February 10 lesson

The Person of Wisdom

Text: Proverbs 17

Introduction: As we progress in Proverbs, we will notice that Solomon begins to address some more serious and detailed issues. All of these will help his son become a man. This chapter will deal with the person of wisdom or the wise person.

Body:

The Conditioning of the Wise Person (v 1-16)

*The wise person will be conditioned by the trials God allows him to go through. (v 1-5) Notice some of these trials:
*A dry morsel and quietness (v 1) This would suggest a time without sufficient food. The wise man will allow a time like this to condition him.
*A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips. (v 4) The wise man will not allow the wicked to influence him with their words.
*Whoso mocketh the poor (v 5) The wise person will see how the fool treats the poor, and will decide not to be a respecter of persons.

*The wise person will be conditioned by the knowledge that future generations are depending on him. (v 6)
The wise person always lives his life knowing that his children will reap what he has sown. If we really understood that, I believe we would live our life differently.

*The wise person will admit when he is wrong. (v 10-11)
This will help your relationship more than anything….the ability to admit when wrong.

The Characteristics of the Wise Person (v 17-28)

*The wise person will be loyal to his friends. (v 17-18) Even during adversity, a friend is expected to be there. Never leave a friend….especially in the time of need. That is when your friendship is truly displayed.

*The wise person is a joy to be around. (v 22) This wise person is a medicine to those around them. Do people really enjoy being around you? What a great way to spread the love of God.