THRU THE BIBLE EXPOSITION

Proverbs: Topical Applications of Proverbs

II. Motivational Commands, Proverbs 1:8-9:18

B. Things To Pursue

2. Fulfillment By Pursuing God’s Wisdom

(Proverbs 2:1-22 et al.)

Introduction: (To show the need . . . )

The Declaration of Independence states that we Americans possess the right for the “pursuit of happiness,” but that quest seems like a hard one to obtain for many people today:

(1) Luther Turmelle’s story, “Conn. residents feeling sting of rising heating oil prices” (Republican-American, March 21, 2026, p. A1) claimed, “Much of the blame for the increase” in home heating oil prices “has been . . . the war and Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping channel through which roughly 20% of the global daily oil passes.” Some charge that “energy speculators are playing a major role in driving what consumers . . . pay . . . ,” Ibid.

(2) Ken Dixon’s story, “Why self-checkout could soon be limited at Connecticut’s grocery stores” (op. cit., p. A3) reported, “Stores that sell groceries would be required to have one employee-staffed checkout register for every two self-checkout stations under legislation approved . . . by majority Democrats in the General Assembly’s Labor and Public Employees Committee . . . (R)anking Republicans said the legislation would put more stress on businesses . . . when affordability is a major issue.”

(3) Gas-powered leaf blowers is a hot issue: Sen. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain, the Environment Committee’s “Senate chairman, acknowledged during the committee debate the whirlwind of opposition to the original bill . . . He also noted advocates of a switch-over to battery-powered lawn equipment were retreating for now but not giving up the fight.” (Paul Hughes, “Gas-powered leaf blower ban removed from Connecticut bill after backlash,” Ibid.

(4) Travel by air is problematical due to Congress’ partial government shutdown: “The CEOs of the nation’s top airline companies . . . noted that with spring break in full swing, FIFA’s World Cup 2026 approaching and celebrations for America’s 250^th birthday throughout the year, the stakes are high” as “U. S. airlines expect 171 million passengers this spring season” though “there have been long security lines at a growing number of U. S. airports.” (Anne D’Innocenzio, “Airline CEOs demand Congress restore funding,” op. cit., March 17, 2026, p. A7) On top of this, due to the lack of pay and stress for TSA agents, “Homeland Security posted on its X account” recently “that more than 300 TSA agents have quit since the start of the shutdown,” Ibid.

(5) Then there’s the sensitive homeschooling issue before the Connecticut legislature: There was a “crush of more than 3,000 people” on March 11^th opposing the proposed legislation “and just 50 speaking in support” as “thousands of citizens, and virtually every Republican at the Capitol” called “the bill an egregious overreach of state power.” (Dan Haar, “CT home schooling bill goes too far and needs to be diluted,” op. cit., March 21, 2026, p. A1)

(6) In the last several weeks, we have heard of a number of believers who have voiced significant concerns about relationships they have with other people.

Need: So we ask, “If so many people face a lack of fulfillment today, can it be obtained, and if so, how?”

I. Proverbs 1:8-9:18 provides motivational commands to get readers to align with God’s “wisdom,” His hokmah, or fixed eternal moral order for success and blessing, and Proverbs 2:1-22 along with other passages in that section reveals that pursuing God’s “wisdom,” His hokmah, leads to a fulfilled life.

II. We view Proverbs 2:1-22 with other verses in Proverbs 1:8-9:18 on gaining such a fulfilled life:

A. God’s “wisdom” or hokmah, provides great, comprehensive, practical fulfillment in life:

1. God’s “wisdom” is delightful and pleasant to one’s nepesh, the Hebrew word for one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life, Proverbs 2:10; 3:17. (Kittel, Biblia Hebraica, p. 1157; Robert B. Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament, 1973, p. 56-59)

2. That “wisdom” guards one from harmful personal exposure to evil men and women (Proverbs 2:10-22).

3. God’s “wisdom” leads to a longer life (Proverbs 3:16a; 8:35; 9:6a,11).

4. Obtaining God’s “wisdom” leads to greater wealth and honor (Proverbs 3:16c; 4:8; 8:18).

5. Gaining God’s “wisdom” produces peace in one’s pathways of life, Proverbs 3:17.

6. God’s “wisdom” leads one to gain favor with other people and with the Lord, Proverbs 3:22; 4:9; 8:35.

7. God’s “wisdom” provides greater safety and stability in one’s experience, Proverbs 3:23; 4:11.

8. Obtaining God’s “wisdom” equips one to be able to live without fear, Proverbs 3:24-26.

9. Gaining God’s “wisdom” yields prudence, the careful management of one’s resources, Proverbs 8:5; 9:4.

10. God’s “wisdom” provides one with good counsel and sound judgment, Proverbs 8:14.

11. God’s “wisdom” equips one to rule and make just laws, Proverbs 8:15-16.

12. Gaining God’s “wisdom” even equips one to excel in his craftsmanship skills in the workplace, Prov. 8:30:

a. The KJV phrase “one brought up” in this verse must be corrected, for it mistranslates the Hebrew noun ‘amon that means “artificer, architect, master-workman,” B. D. B., A Heb. & Eng. Lex. of the O. T., p. 54.

b. The verse thus personifies “wisdom” in the Proverbs 8:22-31 context as claiming, “I was the craftsman at his side” (NIV) when God created the universe.

c. Thus, God’s “wisdom” can actually equip one to improve in his craftsmanship skills in the workplace.

B. Such “wisdom” of God is abundantly available and very easily obtained:

1. It is found even in the public streets and gates where the city leaders meet (Proverbs 1:20-21; 8:1-3; 9:1-3).

2. God’s “wisdom” figuratively calls out to naïve people to take note of it for their welfare, Proverbs 1:22-23.

C. God’s “wisdom” is available if we merely value it so as to seek it, for then God will freely give it to us:

1. Proverbs 2:1-9 reveals that if one values God’s “wisdom” so as to seek it, God will freely give it to him.

2. James 1:5 NIV similarly claims that God is so willing to provide His “wisdom” that He will give it to any person without finding fault with him if that person merely asks for it!

Lesson: God’s “wisdom” or fixed moral order for success and blessing, provides great, broad, practical fulfillment in life, it is very available and easily gained if one values it so as to seek it, for God will then freely give it to him.

Application: (1) May we trust in Christ Who died as our Atoning Sacrifice for sin that we might receive God's gift of eternal life, John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. (2) If we lack God’s “wisdom,” may we value it so as to seek it and see Him graciously provide it for us with resulting great, comprehensive, practical fulfillment in life.

Conclusion: (To illustrate the message and/or provide additional guidance . . .)

The proverbs we noted in this message have significant applications to issues of concern in our introduction:

(1) Regarding the rising cost of heating oil and even gasoline for use in vehicles due to the Iran war, Proverbs 8:5 and 9:4 claim that prudence, the careful management of one’s resources, can address this need as God’s “wisdom” enables one to practice more careful management of hot water use, home heating temperature, and to cut back on needless trips with his vehicle(s) to address this need.

(2) Regarding possible future government restrictions on self-checkout stations in groceries with resulting increased food prices, Proverbs 8:5 and 9:4 applied to the management of our finances and Proverbs 3:16a; 8:35 and 9:6a,11 on having a longer life with God’s “wisdom” can really help: God’s “wisdom” may lead us to cut back on the purchases of highly processed foods that are not only expensive but produce costly health problems long-term. God’s “wisdom” can also lead us to pay for healthy foods with resulting better health, lower medical costs and a longer life.

(3) Regarding the tendency for state elected officials to press toward outlawing gas-powered leaf blowers, Proverbs 8:14 speaks of counsel and sound judgment resulting from God’s “wisdom” that can equip us if, how and when to exchange one method of moving leaves for another. Also, Proverbs 2:10 and 3:17 can lead us to have a pleasant attitude for our mental and emotional health even if the state were to outlaw gas-powered leaf blowers.

(4) Regarding Congress’ pressure on TSA agents that produce long lines at airports, Proverbs 8:5 with 9:4 states that God’s “wisdom” will equip us to have better time management of getting to the airport on time if we must fly, and Proverbs 8:14 reveals how God’s “wisdom” can provide the counsel and sound judgment we need on possible alternatives to flying. Then, Proverbs 3:17 states God’s “wisdom” will give us greater peace regardless what we face.

(5) Regarding the pressure of the proposed legislation for greater government oversight of homeschooling, Proverbs 2:10-22 shows that even if a child has God’s “wisdom,” he can be guarded from harmful personal exposure to evil people if he must face alternative educational orders or arrangements, and Proverbs 8:30 reveals that even a child can also be equipped to be a better craftsman in his schoolwork. Proverbs 3:16c; 4:8 and 8:18 shows that God’s “wisdom” can equip a child to end up with wealth and honor in life regardless what he faces in his education.

(6) Regarding significant concerns people have about their relationships with others, Proverbs 3:22; 4:9 and 8:35 reveal that God’s “wisdom” equips one to obtain greater favor with other people and with God. Conversely, Proverbs 2:10-22 shows God’s “wisdom” can protect us from harmful exposure to evil people in our relationships.

May we trust in Christ Who died as our Atoning Sacrifice for sin that we might receive God’s gift of eternal life. If we lack God’s “wisdom,” may we value so as to seek it and see Him graciously provide it for us with resulting great, comprehensive, practical fulfillment in life.