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PROVEBS AND GODLY WISDOM
Lesson Thirteen
The Contrast and Choice
Text: Proverbs 9:7-12
Ultimately, what transpires in our lives depends on the choices we make. I do not mean that “it is all up to us.” Without question, God can do incredible things in us (Ephesians 3:20, 21). Without question, evil can do incredible things in us (Ephesians 6:12). That which God does and that which evil does goes beyond anything we can do of ourselves. We just grant permission. Both empower us to go beyond what we are ordinarily capable of doing.
Yet, the deciding factor in what we do is the choices we make. Do we produce a favorable “climate/environment” for God or for evil? Either can take root in our lives. Either can use our lives for their purposes. Each is more than happy for us to decide for them. However, our choices determine the “climate/environment” we provide to determine if God or evil is the predominant force in our lives.
We can change the “climate/environment” within our lives. Read 2 Peter 2:20-22. A righteous person can escape a wicked existence and return to the wicked existence. It is the person’s choice! Read 1 John 1:5-10. If we wish to escape the hold and consequence of evil, God has us “covered.” The “turning” is what repentance is about. Commitment is not simple, but it is possible—for anyone. The choice of directions a person wishes to go is his/hers to make. Those choices determine who is ascendant in one’s life—God or Satan.
No matter how desirable something may be, no matter how simple a choice may seem, or no matter how ill-advised a decision might be, the person still—by choices made and decisions followed—determines which power directs his/her life. As powerful as relationship with God is, and as powerful as evil’s ability to use is, each person through choices/decisions determines who is in control—God or Satan.
In today’s text there is a contrast which magnifies the choice. Ultimately, each person is the person he/she has chosen to be. Yes, there are times the choices/decisions are complex with many components, and may have “at the moment” consequences. Yes, sometimes others may powerfully influence our choices. [That is why we need to surround ourselves with men and women who value righteousness, who honor righteous choices, and who encourage others to be righteous. Then in my weak moments, it is the righteous who encourage me, not the wicked. The admonition of 1 Corinthians 15:33 is both wise and chilling!] However, regardless of who is around me, I become who I chose to be.
Look at Proverbs 7-9. There are people who cannot be helped. It is not because help is not available. These people make the choice not to be helped! They do not want to repent. They have no desire to redirect their lives. The writer put the scoffer in that category.
The scoffer enjoys doubting. He enjoys showing contempt. He enjoys showing disrespect. He finds no pleasure in being challenged. He is so sure that “he knows everything important” that he hates anyone who even suggests he does not. Nothing can teach him because he is confident he already knows all that is worth knowing. Any effort to try to teach him only invites his attacks. Wise is the person who understands the scoffer’s love for ignorance!
Look at the contrast between the wise person and the scoffer. The wise person understands, “I do not know it all. Learning blesses me! If you teach me, I owe you! I consider one who dares to instruct me to be my friend. He/she only helps me to move closer to my goal!”
The pursuit of godly wisdom should be a “no-brainer” choice. Why? (1) Profoundly respecting God, the source of wisdom, is the beginning. The person must realize “God is greater than any human” to seriously pursue the ways of wisdom. (2) The person will add to the length of life by learning God’s ways (the scoffer ends up irritating everyone—dangerous!). (3) However, know this: whether wise man or scoffer, you decide who you are. Not only are you what you decided to be, but you will have to live with yourself—as long as you live.
Quiet moments for the righteous person are the tonic of refreshing reflection and thought. Quiet moments for the scoffer are pure misery!
Do you like alone time occasionally? Or, are you miserable if you are not distracted by the pursuit of “having fun?”
For Thought and Discussion
1. Ultimately, what transpires in our lives depends on what?
2. Do we produce what for God or for evil?
3. We can change what in our lives? What is repentance about?
4. What two things determine which power directs our lives?
5. There are times when our choices and decisions are what?
6. Why do we need to surround ourselves with righteous people who value righteousness?
7. Who cannot be helped?
8. Describe the scoffer. What is he sure of? Who will he attack?
9. What does the wise person understand?
10. Why should pursuing godly wisdom be a “no-brainer” choice?
11. What are quiet moments like for the righteous person?
12. What are quiet moments like for the scoffer?
Link to Teacher's Guide Lesson 13
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David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ