Sunday, August 30, 2009

Notes from today’s sermon 08.30.09 Steven Hedgecoth

The Knots of Relationships


And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)


By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35 KJV)


Connecting the dots of relationships.


Relationships are everything.

The way you love one another shows Christ to the world.

Love is not a feeling it is an action.


Tie the knot – Make sure it is:

1. Tight

2. Right


You need a vision for your family so you can climb the mountain together.


“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJV)


There are some places that I am not going to walk with others that are not tied to me.


3 Three Knots That You Need To Tie

1. Knot Of Effort – v.9 keyword work/labor

Love goes the extra mile.

Some of us are satisfied with lasting relationships instead of growing relationships

Ways To Show Effort

a. Become a student of that relationship/person

Know the strengths and weaknesses

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;”

(1 Thessalonians 5:12 KJV)

b. Praying together and not just over a meal

What would it be like if you grabbed your spouse and said I want to pray with you, right now, out loud, together? We don’t mind being physically intimate, but what about spiritually?


2. Search Me Knot –

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

(Psalm 139:23-24 KJV)

What would happen if we had the courage to ask God to search me (not our spouse)?

Examine my thought process

Search my heart – secret places

Sin will untie knots

Am I doing anything hurtful?

Am I saying anything hurtful?

If your relationship draws you away from God, then there is a problem.

When your spouse looks at you do they see Jesus in all that you do and say?

Ask not what your family can do for you, ask what you can do for your family.


3. Divine Knot –

“A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”

(Psalms 127:1-2 KJV)

At the core of all your relationships should be Jesus.

Benefits of the Divine Knot:

a. Provision of God v.2b

b. Protection of God v.1b

c. Blessings of God v.2b

The divine knot helps you know who to turn to when it gets rough.

The enemy is after our families.

Lies of the enemy:

a. It is OK to tie the knot a different way, like co-habitation

b. Same sex is not marriage, knot must be right and tight God’s way

c. Divorce is ok – divorce is the disease of families


God can heal relationships.

If God puts something inside you and you do nothing with it then that is sin.

Friday, August 28, 2009

08/26/09 Rev. Steven Hedgecoth Proverbs

Four Traits That Cause Loss In Your Life – these traits are natural so that makes it difficult to see that they will drop seeds in your life so that before you know it you have weeds growing throughout your life.

  1. Anger – Proverbs 27:4 ASV - “Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?” If you are angry you have loneliness, contention. Productivity in anger is unnatural but good. Anger that is destructive is natural but will cause loss. Anger + D is Danger.

  2. Greed – an overwhelming desire to have more of something than is needed. A deep longing for something that we are willing to do whatever it takes to get it even violating someone else.
    • Proverbs 1:19 ASV – “So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.” – greed will take away life, suicide, emotional loss, loneliness.

    • Proverbs 28:22 ASV - “He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.” – if you are greedy you will experience financial loss.

    • Proverbs 15:27 ASV – “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.” – family at risk.

    • Proverbs 28:20 ASV – “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.” – get rich quick – lose integrity.

    • Proverbs 11:28 ASV – “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.” – get rich quick.

    • How do you know you are in the early stages of greed?
      1. Coveting

      2. Want what you want now

      3. Compromising

      4. Turmoil – conflict around you.

    • How do we overcome greed?
      1. Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV – “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths”.

      2. Proverbs 21:26 ASV - "There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not.”

      3. Proverbs 23:7 ASV - "For as he thinketh within himself, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee."

      4. Proverbs 27:19 ASV - "As in water face answereth to face, So the heart of man to man."

  3. Pride – arrogance, self-centeredness.
    • Michelle Kwan said she could win by herself, then she fell – pride goeth before a fall Proverbs 16:18 KJV – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” I caused all this to happen attitude.

    • Proverbs 26:12 ASV – “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” – lose happiness.

    • Proverbs 28:25 ASV – “He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.”

    • Proverbs 18:12 ASV – “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility. This is not the pride you feel when your child does well.”

    • Proverbs 11:2 ASV – “When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.”

    • Proverbs 16:5 ASV – “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to Jehovah: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” – lose relationship with God.

    • To overcome pride: Proverbs 29:23 ASV – “A man's pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.” – Humility a grateful spirit of a learner that values the input of others and always puts the needs of others first. What brings you honor is when your core is humble.

  4. Laziness – slothful, sluggish, unwilling to give the effort needed. Unable to think things through.
    • Proverbs 26:13 ASV – "The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets." – Excuses.

    • Proverbs 10:4 ASV – "He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich." – God’s get rich quick is diligence.

    • Proverbs 12:24 ASV - "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; But the slothful shall be put under taskwork." – lose freedom.

    • Proverbs 13:4 ASV - "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." – lose satisfaction.

    • Proverbs 15:19 ASV - "The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway." – lose direction.

    • To overcome laziness:
      1. Look at nature Proverbs 6:6 ASV - "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise:" harvester ant, they work for the harvest. We need some harvester ants in the church.

      2. Don’t sleep to much Proverbs 6:9 ASV - "How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" Proverbs 20:13 ASV - "Love not sleep, let thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread." this refers to sleep or downtime.

  5. Losses that you can experience
    1. Loss of relationship

    2. Loss of success

    3. Loss of happiness

    4. Loss of joy

    There are some things you can’t tame.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Notes from today’s sermon 08.23.09 Steven Hedgecoth


Difficult People/Difficult Behaviors


And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)


By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35 KJV)


Connecting the dots of relationships.


If it is God’s Will, it is God’s Bill and He will provide.


The practical side of the spirit; they are not two different things.

Everything is spiritual, even being a friend.


If you have a separate church life, work life and home life that are completely separate then you have multiple personality disorder.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

(James 1:8 KJV)


We can all be difficult at times, but it is always easier to see in others than in ourselves.


Examples of Difficult People/Behaviors

  1. Billy the Bully – aggressive and sees others as weak
  2. Sammy the Sniper – undercover, you will never be able to prove it was him
  3. Nita the Know it all – can’t receive from others. Thinks they know it all but don’t actually do anything
  4. Insecure Eileen – constantly asking “are we ok?”
  5. Clyde the Complainer – had a good time, but finds things to complain about
  6. Wet Willie – constantly speaking negativity, wet blanket
  7. Dan the Volcano – if you push the wrong button they explode
  8. Vampires – they just suck the life out of you


The closer I get to the human race the more I love my dog.


Ways that we can choose to react to Difficult People/Behaviors

  1. Revenge – we all have this revenge issue where we just want to hit them
  2. Ignore – if we ignore it we just keep coming back around to it until we learn to deal with it.


Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

(Colossians 3:12-14 ASV)


You are required as a Christian to take the higher road, because people are watching you and your every action represents the King.


People who are not loved hurt one another. People who are loved love one another.


You take the high road by putting on:

  1. Compassion
  2. Kindness/Gentleness
  3. Humility
  4. Forgiveness
  5. Love


When we have to put something on it is because it is not natural for us.

Putting on layers covers up the ugliness of what we may want to do.


Some current offenses you just have to bear them.


Sometimes people are difficult for a season, because of an issue or problem.


When dealing with difficult people always have a forgiving heart; by doing that they can see Jesus through you.


A grudging heart pumps that throughout your body.


If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

(Romans 12:18-19 ASV)


You have the power to deal with difficult people.


Your dreams should be bigger than your memories.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

08/19/09 Rev. Steven Hedgecoth Proverbs

Just because you are spiritual doesn’t mean you have common sense.

The iphone slogan “got an app for that”
Our slogan “got a scripture for that”

Think of the song “Lean On Me”

1. Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
2. Proverbs 11:12 “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.”
a. Lack of sense
3. Proverbs 14:21 “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
a. sin
4. Proverbs 21:10 “The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.”
a. Sense of wickedness

Proverbs 1:8-11 “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:”

Proverbs 16:28-29 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.”

Proverbs 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Proverbs 27:4 “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”

Proverbs 22:24 “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:”

Proverbs 26:18-19 “As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?” - I was just joking

Proverbs 22:24-25 “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”

Proverbs 29:24 “Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.”

Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”

Proverbs 15:18 “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”

Proverbs 14:21 “He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”

Proverbs 16:28 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

Proverbs 6:1 “My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,”

Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” - Some things should be overlooked, but don’t keep doing it.

Proverbs 27:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” - Sometimes instead of a pat on the back I need a kick in the butt.

Proverbs 15:32 “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”
Low self esteem-despiseth his own soul

Learning who you are-getting understanding

When you allow friends to speak into your life about the parts of you that are dead and need to be cut out and respond to them you gain understanding of yourself.

Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.”

Proverbs 10:17 “He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.”

Gain instruction gain life

It is a small thing that leads you astray.

Proverbs 13:18 “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”
Poverty – shame
Lack-embarrassment

Proverbs 12:1 “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”

Proverbs 29:1 “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Proverbs 18:14 “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?”
Don’t crush someone’s spirit!

If you are going to criticize:
1. Make sure you have a platform in their life
2. Do it in private
3. Don’t crush their spirit
4. Never do it out of anger
5. Do it slowly, thoughtfully & prayerfully

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
When iron sharpens iron there is heat and sparks.

We choose how we respond to conflict.

One of the worst things you can do is shoot from the hip.

If things are getting heated you should check the following at the door:
1. Pride - Proverbs 13:10 “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”
2. Anger - Proverbs 15:18 “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
3. Words - Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

How to win at conflict:
Don’t be impulsive – Proverbs 25:18 “A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.”
Don’t meddle – Proverbs26:17 “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”
Know consequences – Proverbs 18:19 “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”
Get input - Proverbs 20:18 “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”
Don’t bring up what others said - Proverbs 25:9-10 “Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.”
Don’t keep adding wood, let the fire go out - Proverbs 26:20 “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
Get them a gift - Proverbs 21:14 “A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.”

Interesting friendship verses:
Proverbs 27:14 – “He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.”

Proverbs 25:17 – “Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.”

Proverbs 25:20 – “As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.”

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

08/12/09 Rev. Steven Hedgecoth Proverbs

2 Motivations

1. To gain health, wealth or relationships

2. Fear of loss of health, wealth or relationships

Can you be valuable? In work, friend, spouse

Where there is no value then issues arise at home, work, etc.

Are there things we can do besides praying to make ourselves more valuable?

4 Qualities That Add Value

I. Diligence

II. Kindness

III. Truth

IV. Generosity

The four qualities that add value are not natural traits. We have to choose to do the unnatural. Natural is greed, instant gratification, etc. When you feel resistance it may not be Satan, it may be God directing you a different way. You have to water these traits like a seed.

I. Diligence

Diligence is persistent, hardworking, smart working, continuing despite problems or difficulty; putting forth energy and effort to complete on time and with excellence. This applies to relationships and work. Do it right the first time. Smart working is when you are cutting down a tree grab a saw not a hammer.

Diligence boils down to persistence, hardworking & effort

Proverbs 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Benefits of Diligence

Proverbs 21:5 “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” – not want;

Proverbs 12:24 “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.” – rule, promotion, move up;

Proverbs 13:4 “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” – fat soul, fulfilled;

Proverbs 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” – stand before kings;

Proverbs 28:19 “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.” – meets the need;

Proverbs 14:23 “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” – profit;

Proverbs 11:27 “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.” – favor;

Proverbs 10:4 “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” – makes rich;

Proverbs 12:27 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” – substance

Imagine what we can do if we put diligence with faith!

Diligence brings the light to you. Don’t be like a child trying to get noticed. The light of diligence will bring you that attention.

II. Kindness

Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” – Kindness

Proverbs 3:4b “…So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”– Find favor, adds security

Proverbs 11:16 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” – Kind woman gets respect but ruthless man gets only money

Proverbs 19:22 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”

Proverbs 16:24 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”

Proverbs 22:11 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”

Proverbs 31:26 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.”

III. Truth

Proverbs 3:3-4 “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” – Truth

Proverbs 3:4 “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” – find favor which adds security. ½ men, 1/3 women admit to cheating on spouse. 80% of high school kids admit to cheating on a test. Exaggeration, concealment of the truth, and little white lies are to gain the upper hand.

3 Reasons for Dishonesty:

1. To promote self

2. To protect self

3. To manipulate others

Proverbs 6:16-19 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” – Dishonesty means you are on God’s hate list.

Proverbs 14:30 “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” – dishonesty creates stress, partially because you are always trying to cover it up, which creates stress.

IV. Generosity

Generosity is one who freely gives a significant portion of what he has with no thought of receiving in return.

Proverbs 11:24-25(a) “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and…” – Increase

Proverbs 11:25(b) “…he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” – Refreshment

Proverbs 18:16 – “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” Favor (take a rich man to dinner and listen)

Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” – Lending to the Lord, repaid by the Lord

Proverbs 22:9 – “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” Blessed

Proverbs 22:16 – “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” Not poverty

Proverbs 28:27 “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” – Never want

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Notes from today’s sermon 08.16.09 Steven Hedgecoth

Disposable versus Irreplaceable Relationships
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. (Proverbs 18:1 KJV)

It is not good for us to be alone, it makes us crazy.

1961 brought a new invention that changed our lives forever: disposable diapers. Now we have disposable everything: razors, plates, cameras, dvds.

Has this mentality invaded our relationships? When things get too messy do we want to throw it away? We used to have to fix things. Now it costs less to replace than to repair most things. It has moved into churches and friendships, too. A good friend will confront you with an issue and walk through it with you.

Saw a website with the slogan: “life is short have an affair”

Has this disposable mentality crept into our relationship with God? We can ask God questions but God is not disposable. Some of us want to walk away if it gets too hard.

Things that make a relationship irreplaceable:
1. Loyalty – Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
They have to know that they are more important that all the things.
Job 6:14
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
Ya know what gets people back on track? YOU

2. Listening – Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Don’t listen with the intent to respond. It isn’t about the answer. It is about understanding what is being said. The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it is taking place.
Understanding brings enlightenment. When people feel understood then they can open up and be enlightened.
James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

3. Love – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Love is not a feeling, it is an action that continues when the feeling may not be there anymore.


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

08/05/09 Rev. Steven Hedgecoth Proverbs

Outline of Proverbs

1. Intro 1:1-7 – he was taught

2. Principles of Wisdom 1:8 - 9:18 Solomon’s own knowledge/wisdom

3. Contrasting Righteous and Wicked 10:1 - 24:34 Solomon’s own knowledge/wisdom

4. Hezekiah's Men 25:1- 29:27 Written after Solomon, about things remembered

5. Words of Agur

6. Words of Lemuel


Kingdom success is about what everyone can do.


Good link: Bibletab.com

Good book: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness by Steven K. Scott


To Study The Word Of God You Need:

1. Openness to the Holy Spirit

2. Willingness to apply it (aka change)


We can all benefit from wisdom.


Why Study Proverbs? (see Prov 1:2 “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;”)

1. Wisdom

2. Instruction


Suggestion: read a chapter of Proverbs a day for a month, if there are only 30 days in that month then read two on the last day. Then do it every month. Apply the principles of Proverbs. God does not play favorites: Deuteronomy 10:17 “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:” If you apply the principles of Proverbs then it sets in motion the grace/favor of God.


Proverbs 2:4 “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;” If you hunger you will be filled.


“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” Proverbs 1:24-31

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:1-7


Who Proverbs is written for:

1. The naïve – v.4 the simple easily influenced

2. The young people – v.4

3. The wise man – v.5


A Proverb: A short well know saying that expresses truth. A short sentence based on long experience.


Biblical proverbs are not the same as Chinese proverbs. Some may be the same but ours have the approval stamp of the Holy Spirit.


How the book of Proverbs is different from man’s proverbs.

1. There is nothing unscientific about them. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 - 2700 years before they knew that the heart pumps the blood this was written.

2. There are no contradictions

3. Have high morals

4. Stand the test of time


I Kings 4:29-30, 5:7

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.” 1 Kings 4:29-30


“And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.” 1 Kings 5:7


Solomon’s Wisdom was:

1. Great - 1 Kings 4:29-30

2. Well-Known - 1 Kings 4:29-30

3. Honored - 1 Kings 5:7


2 Chronicles 1:1-2, 6-10

“And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.” 2 Chronicles 1:1-2


“And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it. In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?” 2 Chronicles 1:6-10


God says to Solomon, what do you want? Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to do what he is called to do. He got God’s attention through sacrifice (1000 burnt offerings).


1 Kings 10:14, 21, 25

“Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,” 1 Kings 10:14


“And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.” 1 Kings 10:21


“And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.” 1 Kings 10:25


666 talents of gold/year translates to $760 million/year

2 Kings 11 – Solomon’s downfall

Proverbs 30 is written by Agur

Proverbs 31 is written by Lemuel


Keyword-wisdom

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10


“My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:” Proverbs 3:21 KJV


Key verses

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7


“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10


Fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge and wisdom


Fear of the Lord: “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13

Hate evil, pride, arrogance, evil way & forward mouth.


Am I hating evil or partaking in it?


What does God hate?

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19


1. Proud look

2. Lying tongue

3. Hands that shed innocent blood

4. Heart that deviseth wicked imaginations

5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief

6. False witness that speaketh lies

7. He that soweth discord among brethren


“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” Proverbs 15:33

Must be teachable


Being able to receive correction and He rebukes those He loves.


Fear of the Lord gives:



  1. Long Life “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27 & “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” Proverbs 10:27
  2. Confidence – Protection To Family “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
  3. Sleep Well – Satisfaction “The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” Proverbs 19:23
  4. Riches, Honor & Life “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” Proverbs 22:4