Lesson 6: Wisdom and the Heart
The Heart Of Who We Are
What kind of hearts are described in the following passages?
Passage
|
Description
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Proverbs 6:18
Proverbs 7:9-10
Proverbs 12:20
Proverbs 14:10
Proverbs 15:30
Proverbs 18:12
Proverbs 19:3
Proverbs 23:17
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Heart of wicked thought and
plans
Hidden deceitful heart
Heart full of deceit
Heart of bitterness
Heart of joy
Heart of pride
Heart of rebellion
Heart of envy
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Understanding the Heart
From the biblical viewpoint then, what is the heart?
It is the core of who we are. It is the emotions and attitudes that
motivate and compel our lives, thoughts and decisions.
Since the heart is the core of who we are we need to be
aware of how it is influenced and controlled.
In the following passages, what affects the heart?
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:
The hear is affected by that which we let our minds dwells upon.
Proverbs 24:1-2 Be not thou envious against evil men,
neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth (Heb.- hagaw,
meditates, imagines, speaks) destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
Hearts are affected by that which we study and that which we
talk about.
Now, in the next scriptures, what are some dangerous inclinations
of the heart that we must guard against?
Proverbs 5:12-13 And say, How have I hated instruction, and
my heart despised reproof; And have not
obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed
me!
It is dangerous for our hearts if they resist or turn away
from instruction and correction.
Proverbs 6:23-25 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law
is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from
the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not
after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
(eyelashes)
Our hearts are draw toward sensual, sinful pleasures.
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it
stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and
the end of that mirth is heaviness.
Hearts are susceptible to depression, sorrow and denial.
The Final Word
Here is wisdom’s final precaution concerning the heart.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of
it are the issues of life.
What is the key to wisely governing our heart?
Guard it, keep it, protect it. We must keep a constant vigil on what is
affecting our heart and upon what our heart is affecting in us.
Lesson 7: Wisdom and the Fool
Proverbs says a
lot about fools. In many ways it is
God’s harshest condemnation for man. In
one way it’s another way of saying “Sin is Stupid.” And yes, most times it seems like no one is
listening.
Definition of a Fool
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
What is the definition of a fool?
He despises the Lord’s wisdom and instruction.
In relationship to God, what does this mean?
This means the fool refuses and rejects the guidance,
teaching and instruction of God. A fool is one who rejects God's goals, God's plans
and God's teaching. Of course even worse the fool rejects God’s grace.
Description of a Fool
Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom
is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends
of the earth.
This passage describes the vision of a fool. What is it saying?
A fool cannot see what is right before his eyes. He is always looking far away for something
else.
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool
returneth to his folly.
What does this say about the nature of a fool?
He keeps doing the same foolish, sinful, hurtful
things. He can’t or he won’t change his behavior.
Now read 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye
be in the faith; prove (test) your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how
that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (Grk. αδοκιμοι, base
counterfeit coin; mongrel Christians)
What then is the procedure to overcoming the fool in our own
lives?
We must learn to examine ourselves.
How does examining ourselves change both our vision and our
natural tendencies?
By charting where we are and where we are going. We note progress or the lack of progress.
Application: In the different parts of our lives listed
below name some ways in which we should examine ourselves.
Spiritually-
Emotionally-
Physically-
The Destruction of The Fool
Proverbs 1:32 For
the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools
shall destroy them
Proverbs 10:8 The
wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Proverbs 22:3 A
prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and
are punished.
In the above scriptures, who is to blame for the destruction
of the fool?
Himself. The fool continues
in his rebellion and folly until it ultimately destroys him.
From these verses, what is the major cause of most of our
problems, pain and tribulations?
Ourselves and our own poor or foolish choices.
Proverbs 26:10 The
great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth
transgressors
How does God view the final condition of a fool?
God sees their judgment as a reward, something that they
have earned and that He simply gives to them as something that is due to them.
The Law of Sowing and Reaping
This truth is detailed in the following passage.
Galatians 6:7-10 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit
reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season
we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do
good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith
What is the warning of Galatians 6:8?
If you sow to your flesh you will reap corruption.
How do you sow to your flesh?
Invest your time, efforts, love, money, and dreams to this
world and the physical, sensual things rather than to God and the eternal
things.
What does it mean to reap “corruption?”
The end result of all investing in physical worldly things
is rust, decay and loss.
What is the promise of Galatians 6:8?
Investing in the spiritual things of God brings a harvest of
eternity.
According to the passage how do sow to the spirit?
By “well doing.”
Doing what is right measured by the perspective of eternity and the
spiritual elements of life.
What is the promise of Galatians 6:9?
We will reap if we don’t faint.
How do you faint?
By quitting, giving up, walking away from your God called life
and ministry of well doing.
Conclusion:
No time for God
What fools we are, to clutter up
Our lives with common things
And leave outside heart's gate
The Lord of Life and Life itself.
No time for God
As soon to say no time
To eat and sleep or love or die.
Take time for God!
Or you shall dwarf your soul
And when the angel Death
Comes knocking at your door
A poor misshapen thing you will be
To step into eternity.
Someday you'll lay aside
This mortal self and make your way
To worlds unknown
And when you meet Him face to face
Will He - should He
Have time for you?
What fools we are, to clutter up
Our lives with common things
And leave outside heart's gate
The Lord of Life and Life itself.
No time for God
As soon to say no time
To eat and sleep or love or die.
Take time for God!
Or you shall dwarf your soul
And when the angel Death
Comes knocking at your door
A poor misshapen thing you will be
To step into eternity.
Someday you'll lay aside
This mortal self and make your way
To worlds unknown
And when you meet Him face to face
Will He - should He
Have time for you?
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