Wisdom's Instructions on Moral Virtues
Book of Proverbs Chapter 18
We can say that virtue is acting according to the "Will of God" for our lives.
The Bible tells us that only fools walk outside the will of God!
Rom_12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1Jn_2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
Each of us must come to understand what the will of the Lord is!
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
We should come to an understanding that:
1) We should stand in awe of our Creator, who is wise, powerful, and loving.
2) We can entrust our entire lives to our Almighty God.
3) We can rejoice in the wonder of His salvation.
4) We can rest in peace while the world goes through turmoil after turmoil.
5) That God holds people accountable for their sin.
6) That God opposes the pride of mankind.
Man, in his pride, desires to run his own life and refuses to recognize that God is God of all creation, but He has a humble Spirit.
We must avoid having a sinful attitude.
We must understand that the Book of Proverbs declares that fools walk a path of death.
*****Pro 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Pro 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Pro 18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
There are many interpretations of this verse, but the most accurate interpretation seems to be that people who think only of themselves, who are selfish and antisocial, are fools.
They are foolish because they have a great desire to live as they wish, but they will meddle in the affairs of all others.
We are to separate ourselves from the world: 2Co_6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
We are not to live a life like an isolationist, which is foolish behavior!
Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
We are social people, and we will not develop properly by self-discipline in solitude.
To depend upon us for all things is not beneficial, and it is not good, but to do this while we intermeddle in the business of all others is downright sinful.
Pro 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
Pro 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
What is being obstinate? It is stubborn, having only your own opinion, your own purpose, your own resolutions.
Not yielding to reason nor in arguments. Having your own way at the expense of all others.
This fool has no desire to listen to what others have to say, as they have made up their minds that they are right and everyone else is wrong.
They are interested in only their own opinion.
They will not listen to the arguments of others.
They are so full of pride in themselves that they want to impress others with what they have to say.
These are not people who should be allowed to stay in the Church.
The Church is far better off without wicked people in the Church.
This is not to say that we should police all who come into the doors of the Church, but the Bible does say we will know them by their fruit.
One pastor said that these are blessed subtractions.
Wicked people may contribute to some organizations but not to the Church.
They bring contempt to the Church.
They bring ignominy or shame to the Church.
They bring reproaches or disgrace to the Church.
They will also bring this same damage to themselves and to their families, unless they repent.
It is the wisdom of God that will bring blessings.
*****Pro 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Pro 18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Pro 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Pro 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Pro 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
It is the mouths of those who fear the Lord that will edify the Church.
Pro 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Joh 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
In contrast, if that wicked person is allowed to stay in the Church, then there will be problems.
Pro 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
When we accept this person, we are showing partiality and not considering the right and wrong of it.
Anytime we show partiality to the wicked, we are wrongly judging the righteous man!
These wicked people may seem to be very wise in the Scriptures, but so was Satan.
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
The Bible teaches us against such things.
Psa 82:2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.
This wicked person may be the richest man in the congregation, but we are to act according to the Word of God.
These things have divided many Houses of Worship today.
The Bible says we are never to show partiality to the wicked, nor are we to speak against the righteous and the innocent.
Fools bring on most of their problems because they cannot control their speech.
In most cases, it is their quarreling over matters we consider evil that sets them apart from the Church.
Many churches today are accepting the testimony of certain movements when there is no repentance, which goes against the Word of God, when the Word of God is the foundation of the Church and not the words of man.
God calls for repentance!
Jhn_3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Jhn_3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1Pe_1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Many denominations are quarreling over these things today when the Lord Jesus says, "ye must be Born Again".
When we throw the Lord Jesus out of the Church, we have no Church!
We are warned: A fool's mouth ends in destruction!
Their senseless, uncontrolled words will be their downfall.
If they could keep their mouths shut, they might even fool the Church.
Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Talebearers or those who go around whispering about others also cause divisions in the Church.
We call it gossip, and it will destroy the reputation of the righteous man.
Spreading rumors inside the Church is an abomination to the One we come together to worship.
In fact, the reason we gather together is to worship the Living God!
Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
We must avoid selfish attitudes and sinful words that hinder our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ and cause division in the Church.
We are to love one another and seek our security in the Lord, who is the foundation of the Church.
*****Pro 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Being slothful is being lazy, being idle, and it is destructive!
Those who are wise are people who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for life now and eternal life in the future.
This is a never-ending life of "Grace".
Fools trust in themselves, some in their wealth, and others in this corrupt world.
I used to think our own government, no matter which party was in charge, would be far above corruption, but I now know this is not so after seeing the Democrats do everything they could to destroy are nation and our Republic.
Things are getting worse just as the Lord has said.
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
We can blame a lot of these problems on the Church because the Church has become weak and lazy, and slothful.
The Church has become a great waster of the work the Lord Jesus has done to save us!
Many in the Church purposely tear down rather than build and preserve the Gospel.
This is why God will first judge the Church before He judges the world.
God will separate the goats from the sheep in the House of God, and the goats know who they are, but the sheep have become far too docile to take a stand on the Lord Jesus and the Gospel.
We can trust that our Lord God knows what He is doing and run to Him for safety.
God is The Almighty God.
He is the great I Am Yahweh.
He is Jehovah.
He is the Lord God.
He is wonderful.
He is the everlasting Father.
He is the Prince of Peace.
He is our Counselor.
He is the High and Lofty One.
He is the Lord Our Righteousness.
He is Emmanuel.
He is the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning, and the End.
He is my Savior and Redeemer.
He is my Strong Tower of safety.
He is my Rock and Fortress.
Those who reject these things are fools.
*****Pro 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
There are not enough riches in this entire world that can save those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ from the wrath of my Heavenly Father.
The rich think that their wealth can save them from anything, and they are wrong when it comes to the wrath of God.
1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
To all others, the Holy Spirit says.
*****Pro 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
The rest of the world seeks salvation in their own abilities.
That word haughty means proud and disdainful with contempt for all those who trust the Lord.
They are proud people who trust only in themselves.
In their own strength, in their own intelligence, in their own abilities.
As fools, they will not even be able to stand against the storms of this life, and it will break them.
Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
*****Pro 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
We must first hear the whole story before we can speak to a matter.
Only a fool thinks he has all the answers!
This is being arrogant and putting yourself above others.
A wise man will wait until he has heard the whole story of the matter and then see if he can help in some way.
Only God and His Word have all the answers to life!
*****Pro 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Our spirit can only sustain us if we live according to Christian principles.
Christian principles give us the strength to look past our troubles to our future, and this will make all our troubles bearable.
Pro 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Those who are deep into depression and despair are difficult to rescue.
*****Pro 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
God has no respect for those who are ignorant except for the fact that He will send someone to tell the ignorant the truth so they can decide for themselves.
If a person desires to avoid harm to body, mind, and soul, then that person must acquire knowledge both in relation to things of this world, which are material, and seek spiritual things that are from Heaven.
Most of us who have tasted the wisdom of God are now trying to find out more.
We know we need to grow in wisdom, but it requires our faith, our belief in the truth of God!
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
If we truly begin a search for wisdom, it will lead us to fear of the Lord, the place of true wisdom.
1) Our hearts must be dedicated to obtaining this knowledge.
2) Our ears are open to receive this great knowledge.
Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Our security can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ have nowhere else to turn for lifesaving knowledge!
They are open to all the destructive forces in this world, which is the domain of Satan.
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Only those who are filled with God the Holy Spirit is secure in this world and the world that is to come.
2Co 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
2Co 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
God has a purpose for everything we face in this life, every problem and every difficulty.
This does not mean He causes all our problems; that is what Satan does.
We must keep our focus on Heaven and not on our problems!
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
When we become too ashamed to ask for God's help, we will suffer more than we could have.
Our Heavenly Father does much more than just listen to us; He will answer every prayer that reaches into Heaven.
We must live our lives in such a fashion as to make sure our prayers reach Heaven, and it begins when we have the "Fear of the Lord".
We must never seek an unfair advantage over others, because God will not allow it.
We must seek that God's righteousness is at work in us as we go about the business of serving the Lord!
God's wisdom will affect our behavior toward others!
*****Pro 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Pro 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Pro 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
It is a proven fact that generosity and politeness have opened many doors.
There are two kinds of gifts, the gift of selfishness and the gift of kindness.
A man sometimes bestows a favor on another to get back something of a higher value. This gift is a bribe.
Bribery is the cause of much corruption in our world.
The true children of God will not offer bribes, nor will they accept them!
The gift of kindness is the true gift and is the real power.
It makes room for the giver in the heart of the receiver, and it bringeth him before truly great men. Great men recognize and honour the generous.
We may be able to use gifts here on this earth to help open doors, but we never need gifts to go before the Lord!
The door of access to our Heavenly Father is always open to His children!
We must be very careful when we hear something that seems bad about someone.
God's children must hear both sides of each story.
The first one to plead their case usually seems right. When we hear from the first side, we often feel that the first one to plead their case seems right, and we are quick to take their side.
Our neighbor may come and judge us for our quick reaction without hearing the story from the other side.
Our judgment may be different once we have heard from the other side.
We may have to demand cross-examination of both parties before we can know the truth.
In the Bible, the casting of lots was used to find answers and make decisions, and they had every faith that God would be involved.
Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
As true believers, we should be able to settle disputes just as peacefully as they did; we supposedly have the mind of Christ and have the Holy Spirit living within us.
We should never turn to the world for help!
As we witness to the lost, it is important that we argue and defend the truth of the Scriptures before all whom we may face, giving exactly what God has said and the meaning of it.
As Christians, we are wise to do everything we can to prevent conflicts in the Church before they arise.
Once it has taken place and relationships are harmed, it will be hard for them to be restored.
People who are angered and hurt are difficult to win back.
These things divide churches if not solved before they get out of hand.
We see that to please God, we must make it clear that we cannot be bought; we are not for sale.
We must never take sides based on partial information.
We must handle differences of opinion according to the Scriptures.
We should do everything we can to live peaceably with others.
*****Pro 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
There is sometimes great power in the words that we say.
We need to think before we speak and try not to wound the spirits of those around us.
Some people indeed make their living speaking words, and most of them do not care what they say if it gets a laugh or causes some dispute.
They just laugh at those who do not think the way they do
It is far better to seek to encourage and build up people.
We are commanded to show respect for each other.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
What we say comes from the heart, so impure words come from an impure heart.
Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Each of us is responsible for our own spiritual growth.
We are responsible for getting our children headed down the right path.
Pro_22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The families of our nation are failing in this command of God.
If we keep our minds focused upon the Lord, we will think right.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
There is certainly death in the power of the tongue, but there can also be life if we think before we speak.
The great example we have before us is the Word of Life, the Love Letter that God has given to us.
God just speaks, and things happen.
God does not speak bad things because it is out of His character and goes against His goodness, but He does not hesitate to tell us the truth of this world and the world that is to come.
*****Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
When we find that wife that God designed for us, we know we have a good thing.
This is also pleasing to our Heavenly Father, and He will bless this marriage.
Unfortunately, not every wife is a good wife, and not every husband is a good husband.
To be honest, we will not know how to choose a good wife until we become children of God.
Besides salvation, the choosing of a good wife is one of the most important decisions we will make in this life.
What does God actually say: 2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
We should understand that God ordains each marriage for life, so we must be wise when we are searching for a wife.
1Co 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
1Co 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
These things go for the husband also.
If our marriage does not work out, we must be careful to observe the Word of God and allow God to decide if we need another wife or another husband.
God is very good at leading two people together and making it a blessing.
*****Pro 18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
In the Bible, the poor are those because of circumstances beyond their control, cannot work to support themselves.
God has very little pity on those who can work but are too lazy to do so.
God has very little pity on those who cannot work because of sin.
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Those whom God has allowed to become rich are to help those who are poor.
1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
How to use our resources is another thing we need the wisdom of God to do righteously.
*****Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
We should understand that one true friend is far more valuable than many who just claim to be our friends.
The one who gave us our first cigarette was not our friend.
The one who gave us that drink of alcohol was not our friend.
The one who gave us drugs was not our friend.
The one who talked us into doing something foolish was not our friend.
A true friend will stick by you no matter the circumstances.
Even in this, we have the Lord Jesus Christ as our example because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who died in our place so we can live an eternal life.
Nothing can separate us from our Savior!
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God bless the Word of God that gives us such great wisdom from the only source of true wisdom.
Amen
