How are we—who are “wise for salvation” through Jesus—supposed to live a meaningful life? For eleven Sundays we’ll explore insights from Solomon, who “was wiser than any other human.”
Wise people follow God’s ways and take initiative, do good, love discipline, speak truth, cultivate compassion, manage anger and trust God in everything. Fools don’t follow God’s ways. “Fools despise wisdom and discipline” from the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). High IQs don’t exempt people from being fools. Fear the Lord.
God did not create the world by sitting around. He spoke and it came into being. And when the world was headed for hell after the fall into sin, he took initiative and gave us his only Son to save it. God promotes work and rejects laziness. Proverbs 6:6 says: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”
You and I are saved by good works, the good works of Jesus. We are now called to “do good works” in his Name (Ephesians 2). “Do not withhold good works from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act” (Proverbs 3:27). Giving coins to alcoholics won’t help, but food for body—and especially soul—will (John 6).
Jesus lived a disciplined, God-honoring, holy life—it saved us from hell and will bring us to heaven. In love, we now desire to live a disciplined life like Jesus. How do we do it? Proverbs 12:1 explains, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” Discipline is an indispensible tool for us.
Have you ever been lied to so badly that it has taken years to recover from it? God wants us to speak the truth. He has a strong distaste for lies. Speaking the truth in love and with kindness brings healing to the soul. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
Marriage is life-long. Before you select a spouse get advice! “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:17).