The Key to Life

2. Psalm 1 and Proverbs 1:1-7 The Key to Life

3. Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

4. Proverbs 1:2-7 • To know wisdom and instruction, • to understand words of insight, • to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; • to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— • Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, • to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

5. Proverbs 1:2-7 “Word on the Street” • For getting wise and for getting trained. For knowing what’s what. For getting to grips with the deeper things. For a life kept in control and going somewhere. For doing the right thing, fairly and squarely. For giving common sense to the uneducated. For helping the young know what’s right and helping them buy into it. Let the wise guys listen and learn some more, let the enlightened watch the lights come on – as sayings, illustrations, allegories and riddles do the rounds. • Wisdom? She kicks off with respect for God. Only idiots write off Wisdom and training.

6. Wisdom: • Practical counsel or advice for everyday life • Every decision we make is made with wisdom • Guidance and direction for our choices • Why we do what we do and why we don’t do what we don’t do

7. Truths About Wisdom • The choosing of which path to travel, which street to drive on in life • Seeking the best possible outcome by weighing all the possibilities • Thinking before moving • The best option: may not be easy or instant, but will benefit us the most in the long run

8. True… • Bad decisions lead to bad places in our lives • Every choice has a consequence • Lack of wisdom results in learning the hard way

9. Get Wise! • We need wisdom because the most important decisions of our life are around the corner: • Church and God • Relationships • Family • Education • Career

10. If ever we needed to know how to make long-lasting and happy decisions about life, it’s now!

11. Wisdom Source • God is the One who gives wisdom • Earthly wisdom is dangerous and opposite God’s wisdom • James 3:15 – This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. • Wisdom that causes good in our lives is from God

12. Wise-Guys Ask God! Want Wisdom? • James 1:5 –If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. • When God answers, obey! • God always wants your best and He sees more than we do

13. God Makes Us Wise… • Through prayer and visions, supernatural revelation • Through His Word, the Bible, telling us what He expects from us. What will please God in my life? • Through godly people who care about us and what God has for us • Through our situations in life

14. Wisdom Leads to Purpose • When we choose the paths God has for us, we find out our purpose and begin doing what God made us to do. • Aim for nothing, hit nothing. What you aim for, you will hit.

15. Now You Try! Proverbs 10:4 • 4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. (NLT) • 4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (ESV)

16. I Dare You • Read through Proverbs this month! • Match the day with the chapter (August 14: Read Proverbs 14) • When a proverb sticks out to you, write it down • Tell why that proverb grabbed your attention and what God’s telling you to do in life.