PROVERBS FOR GRADUATES
Proverbs 4
Introduction
Congratulations Graduates!
This generation has more access to more data about the universe and human personality than all previous generations combined. High School Graduates have been exposed to more information about the world than Plato, Aristotle, Spinoza or Benjamin Franklin. With all of our knowledge, society today is peopled with a bumper crop of brilliant failures. Knowledge is not enough to meet life’s problems. We need wisdom, the ability to handle life with skill.
This is a good time to reflect on the things that help build a great life. (Too many examples of those who crash and burn)
Here’s one person’s list of the qualities of a great life:
Self-Control
How to understand sayings with deep meanings
Doing what is right, honest and fair
Gain knowledge and good sense
The theme of the Proverbs is wisdom... getting it, using it (1:2-5) These are things that are generally true. Many relate to the young.
Wisdom isn’t always natural to us. We tend to choose unwise paths(4:1-4). Notice Three Wise Ways From Proverbs 4
1. ALWAYS SEEK GODLY WISDOM (4:5-13)
No matter the cost (7). It doesn’t take any effort to drift downstream. Pursue godly wisdom! Three results of seeking wisdom in your life:
Wisdom exalts and honors (8-9).
Longer Life (10)
Less troublesome life (11-13)
2. PAY ATTENTION TO THE WARNINGS (4:14-22)
Stay away from Wicked Pathways (14-15; Psalm 1)
The Plight of the Wicked: Their life is consumed with hurting others (16) They are violent (17). They walk in the way of darkness (19).
Avoid the Path to Sexual Sin. Find a wife and keep her (5:17-19 "...may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.")
The Youth Who Lack Judgment: (7:6-10)
Walking toward temptation (8)
Walking toward darkness (9)
Followed the seduction (10)
Sexual sin is a highway to Hell (7:22-27)
The way of wisdom is much better
Brightness (18)
Health (20-22)
3. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING (4:23-27)
Guard Your Heart (23)Above all else. It is the wellspring of life.
Guard your Lips (24)
Guard your Eyes (25)
Guard your Steps (26)
Guard Your Direction (27)
Conclusion
A Parent’s Prayer: Proverbs 22:5-7 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
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