucified, risen, and reigning. May we not stop at showing His existence but lead others to His saving grace, trusting in the power of His Word to transform hearts.

The Bible as the Main Authority

Scripture is the primary source of truth, described as God’s infallible self-revelation. Unlike human attempts to discern truth through observation, Scripture is God’s direct communication, without error, providing the foundation for all theological study. However, it’s not the only source. Creation, another form of God’s self-revelation, reveals His glory but is subject to human misinterpretation and isn’t salvific. Reason, a distinct source, ensures our theology is logical and coherent. For instance, the doctrine of the Trinity – one God in three persons – must make sense within its own framework, avoiding contradictions. Experience, including conscience, also informs our theology, as seen in the wisdom books like Psalms and Proverbs, which draw from human observation to convey divine truth.

Tradition, often misunderstood, is a vital source. The Apostle Paul appealed to tradition in 1 Corinthians 14:33–34, noting that women not speaking in church was the practice “in all the churches of the saints.” Tradition reflects the church’s collective understanding, shaped by Scripture and reason over centuries. If a belief lacks historical precedent, it risks being a novel invention, disconnected from the Holy Spirit’s guidance through the church. These four sources – scripture, reason, tradition, and experience – must align to ensure our theology is sound.

A Methodical Approach to the Text

Systematic theology employs a methodical approach to study these sources. First, we collect biblical data relevant to a doctrine, such as the subordination of Christ to the Father. Verses like Philippians 2:6–7, where Christ “emptied Himself” to take the form of a servant, or John 6:38, where He seeks the Father’s will, provide key insights. Second, we analyze and exegete these passages to understand their meaning in context, ensuring we cite sources accurately. Third, we compare our findings with historical theology, such as the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), which affirmed that Christ is eternally generated by the Father but not eternally subordinate, clarifying His role within the Trinity.

This methodology guards against common pitfalls in Bible study. Many approach Scripture with preconceived notions, using it to confirm biases rather than seeking truth. Others rely solely on personal experience or expect the Holy Spirit to reveal meaning without study, a practice common in some charismatic circles. Systematic theology counters these by encouraging disciplined study, ensuring our conclusions align with Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience.

While Scripture is clear (the doctrine of perspicuity), deeper study reveals nuances, as even familiar passages like Psalm 23 yield richer meaning when examined historically and contextually.

Systematic theology focuses on six key areas, or loci:

• Theology Proper: The study of God’s nature and attributes.
• Christology: The doctrine of Christ’s person and work.
• Pneumatology: The study of the Holy Spirit.
• Ecclesiology: The nature and organization of the church.
• Soteriology: The doctrine of salvation.
• Eschatology: The study of the end times.

These areas interlock, ensuring a cohesive theology. For example, a Reformed understanding of soteriology (e.g., election) must align with a biblical Christology and ecclesiology, reflecting the holistic worldview of the Reformation. At Heritage, our confessional Reformed identity emphasizes this interconnectedness, rejecting partial adherence to Reformed doctrines.

By grounding our study in these sources and methods, systematic theology equips us to grow in the knowledge of God, avoid error, and live out His truth. As we continue this series, let us commit to studying diligently, balancing Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience, to know our incomprehensible yet revealed God more fully.

At Iron Men we’ve embarked on a journey through systematic theology, guided by the work of Reformed theologian Charles Hodge. But what exactly is systematic theology, and why is it vital for our faith? Simply put, systematic theology is the discipline of organizing and structuring biblical information into a coherent framework, addressing major doctrinal topics such as God, Christ, salvation, and the church. It’s like a biblical dictionary, compiling and synthesizing scriptural truths to help us understand God and His works comprehensively.

Systematic Theology as a Discipline

Systematic theology differs from other theological disciplines, each offering unique perspectives on God’s revelation. Biblical theology, for instance, traces the development of doctrines across Scripture, revealing how themes unfold from Genesis to Revelation. Consider the Garden of Eden: a surface reading of Genesis 2–3 might see it merely as the setting of the Fall, but biblical theology uncovers deeper truths. As we trace themes through the Psalms, Prophets, and Revelation, we see the Garden as the first temple, Adam as its priest, and the New Jerusalem as its ultimate fulfilment, with the Tree of Life at its centre. This progressive revelation ensures we interpret earlier Scriptures in light of later ones, reading the Bible “backwards” to grasp its full meaning.

Historical theology, another discipline, examines how Christian doctrines have developed over the past 2,000 years. For example, early church debates clarified that Jesus Christ has two natures—divine and human—and two wills, a truth solidified against heresies like Monothelitism, which claimed He had only one will. This historical perspective guards against novel interpretations, as the Apostle Paul described the faith as “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Deviating from established doctrines, like inventing new views of the Trinity, risks straying from biblical truth.

A Way to Better Know God

Ethics, a further branch, applies biblical principles to moral living, drawing from both Scripture and human experience. Together, these disciplines complement systematic theology, which seeks to synthesize all biblical data into a structured whole. But why pursue this rigorous study? Systematic theology anchors us in God’s self-revelation, helping us know Him as He has revealed Himself, even though His infinite nature remains incomprehensible. As we climb “the mountain of the knowledge of God,” we grow in faith, aligning our understanding with Scripture’s truths.

At Iron Men, we chose Charles Hodge’s Systematic Theology for its Reformed perspective, which emphasizes a holistic biblical worldview. Being “Reformed” isn’t just about affirming election or predestination; it’s about embracing a comprehensive theology that integrates doctrines of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and eschatology. A person who holds to election but denies Christ’s two natures, for instance, cannot be considered truly Reformed. The Reformation re-examined all aspects of biblical teaching, ensuring each doctrine aligns with Scripture and historical orthodoxy.

Systematic Theology Protects Us

Systematic theology also guards against fragmented beliefs. It challenges us to ensure our understanding of God is consistent across all areas of doctrine. For example, calling the Holy Spirit “it” rather than “He” reveals a misunderstanding of His personhood, a point systematic theology corrects by emphasizing His role as a divine person within the Trinity. Similarly, ecclesiology – the study of the church – reveals that the church’s roots extend beyond the New Testament, beginning with Adam and continuing through Abraham and Moses, as Paul notes, “not all Israel is Israel” (Romans 9:6).

By engaging in systematic theology, we avoid superficial readings of Scripture and ensure our faith is rooted in a robust, biblical framework. This study equips us to know God more deeply, live out His truth, and defend the faith once delivered. As we explore this blog series, let us pray for hearts strengthened and minds girded to interact with God’s Word, growing in the knowledge of Him who is our Creator, Redeemer, and King.

The Path of Wisdom 

Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." This fear is not about being afraid but about having a deep reverence, respect, and awe for God. It means recognising His authority, honouring His commandments, and worshiping Him wholeheartedly. True wisdom and knowledge start here. Without the fear of the Lord, we cannot gain true wisdom or benefit from knowledge. This is the path that leads to life.

Honouring Parents

Solomon's warning to his son begins with an appeal to honour his parents' teachings, in order to avoid the evil path: "Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck" (Proverbs 1:8-9).

Parental guidance is as valuable and precious as fine and expensive jewellery. External adornment may help enhance physical beauty, but only godly wisdom will make a beautiful person. As jewellery is to the body, so is wisdom to the heart. There are two important reasons why we should honour our parents:

1. Honouring parents instills wisdom

Obeying parents not only instills wisdom but also sets a foundation for a life of respect and obedience to authorities, ultimately preparing one to obey God’s authority. Honouring parents is so esteemed by God that it is the only commandment with a promise attached: “that it may go well with you and you may live long in the land” (Ephesians 6:2-3). This promise highlights the practical benefits of living wisely under authority.

This means that Parents are our first education in submission. Disobedience at home, often means we are that much more likely to disobey rulers, bosses, pastors, and ultimately God himself. After all, parental authroity is derived from God.

A person’s becoming human occurs within the home; here the foundation is laid for the forming of the future man and woman, of the future father and mother, of the future member of society, of the future citizen, of the future subject of the kingdom of God. - Herman Bavinck

2. Obeying your father and mother, will make you wise — but obeying Christ will make you wiser!

A father’s instructions and boundaries are genuine, though imperfect, expressions of love for his children. When we instil discipline in our children—through chores, studying, or extracurricular activities — we cultivate characteristics and traits that develop them into faithful and wise adults.

If this is true for human fathers, how much more so for our Heavenly Father?

God’s commands are the ultimate expressions of love. Believing ourselves wise apart from obedience to God is the great sin of the human heart—it is the essence of pride. When we presume to be wiser than God, judging and weighing His commands based on whether they suit us or meet our criteria for wisdom, we are hardening the wet cement of foolishness.

In choosing this path, we forsake the path of wisdom and life, opting instead for foolishness and death.

However, when we, by faith, look to Jesus Christ and receive and obey His commands, our hearts and minds are taught true wisdom. His instructions become our wisdom and understanding. The wisdom of God is embodied in Jesus Christ Himself — crucified, risen, and reigning. This wisdom is a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, it is the power and wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)

Christ is God’s way, God’s truth, and God’s life. He is the wise end and the goal of all things. As we grow in our obedience to God, He is pleased to increase our wisdom and understanding. As His commands increasingly make sense to us, not only does He become more beautiful to us, but so do all His ways. 

The Path of Foolishness

In contrast, the fool is the one who has no regard for God, and no fear of Him (Proverbs 1:10-19). In fact they despise both wisdom and instruction. The fool ignores God's existence, has no regard for His commandments, and dismisses the wisdom that comes from fearing Him. They do not fear God's wrath, do not seek His favour, and may even revile you for telling them what they ought to do to escape God’s judgement. This path leads to destruction.

The Enticement of Sin

Solomon vividly describes the enticement of sinners: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent" (Proverbs 1:10). He warns against the lure of power, wealth, and false camaraderie that sinners use to draw others into their evil schemes. These enticements appeal to our basest desires but ultimately lead to self-destruction.

Sin is misleading and deceiving. We need discernment to avoid the kinds of people who may entice us towards sinful behaviour. Even our own hearts, inherently wicked, tempt us towards the way of evil.

Solomon urges his son to avoid the path of evil and foolishness simply because it is evil. The actions mentioned are clear violations of the Ten Commandments—do not murder, do not steal, do not covet. All violations of God’s law are intrinsically evil because they violate God’s holiness and challenge His authority both in creation and providence. We must warn ourselves of the evil that will befall us if we succumb to the enticement of sinners and tempters. Solomon’s exhortation is clear: do not consent to sin. We must steadfastly refuse the allure of evil and choose the path of righteousness.

The Self-Sabotage of Sin

Verses 15-19 emphasize the futility and self-destructive nature of sin. Sinners "lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives" (Proverbs 1:18). Sin is inherently self-destructive. While a bird avoids a visible trap out of self-preservation, the rebellious spirit of man, by nature, is self-destructive. When man engages in evil activities, he essentially lays down his own net, setting a trap for his own capture and destruction.

Such is the foolishness of sin! Such is the foolishness of sin! Such is the folly of ignoring wisdom and its instructions. When man chooses to sin, he sets a trap into which he will inevitably fall, and his fall is into the wrath of God. Those who have not learned to fear God, will only find the wrath of God, and so God will destroy them in hell.

Conclusion

Fear God: Recognize Him as the ultimate authority and seek His wisdom.

Avoid the Path of Evil: Sin leads to selfdestruction. Instead, follow the path of wisdom that leads to life.

In Christ, we find the perfect wisdom of God. His teachings and sacrifice guide us toward a life that honours God and reflects His love and wisdom. Let us choose the path of wisdom, revering God, honouring our parents, and avoiding the enticement of sin, so that we may live a life that leads to eternal joy with Him, taking to heart the truth that God is able to make us truly wise in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:19; 2:16).

Proverbs 5 warns us against the forbidden woman and there is much in this chapter for us to cling to for hope in the eye of temptation.

V1-2: God’s Word Is Our Only Hope

¹ My son, be attentive to my wisdom;

incline your ear to my understanding,

²that you may keep discretion,

and your lips may guard knowledge.

We would do well to remember that God’s word, like our conscience, is meant to protect us. Unfortunately, many believe that being a Christian is subscribing to a life of restriction. This is far from the truth as Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30, reassuring us that His yoke is light.

True Freedom is only found in Christ Himself who is the owner and rightful giver of all there is to give.

And so let’s use our lips to guard knowledge by reciting Scripture to ourselves and the world at large.

David teaches us this lesson in Psalm 51:14-15: 

“Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.”

Oh, how we despise and misuse God’s gifts! The same mouth we use to curse is the same mouth we use to praise God? Can an unclean thing mix with clean things?

God help us, because…

V3-6: The Wages of Sin Is Death

³ For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,

and her speech is smoother than oil,

⁴ but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

sharp as a two-edged sword.

⁵ Her feet go down to death;

her steps follow the path to Sheol;

⁶ she does not ponder the path of life;

her ways wander, and she does not know it.

Sin’s wage is death, but it doesn’t present itself that way, does it? In fact, it presents itself in such a luscious & desirable way.

I personally liken sin to junk food. It seems enticing until its results surface.

Using the ordinary means of grace (Prayer, Reading the Word, etc.), we can put out the fiery arrows from afar and it will give us the wisdom to get out of the way.

Speaking of getting out of the way…

V7-14: The Power of Spiritual Wisdom

⁷ And now, O sons, listen to me,

and do not depart from the words of my mouth.

⁸ Keep your way far from her,

and do not go near the door of her house,

⁹ lest you give your honor to others

and your years to the merciless,

¹⁰ lest strangers take their fill of your strength,

and your labors go to the house of a foreigner,

¹¹ and at the end of your life you groan,

when your flesh and body are consumed,

¹² and you say, “How I hated discipline,

and my heart despised reproof!

¹³ I did not listen to the voice of my teachers

or incline my ear to my instructors.

¹⁴ I am at the brink of utter ruin

in the assembled congregation.”

A friend of mine went to his pastor to ask his advice on the best way to deal with sexual temptation. The answer he received is in verse 8. Stay far away from her! We are not as strong as we think we are when it comes to resisting temptation.

In fact, one pastor said, ‘if you find it difficult to put down a pack of Doritos, forget about fighting temptation.’

Spiritual Wisdom, as this section of the passage teaches, is paramount in our fight against temptation. If we despise it, our wealth (v9) and strength (v10) will be enjoyed by strangers. While our flesh and body (v11), instead of finding healing as they should through wisdom, will be consumed to utter ruin (v14) due to our folly.

V15-20: Marriage Is Sacred

¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern,

flowing water from your own well.

¹⁶ Should your springs be scattered abroad,

streams of water in the streets?

¹⁷ Let them be for yourself alone,

and not for strangers with you.

¹⁸ Let your fountain be blessed,

and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

¹⁹ a lovely deer, a graceful doe.

Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight;

be intoxicated always in her love.

²⁰ Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman

and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?

In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus teaches that men are to hold fast to their wives.

For husbands, “the holding fast” means that we are to occupy 4 offices in the lives of our wives and families, as Christ taught us:

Priests: Pray for them

Prophets: wash our wives with the Word and lead them through it

Providers: ensure their wellbeing, emotionally, physically and spiritually

and the one I want to focus on for now:

Protectors: Contrary to popular belief - our wives don’t need us to have Dwyane Johnson’s muscles. If that were the case, many of us here would be single for life. Rather they need us to protect them from spiritual dangers that creep in because of unchecked sin.

Brothers, we’ve determined in this teaching, that sexual sin is a terrible sin (1 Cor 6:18 says it’s a sin against one’s body and our bodies, as believers, are God’s temple).

However, brothers, although it’s this terrible, it’s important to remember that all sin is terrible. And the Bible uses adultery and idolatry interchangeably. God refers to Israel as an adulterous nation because of their idolatry. Meaning, even if we have never committed adultery (physically and mentally), if we idolise anything, we too are adulteresses to a Groom who has given us nothing but love and His life.

What the world offers is fleeting, and it will never satisfy us and our pursuit of it will only lead to our eternal ruin. However, as Jesus told the woman at the well, those who drink the water that He will give them (i.e. the Holy Spirit) will never be thirsty again.

God’s gifts are eternally satisfying - Taking care of, protecting and enjoying the 2nd greatest gift (after Salvation) that God has given you (i.e. your wife) will be eternally rewarding.

V21-23: There Is No Escape for the Folly

²¹ For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord,

and he ponders all his paths.

²² The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,

and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.

²³ He dies for lack of discipline,

and because of his great folly he is led astray.

Like Psalm 139, verse 21 in our text tells us that we have nowhere to hide from the eyes of the Lord. While He’s looking, it also says He ‘ponders” or “takes note of” our paths (good and evil). It doesn’t mean that every sin is visited with immediate punishment (praise God for that!). Rather, that He has fixed a Day when unrepentant sinners will be captured by their folly.

To the bride, however, who trusts and remains steadfast in her walk with her Lord, what awaits her on that Day is not judgement, but overwhelming joy; not condemnation but eternal glory in the company of her Holy, Holy, Holy Groom - who has washed her and presented her as His pure and eternal bride.

Oh, may our good Father, through His Son, give us the Spiritual wisdom, strength and joy to run the race that He has given us, for His eternal glory. Amen.

Proverbs 4 is about the application of practical, moral, and spiritual wisdom. It suggests that as we seek it, find it, hold on to it and make a daily study of it, wisdom will guide us, stabilize us, protect us.

The key theme is balance, moderation, wholesomeness and having a clear conscience. The book of Proverbs Chapter 4 proposes that wisdom is life itself and should be treated as such. When treated as sacred, it will make our lives sacred and secure.

We come into the world as fools and sinful, being alienated from God. So, what is it that characterizes a fool? Well, put simply they all hate for the God of scripture. We know that the fool says in is heart “there is no God”. Such were all of us before regeneration.  If we were not openly denying Him with our mouths, we were denying Him by our rebellion.

Section One is a father exhorting a son to seek wisdom (vv. 1-9)

This section is an appeal from a father to a son to seek wisdom just like his father sought wisdom. It can be said that godliness and prudence are part of the family heritage, and he wants his sons to maintain the legacy.

None of us are born with wisdom. It comes with searching Gods word, applying it to life experiences and learning from the life experience of wiser men. It is therefore imperative that we make it a priority to mine God’s word as the ultimate source of all wisdom and apply it in our lives as we seek to grow in godliness and imitate our Saviour.

Proverbs 9:8 reminds us that the wise men love wisdom and will even love you if you rebuke them. On the contrary, rebuke a fool and he will hate you.

It is wisdom to seek knowledge and understating from scripture and to then apply it to all the situations we find ourselves in. The beauty is even though we are marred by our sinful nature, Christ has made a way for us to better obey Him by applying His word in our lives.

• Which Bible-believing and Christ-loving Christian does not want to live an honourable life?
• Which Christian dose not want to leave a Kingdom legacy that will outlive them?

If this describes you, seek wisdom, seek undertaking for “Narrow is way that leads to life and broad is the highway to hell”.

Proverbs 29: 18 says “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law”

Why make a shipwreck of your faith because of a lack of underrating? When God’s revealed will has been made know to us through the 66 Books of the Holy Cannon. On top of that he has been working through many men and women to better expound the bible. Even better than that, he his put us in church community to sit under biblical teaching and sharpen one another just as Irion sharpens Iron.

Section Two is another parental appeal that distinguishes between the way Of wisdom and the way of folly (vv. 9-17)

Simply put, the path one chooses will determine the outcome of one’s life.

We are told to hold fast to wisdom for in wisdom there is life. We are told to watch the company we keep and not to associate with the wicked. While we seek to be winsome, its important to not be deceived and think we won’t be influenced by bad company.

Here there is a further expounding of versess 13-14, showing us what the wicked desire. While we seek to be winsome and make the teaching of our Lord and Saviour look good, it is important to ensure that our testimony stays intact. How do you convince fallen degenerate sinners of a better way if we ourselves are stuck in a snare and do the same things they do?

Section 3 deals with the wisdom that come with being righteous and upright (V18 & V19)

These verses make it abundantly clear that the righteous hunger and thirst after righteousness. We have a problem here, however, because even the Son of God says that "no one is good except God alone” (Mark 10 :18). So, who is righteous?

We all know that Romans 3:23-24 tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and we are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.

The righteous man is the man who trusts in the complete atoning work of Christ. What a mighty God we serve, that God Himself would condescend from the glories of Heaven, live amongst us, suffer amongst us, and keep God's law perfectly to come save rebels like you and me. If this does not impress you and cause you to respond in praise and thankfulness, I don’t know what will.

Section 4 shows Wisdom's final exhortation to the reader (vv. 20-25)

The heavenly wisdom we are called to is countercultural and so will not come naturally. The only way is to saturate our minds with the truth of scripture so we can have renewed minds and see things for what they are through the lens of God’s word.

Yes, it will take much effort to resist gravity and not to be conformed to the pattern of this world.

May the Lord grant you strength through His Spirit.

Proverbs 3:13-35 can be broken up into 4 main parts.

1. Value of Wisdom (vv. 13 - 18)
2. Power of Wisdom (vv. 19 - 20)
3. Wisdom's 'Do nots' (vv. 18 - 32)
4. Why We Should Obey Wisdom's Teachings (vv. 34 - 35)

1. Value of Wisdom

V13. If you look at Wisdom literature, the words 'wisdom', 'knowledge' and 'understanding' are often mentioned together, and it can be a struggle to understand the difference between them.

Without being too technical,...

• 'Knowledge' is basically the accumulation of information.
• 'Understanding' is knowing what the information means, and
• 'Wisdom' is experience that you gain from applying both overtime in different
  situations.

The finding of wisdom in v 13 indicates that there is a responsibility on our side.

The finding of wisdom in v 13 indicates that there is a responsibility on our side. This is being diligent in studying God’s word resulting in an accumulation of knowledge and understanding of his Word which makes us wiser overtime.
Many blessings are received from wisdom. We can take Solomon as an example. His wisdom brought him riches and peace during his reign. He was a very successful leader in business and government.

We can also apply this Godly wisdom in many areas of our lives and gain success in
those areas. True wisdom however is the wisdom that leads to saving faith in Christ Who grants us the ultimate blessing of eternal life.

In vv. 14 – 18, we see wisdom being personified as a woman again like in chapter 1 but this time it’s also being compared to precious items that normally symbolise wealth.
1 Kings 10:14-15 says “Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold. This was around 1.2 billion dollars and besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land.” Gold was his main currency. 1 Kings 10:23 says the whole earth wanted the presence of Solomon, and they brought him silver.
So, while these material things are valuable to Solomon he himself ranks wisdom higher than those things because if he were to lose everything, with the wisdom that the Lord gave him he can get it all back.

We need to constantly check our hearts to see what’s more of a priority and if we treasure material things more, then we need to repent and ask the Lord to help us.

V 16 Long life here is mentioned as another benefit because when you have wisdom you can make decisions that can help you avoid things that can shorten your life. Wisdom can protect you and guide you into good decisions in life.
V 17 speaks about pleasantness and peace, and this is because making wise decision creates a sense of accomplishment and that is pleasant to us and brings some sort of contentment.
1 Kings 4:24 says that King Solomon had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him.
Because he ruled as a wise king peace was enjoyed in his time of reign. Proverbs 15:1 give another example.
V18 compares wisdom to a tree of life. The 'Tree of life' is normally symbolic of new life. This is ultimately pointing to eternal life (as mentioned in Genesis 3 and Revelation 22) so it is clear here that true wisdom leads us to Christ who grants us eternal life. 18b speaks of people who are wise/ have wisdom being called blessed. When we are wise people notice and testify of us being blessed because of the wisdom we exercise. We also have the ultimate blessing of peace with God.

2. Power of Wisdom 

In vv. 19 – 20, Solomon highlights the 3 buzz words that we spoke about in the beginning: wisdom, knowledge and understanding, but this time he specifies that creation came into existence because of God’s Wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
The creator of all is the ultimate source of our wisdom, knowledge and understanding and His wisdom knowledge and understanding is so powerful that it created the earth, and another realm called heaven.

That is far beyond our understanding, and shows the absolute power and authority of God, and causes us simply to marvel.

3. Wisdom's 'Do nots' 

Do not lose sight of these and keep wisdom and discretion. Why? Because all of these come from the Creator of all.
Verses 22 to 24 explains what happens when we keep this wisdom and discretion.
V25 – 26 Speaks of not being afraid of sudden terror. We should not be afraid because it specifies that this is for the wicked or unbelievers. They should be afraid of sudden terror because if they die in unbelief, it’s hell for them, but we’re not afraid because we are in Christ.
V27 – 29 Talks about matters of fairness with others. This echoes some of the principles in the 10 commandments on how we should relate to our neighbour
V30 – 31 Talks about being peaceable and not starting fights unprovoked.

4. Why We Should Obey Wisdom's Teachings

Vv. 32 – 35 summarises why we should obey these teachings. When you don’t heed them, you become an enemy of God, but if you do, He is pleased with you. V33 mentions that the curse is on their house. 

Thus what lies before us is portrayed as choosing wisdom, but ultimately, it is choosing the gift of eternal blessedness, and escaping the eternal curse that abides on all men who reject wisdom.

Conclusion

We learned that wisdom could get you success in this life in many ways and is of more value than material things. Solomon had wisdom and success in abundance but he turned from the Lord (1 Kings 11) by letting his lust lead him to 700 Wives and 300 concubines which then turned him to other gods.
He was trying to exercise the wisdom that God gave him without God. The wisdom that God gave Solomon was not just for him to be a successful king and businessman, but it was ultimately for him to realise that all his success was vanity outside of God.

This is the lesson we must heed from Solomon's discourse on Wisdom.

The first few chapters of the book of Proverbs emphasise the picture of a father lovingly speaking to his son and passing on wisdom to his son that will enable him to live a purposeful and God pleasing life. The first few verses of this chapter carry on with this picture and emphasise key aspects that are required as man lives and communes with God.

In the opening 2 verses, the father urges the son to not let go of his word and his commandments but to keep them in his heart. This is an exhortation to not let go of the truth of the word of God but to hold on to it even when the world contradicts. This echoes the words Jesus to the Samaritan women that God is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth. How can a man worship God if he knows not who God is and how He ought to be worshipped. We must hold on to the word of God as that which reveals God and teaches us to workshop him. Living according to this word will indeed give us peace both with God (eternally) and with man.

In the next 10 verses, the writer highlights several aspects to how we ought to relate with God as we live on earth:

1. Steadfast Love and Faithfulness:

“³ Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

Those who live with God need to represent God in how their love for God and their fellow brothers and sisters. The writer here not only says that we should love but that our love for God and man ought to be steadfast, truly reflecting the 1 Corinthians 13 kind of love. A love that is intentional and persistent.
The writer then mentions faithfulness or rather being true in our words and actions. Basically, being people who always speak the truth and carry through on our promises. The book of proverbs is filled with many verses that portray how the Lord hates liars or those who say one thing and do the other. As those who walk with God we must waly in the truth.

2. Faith and Dependence on God

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

A man cannot commune with God unless he depends on and believes in God. The Christian life is lived in full dependence on God for all this. We depend on him for all things that relate to our salvation, victory over sin, provision on earth, success of our marriages and raising of our children. Indeed, it is true that without faith we cannot please God. Even in the day-to-day decisions we make, we must let go of all human wisdom and trust in the wisdom of God. We must trust the word of God to define everything that is contained in scripture, from the type of person we marry, how we raise our kids, how we conduct ourselves in the workplace, etc. All these are to be defined by God through His word and we ought to trust God enough to abandon our human wisdom to live according to His divine wisdom

3. Faithfulness to God in our Finances

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce ¹⁰ then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

There are a few things in this the Christian world that are as contentious as honoring God with our wealth and possessions. The rise of false teachers and those who use the gospel for self-gain have created a distrust between the Christians and the church when it comes to giving. However, the scripture is clear that how we use our money is a good reflection of our maturity and relationship with Christ, for example, Matthew 6: ¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust^[e]destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  

These verses make it clear that if we are to commune with God, the Lord needs to have authority on how we use our wealth for His purposes and glory. This can be characterized by giving to the church, missions, brothers/ sisters who are in need etc. Regardless of how we are led to do it, the main point is that we need to see our belief and obedience to God reflected in our use of resources and possessions.

4. Humility in the Face of Discipline

¹¹ My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, ¹² for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

We will often find ourselves in sin and straying away from the path of righteousness. In these moments the Lord will always discipline us in order to bring us back to the path of righteousness. This discipline can take on many forms: an uncomfortable conversation with a fellow Christian, discipline from the church and negative results from our action. In all these circumstances we are to see the loving hand of God bringing us back and correct us and respond in humility and repentance

All these instructions that relate to how we commune or live with God also carry with them some generally acceptable promises that are applicable in this life. For example, length of days, favor with God and men, increases in resources and etc. All these the Lord will give in accordance with His will and grace to those he pleases. But even in the absence of these, there is a promise for eternal crowns and glory for all those who live in according to these principles and commune with God.

Wisdom and Deliverance

Proverbs 2 continues nicely from our previous studies in the Book of Proverbs.

This chapter will be broken down into 3 sections:

     Proverbs 2:1-4 is the ‘If’ section, showing us the conditions of developing wisdom.

     Proverbs 2:5-11 is the ‘Then’ section, showing us the results of meeting the conditions of wisdom in our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationship with men.

     Proverbs 2:12-22 is the ‘Deliverance’ section, where we are taught of the forbidden women.

Proverbs 2:1-4. If

In this first section, we see the reoccurring use of the word if. 

If, implies that there is a choice to make. Like being given the option to do something or not do something. I like to visualise a much older person sitting with a younger person saying to them, “Do this, this is the way to go, there is no need for you to see for yourself. Avoid that messy road.” But only if.

These first 4 verses essentially outline actions we can all be involved in:

• To obey Verse 1 is to take the first step of a thousand miles. The action here is to Receive and treasure. This receiving is the receiving of his word which calls for and looks like acceptance. We cannot receive something that we don’t accept or don’t believe in. We must accept the words of this book as God’s word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us this.
• To obey Verse 2 is to incline one’s heart to understanding which calls for submitting one’s own heart. And what I would like to make much of here, is the heart and the required submission thereof. It is there that we really need the Lord to act on us in as much as we need to apply ourselves.
  • This is a two-fold action for us to review. On one side of the coin, it is human responsibility in that it is a conscious thing that we ourselves must do.
• In Verse 3, we are actually being encouraged to call out for insight, mirroring the calling out that Wisdom was shown to do in Proverbs 1:20. This then is a required humility of heart for us to cry out just as well as Wisdom cries out to us.
• Verse 4 then tells us of the seeking and searching as for hidden treasures. We are called to treasure the words of the father. We do this through memorisation (Psalm 119:11). We must store His promises and hide His Word in our hearts. 

These are the ‘If’s that we are encouraged to walk in. And IF we do these things, what THEN will happen as a result?

Proverbs 2:5-11. Then

There are two things that happen if we respond positively by heeding God’s words. 

1. Wisdom in one’s relationship with God (V5-8), namely our vertical relationship.
2. Wisdom in one’s relationship with others (V9-11), namely our horizontal relationships.

"Luke 2:52 shows us the most excellent example of our Lord Jesus Christ increasing in wisdom and in stature and in favour with both God and man."

We see in V5-8 that it is the Lord Who gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and He does this through the Bible. Heed then the preaching and teaching of God’s Word and meditate on it day and night.  Let it guard your heart and guide your thinking.

"Where do you get wisdom for daily life? Somebody is shaping you. Who is it?"

Where do you get wisdom for daily life? Who is shaping you?

Is it podcasters such as Steven Bartlett of Diary of a CEO, Chris Williamson, Piers Morgan, Ben Shapiro or Jordan Peterson—just to name a few of the thought leaders of our age? While some of the information from these podcasts can be helpful, these men do not fear the Lord—which of course we know is the beginning of wisdom.

Our meditation should be on the Wisdom that comes from above, and we ought to make this our treasure so that we can grow in stature with both God and man.

Proverbs 2:12-22. Deliverance

In Verses 12-15, we see a warning to watch our company wisely. Who is it that you spend most time with? Who is it that you let your guard down around?

Walking in the way of God’s wisdom should incline us to certain relationships that aren’t characterised by evil, but rather to those who delight in the things which please God.

Verses 16 tells us to stay clear of the forbidden woman and the adulteress. This is sin. The forbidden or adulteress woman here is literally poratrayed as a ‘strange' woman. The image this depicts for us by using covenantal language, is that we are to stay clear from those who don’t share the same covenant with our God or no longer walk in His ways. Do not be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Verses 18 to 19 highlight the permanence of sin. There are no “take backs” when it comes to sin. With sin, comes inevitable consequences.

 There are no “take backs” when it comes to sin. With sin, comes inevitable consequences.

What we find here is a warning and a promise. We will face judgement for the way we live our lives, but in Christ and through His death on the cross, we have also been saved and delivered. 

Verses 20-22 then emphasises again our deliverance from evil so as to create space for walking in the way of good people. This points us forward to the age that is to come when we will have sanctified bodies and we will be made anew.

These verses ought to make us long for the new heavens and the new earth. These promises foreshadow eternal life. 

So let us be encouraged.

Let us meditate often on the promises of God.

It is Him who keeps us to the end.

May we always remember that. 

IF we listen to His call, THEN He will grant us wisdom and DELIVER us unto eternal life.