“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” - Ecclesiastes 12:1

1. Issue 13, December 2009 Faith&Works “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” - Ecclesiastes 12:1

2. This Month... The writers and subjects for this month are: ► Bro. Simon James (TFY) Entitled “Wisdom and Knowledge In Proverbs” ► Works - Bro. Sim Brook (SWYPG) Will be leading us in a practical Study entitled “Our Position Before God”

3. Wisdom and Knowledge in Proverbs Bro. Simon James

4. Hello all. Here’s the Contents to explain what’s coming. • Introduction: Wisdom and Knowledge • Wisdom as a Biblical theme • Knowledge as a Biblical theme • Focus on Proverbs • What is wisdom? • What is knowledge? • The use of wisdom and knowledge in Proverbs • The relationship between wisdom and knowledge • New Testament wisdom and knowledge • Summary

5. Introduction: Wisdom and Knowledge • We’re going to start by looking wisdom and then knowledge as Biblical themes, to give us a brief overview of things we might come across. • We’ll then narrow our focus down to just the books of Proverbs... • ...and then move back out again to think about a wider application of what we find. • If there is a reference in bold, you should probably turn to it. • So without further ado, let’s go look at Wisdom.

6. Wisdom as a Biblical theme • Wisdom: a thread running through the whole fabric of the new testament. • The fall of man was a result of the choice that Eve made because she though the fruit would make her wise (Gen 3.6) – but this choice went against Gods wisdom. This introduces us to the idea that wisdom can run as a parallel to Gods will. Gods plan is ultimate wisdom – and therefore following wisdom is following God. • We think of Joseph’s inspired wisdom in Egypt, and Solomon’s wisdom given by God, which of course provided the book of Proverbs that we are going to be looking at. • But it doesn’t stop in the Old Testament. Christ was the Father’s expression of wisdom – His plan of salvation carried out in His son, who showed Gods wisdom throughout his life in every action he did. In fact, in 1 Cor 1.24, Christ is identified explicitly as the power of God and the wisdom of God.

7. Knowledge as a Biblical theme • So what about knowledge then? • Similarly we see knowledge right from the beginning in the garden – the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It was this knowledge that apparently was the source that prompted Eve’s temptation and the fall of man. • We read from the time spent in the wilderness to the creation of the tabernacle, when there were those gifted with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. • Similarly as we see God’s wisdom, we also read is 1 Sam 2 he is described as a God of knowledge, and of course we are familiar with the omniscient nature of God – he knows all. • In the New Testament, interestingly, knowledge as a word doesn’t appear much in the gospels, but there are many occurrences in the epistles, especially in the Corinthians and Peter, which have many references to knowledge as something to be followed or a good thing to grasp. • Proverbs 1.7 reads that the fear of God is the basis of knowledge – how can we know anything if we don’t know him?

8. Focus on Proverbs • Let’s take a closer look at Proverbs now then, our main focus. • Proverbs is a prime example of wisdom literature. • Proverbs states it’s theme right at the beginning. Look at chapter1, and read v1-7. • So it says here it’s goal is to describe and instil ‘wisdom’ in God’s people – and that wisdom is founded in the fear of the Lord, as we see there in v7. • As we read through Proverbs, we find that this book is addressed to all the people of Israel (and through them the rest of the world). It often references sons, wives, lots of different kinds of people. • One quote I came across is that Proverbs is the ‘democratization’ of wisdom – in that it offers wisdom to all people – which is interesting bearing in mind what we’ve already thought about Gods wisdom. Proverbs is an attempt to spread that wisdom, God’s wisdom and will, to all people.

9. Proverb? • Before we look any more closely at the words wisdom and knowledge, lets just think about what a proverb actually is, as used in ch1v1.what is a proverb? Well to our English ears, a proverb is simple and truthful saying- perhaps one that is repeated over many years – a byword. • But the root meaning of the Hebrew word for proverb (mashal) – is slightly different. It means ‘comparison’, ‘likeness’ or ‘resemblance’. • So it’s possible that Proverbs are not just ‘true sayings’ or even ‘wise sayings’, but something that should be resembled. As we look at the nature of wisdom and knowledge, we should try to keep in mind that these are things that were written in order to resemble wisdom or knowledge, and to compare ourselves to. These are instructions to be followed, not just pithy sayings. • So lets move a little closer to the words that are our study. What are they and what are they for?

10. What is wisdom? (1) • What does the word mean? This key word in proverbs is the Hebrew hokmah. • It can be attached to the idea of skill – to get an idea of how this word can be used, go to Exodus 28.3/31.6 – where those who are given the task of creating the priests garments are called wise hearted and have the spirit of wisdom. • So this could be a very practical thing, but how does that apply to proverbs? • In the framework given by proverbs we’re talking very much about how to live in a way that pleases God. We have already seen in chapter 1 that it’s all about following the wisdom of God. So when we think about wisdom here, it shows skill in the art of Godly living. • Particularly perhaps the skill of choosing the right course of action for the desired result – which seems to be an framework that many of the proverbs are built around – if you do this, then this will happen. • So wisdom can be interpreted ‘masterful understanding’ or ‘skill.’ But it’s not just used of technical or artistic skills there in Exodus 28/ 31, but also of the arts of government (Eccl. 4:13; Jer. 50:35), diplomacy (1 Kings 5:7) and war (Isa. 10:3). A nation is ruled by the ability to judge (1 Kings 3:28; Isa. 11:1-6). Through mastering the understanding of people and situations Solomon ruled through his wisdom(1 Kings 4:29-34 and by his ability to answer difficult questions (1 Kings 10:2-3). 

11. Wisdom then encapsulates many other virtues. • Some of these are listed in 1v2-5, which seem to be wisdom broken up into its component parts. All of these merge into one another, so the table below attempts to have a look at the different parts. So here there seems to be this ‘heaping up’ of terms for wisdom - it’s possible this is used as a way to achieve ‘an extension of the meaning’. This book transforms the almost bland term wisdom into a multi-faceted virtue – in which we can see many reflections and impressions.

12. What is knowledge? (1) • What does the word mean? Knowledge (da‘at). • It seems to mean just what it says. It means – ‘to know’. • But how does this work in proverbs? What is the focus of this knowing? • Knowledge is something that the gullible youth (Prov 15:14; 18:15) must seek, find (8:9) and acquire(18:15). • But before all of that, we’ve read in Prov 1.7 first he must become the sort of person that lives in the fear of the Lord. • No knowledge can be acquired without the fear of the Lord – the fear of God is the foundation, the beginning of knowledge.

13. What is knowledge? (2) • So this knowledge is clearly speaking about Godly knowledge – and with wisdom, is pleasing (Look at 2:10). • This knowledge, when in the disciple’s heart, will protect him. We see this also echoed in Prov 5:2 - knowledge will keep from the strange woman, that symbol of temptation, and enable him to behave wisely and speak well. • So this Godly knowledge; its basis must be in fear of God. There is no point knowing Godly things unless we are trying to resemble Godly people. • Read Prov 21.11, 22.12 and 22.17. This knowledge then, really is something special. This Godly knowledge is something we should be striving for – to understand and to fill our hearts with the knowledge, knowing about God.

14. The use of wisdom and knowledge? • Lets put some of those ideas into a bit more clarity by looking at how wisdom and knowledge are used. • Go back to Proverbs 1v20-33. Here we see wisdom personified. A woman who calls out against simplicity and hating of knowledge. It’s worth noting that she isn’t hiding somewhere; wisdom is out there, calling in the streets – in the open places in the city. She’s obvious, if you are looking for her. • But what are her words, what does she say? 1v22-33 • What’s this simplicity then? It’s easiness, taking the easy route, not thinking properly. These simple ones – they love simplicity – it’s not blind – they love it! • The fools turn away from knowledge, they hate it. Hating knowledge – despising Godly awareness or the basis for it? 1.29 • 1.33 listening to wisdom gives safety and removes the FEAR of evil... but not necessarily evil itself. • 2.1-5if you chase wisdom/knowledge, then you will ‘understand the fear of the Lord’ and ‘find the knowledge of God. All related to knowledge being based on fear of God – leading to preservation 2.10 onwards. • 3.7 wisdom not in our eyes! Fear God: this is wisdom and beginning of knowledge. • 3.13 it will make you happy, but needs to be ‘drawn out’. This is something that needs to be worked at, like getting water from a well. • This seems to be one of the most important things we can remember – wisdom and knowledge need to be sought after – they won’t come on their own – even if wisdom is crying in the streets, we still need to be out there looking for her.

15. The use of wisdom and knowledge? • Proverbs 3.14 – we can spend our lives easily searching for worldly things – gold, rubies, silver – all representing the love of the world – need to be careful that our priorities are correct . We can strive for worldly wisdom, knowledge or achievements, but as verse 13 said, we will only truly be happy with Godly wisdom. • We see wisdom described again Proverbs7.16 –22. All these good, Godly things – note again the emphasis that wisdom and knowledge are the foundations upon which we must build our faith - it is God we should be turning to. • Look at Proverb 7.7 where we see the simple youth – the man void of understanding- knowing nothing. He has a lack of knowledge. • And this young man, instead of looking for wisdom and trying to gain knowledge – he is one of these who loves simplicity, who turns aside to this woman of subtle heart. Remember that subtlety is a kind of wisdom, but only when applied in a godly manner, when built on the foundations of God. • This woman appears wise – but only in the ways of the world. We too can be caught up in worldly wisdom – perhaps in our ecclesia's the ways of the world do creep in. • Do we find ourselves putting value in the way the world works? Maybe our thoughts sometimes turn to who is the most popular, the most important member of our ecclesia? Or who we are more important than? We could find ourselves thinking in the way of the world very quickly, if we do not base our foundation firmly on God – on his wisdom, and the knowledge of him.

16. The relationship between wisdom and knowledge • We know that wisdom is all about skill in the art of Godly living – making the right choices. • So wisdom appears to be the correct application of Godly knowledge - it’s fairly easy to acquire knowledge, but it is very difficult to apply that knowledge correctly. But as we’ve said we must do this if we want to walk in the right path before God. • How does this affect how we search for and ‘use’ it in our life? • Go to Job 15.2, where it’s clear that there can be dangers concerning wisdom. • Full of hot air? Unprofitable talk? What does this mean? Can we spend too long talking about things, striving after vain knowledge? – are we testifying against ourselves by our pretence of knowledge and understanding? • Eliphaz here, wrong or right, was accusing Job of saying that he understood God (Job15.7-8). Our understanding of God and our knowledge about him may be superior to those in the world around us, but we shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that we are without error, that we can ‘restrain wisdom’ to ourselves – we can only grasp the very edges of knowledge and wisdom in terms of Gods sight. • Job 21.2-5,12-13 – Eliphaz reminds us of the distance between man and God. We read in Eph 3.19 that the love of Christ surpasses knowledge – we can’t understand everything, we can only try, and we must keep that in mind.

17. NT wisdom • Before we finish lets think a little about what we can learn from wisdom in the New Testament. • Go to Luke 12:42 where we have the parable of the servants caring for the masters house when he’s away... • It’s interesting to read that verse with wisdom strong in our minds. This wise steward is commended for giving proper portion of food at the right time? What does that mean? We know the words in the epistles – the milk and the meat of the word – the meat being the deeper knowledge and understanding about the gospel. • The servant who is blessed when the master comes could be the one who distributes that knowledge, who makes sure that the household is provided for – with the meat of the word, the knowledge about God. However the servant, v45, who eats and drinks and becomes drunken – not eating the meat of the word, but drinking the wine of the world – he is cast out when his Lord returns. • But what is wisdom in the New Testament? In Proverbs, the way of life is the way of wisdom. We see wisdom is personified as we read Proverbs 8:22-31. • We can’t help but see this to be fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ. We’ve thought about following wisdom and knowledge, and building on it, and in the New Testament, Jesus is absolutely clear about the “path” we must be on to obtain eternal life. • Go to and read John 14:1-6. • The only way we can access God is in the way of wisdom, in the way of Christ.

18. NT knowledge • Now, its interesting to look at knowledge in the NT too. • Read 1cor8v1,11. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity/love edifieth. • Knowledge here is portrayed negatively – as we’ve discussed, a love of worldly knowledge isn’t good – and if we read on we see that knowledge can be dangerous too, if not used carefully, knowledge can become a stumbling block to those around us. • But as we saw in Proverbs, knowledge can be a thing of value. Read 2 Cor 10.5 – look out for knowledge! Note there how the knowledge of God and the obedience of Christ follow on from each other.

19. Summary • At the very outset of the Book of Proverbs, the reader is challenged to choose one of two ‘ways’. While wisdom has many different dimensions, at the end of the day, wisdom is a spiritual matter. It is a way that needs to be chosen. • Proverbs is both a warning and an exhortation. The first few verses introduce the entire Book of Proverbs, describing the benefits of wisdom, and founding that with knowledge, which Proverbs offers to all who will receive it. The way of wisdom is a choice that must be made, and the only alternative is the way of folly that leads to death. • The Book of Proverbs sums up all of life in terms of just two paths. Each of us is on one path or the other. Each of us make decisions about what we will believe, about whose authority we will respect and whose instructions we will obey. Each of us is on a path, and the only way we can know the outcome is because God has told us where each path leads. The most important question we can ask ourselves is, “What path am I on?” • Look at Colossians 2: 1 - Where are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge? One way begins with the fear of the Lord (1:7), and ends with eternal life: Proverbs 3:18. She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her; and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed. Proverbs 4:18. But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day. The other way is the way of folly that leads to death: Proverbs11:19. True righteousness leads to life, but the one who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.

20. Proverbs 4:7 reads; ‘Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding...’ • The enduring lesson seems to be that knowledge and wisdom, which Proverbs exhorts us all to strive after, are both lived out in Christ who was the wisdom of God. • I pray now for the day when that wisdom and knowledge will be truly revealed to us all. The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, andknowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6

21. I hope that this has been of some use. Thanks to those whose books I have used in this study. In the hope of our Lord, Simon

22. Email: sim_brook@hotmail.com Our position before God - Psalm 103 Sim Brook Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

23. Questions • 1. How do you view your position before God? • 2. How does God view us? • 3. How is 'blessing‘ used in scripture? • 4. What do we learn from Abraham and Melchizadek? • 5. How can we bless God? Psalm 103:1 • References taken from the ESV December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

24. How do you view your position before God? • I think this is a subject which we often consider but maybe don’t stop to think about for long enough. It is at the heart of our faith, and therefore should be central to our lives. • Much of this presentation assumes the reader has made a decision regarding their position before God, but even if this is not (yet) the case, I hope it’ll be helpful for us all to think about. • 2 aspects: • How we view God • How we view ourselves • These things depend on our position before the Almighty • ? The beasts which perish (is this applicable?) • ? The children of God Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD December 2009

25. How we view God (could be a whole subject! – although we could say that about most things) • Job is brought to consider the Almighty If ever we need to bring our lives into perspective we may find Job helpful; he is brought to the true realisation of his position before his creator in chapters 38-41 • Job 38:4 God says; “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” • Job replies in 40:3-5 Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further. • Many passages tell us of His greatness, which we can only glimpse at. • Is 55:9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

26. How we view ourselves • I could put up all the same verses again; we are in such stark contrast to the Almighty God! In bringing to remembrance His greatness we must also recognise our position before Him. • Rom 7:14-24 - Wretched man that I am!” • Humility is a key principle! • Micah 6:8 – What does the Lord require of you… • Manasseh: 2 Chron 33:12-13 – humbled himself greatly, what a wonderful response from the Almighty • When we consider what we need to do to be saved what would be in the list? • Belief – rightly so (John 3:15) • Baptism – rightly so (Mark 16:16) • To live a new life serving others instead of self – rightly so (Col 3:1-17) • To study the scriptures – rightly so (Acts 17:11) • If we were to do all of these things as acts in themselves…we are still not saved. Why not? Because all of these things are things which WE can do; and we know that we cannot save ourselves; • Luke 17:10 – “…when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” • Rom 11:6 – “if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” • Eph 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” • We are brought to recognise the importance of humility & of recognising that we cannot save ourselves but that rather we must look to the Almighty. We must recognise the greatness of God and our position before Him. December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

27. How does God view us – like the beasts which perish?! • This phrase is taken from Ps49:12 and is (I think) sometimes used to suggest that this is God’s perspective on people who don’t accept the gospel. There are a number of cautions which I think we need to highlight in consideration of this! • We have already ascertained that God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours (!) therefore let us be careful in coming to conclusions ourselves about what the Almighty God is thinking! • However, He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings. He has blessed us with His Word to instruct us. • What is the context of the Psalm? • Ps 49:1-2 – all people are the same • Ps 49:10 – we all die, without God that is the end, we perish • Which leads us to v12; “Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.” • Man on his own, in his pomp, will perish. His end is the same as the beasts. (v12) • Ps 49:16 – therefore don’t put weight on achievements in this life • Ps 49:17 – man will carry nothing with him • Man on his own, in his pomp, is like the beasts that perish. (v20) • The Psalm is drawing the comparison between the end of a beast and the end of man on his own, without God; they likewise perish. • This does not seem (to me) to be talking of the view God has of people, but rather only of their ultimate end. December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

28. How does God view us • Psalm 8 – above the animals (Heb 2:6-7) • Gen 1:26 – a little lower than the angels • Heb 12:5-6 • Rom 8:12-17 • John 3:16 – loved of God • Rom 5:6-7 – God gave His son, for us • Let us, with humbleness of heart, thank the Almighty God that He has so blessed us! ] children of God December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

29. ‘Blessing’ in scripture The concept of blessing has a number of meanings in scripture; ‘Happiness’ • Ps 1 – “blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly” • Matt 5 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” In asking for God’s blessing upon something/us • Luke 9:16 - “Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.” • Remember that the blessings we receive from God (Luke 6:38) - “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Psalm 103 = ‘barak’ (Strongs H1288) The same word is used in; • Gen 12:1-3 (the promises to Abraham) • Num 6:23-27 • What a wonderful privilege it is for us to be able to say ‘God bless’ to each other; and yet it’s so easy to let it slip out without really thinking about it!) Although we are so very undeserving, blessings from God are our common experience aren’t they. December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

30. Heb 7:7 – Abraham and Melchizadek “the less is blessed of the better” The concept of us being blessed by God is a wonderful one, and one which we should find easy to see if only we stop to think of it. But if ‘the less is blessed of the better’ (what we learn from Abraham and Melchizadek) then how can we ‘bless’ God?! That is what we are called to do! Psalm 103 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul…” Psalm 34 – “I will bless the LORD at all times” • Same word is used in Genesis 24:11 • And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.  Ps 95:1-6 Consider the context of Psalm 34 where we read; “I will bless the LORD at all times”. The context from v1 takes us to the time of David, “when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech…” At all times David was to bless the LORD, even when he feigned madness?! December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

31. Psalm 34 Working through some of the verses in Ps 34 offers us some guidance • v1 - I will bless the Lord at all times: - his praise shall continually be in my mouth. • v3 – Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. • v4 - I sought the Lord • v5 – Those who look to Him • v6 - This poor man cried, • v8 – Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! blessed [happy] is the man who takes refuge in Him. • v18 - The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. The focus is not on ourselves, but on God. • To praise Him, to magnify and exalt Him, to seek Him, to cry to Him, to taste and see that He is good, and to place our trust in Him. December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD

32. Psalm 103 – Bless the LORD • With that background then hopefully it is clear how we can and must bless the LORD. • The same principles carry through Ps 103 and emphasise this for us. • We must recognise the greatness of our God and by doing so humble ourselves before Him. • Read Psalm 103 • Psalm 95:1-6 • Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! • Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! • For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. • In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. • The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. • Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! December 2009 Psalm 103 : Bless the LORD