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Focus
June 15, 2025
50m 33s

The Father's Wisdom

by Johnson Bowie
Where or who do you turn to when you don’t know what to do? In a world where advice and opinions are never in short supply, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. This summer, we’re turning to the one place you can count on for the right answers—God’s Word. If you need help navigating the many facets of life, then tune into our series, Focus, as we dive into the book of Proverbs to find the wisdom and clarity we need for the seasons ahead.
Sermon Notes

“If we have love but not wisdom, we will harm people with the best of intentions. If we have courage but not wisdom, we will blunder boldly. If we have truth but not wisdom, we will make the Gospel ugly to other people. If we have technology but not wisdom, we will use the best communications ever invented to broadcast stupidity.”
- Ray Ortlund

Proverbs 1:1 NLT
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

1 Kings 3:5-12 NLT
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”... “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!”

Proverbs 1:1–7 NLT
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their PURPOSE is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the SIMPLE, knowledge and discernment to the YOUNG. Let the WISE listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but FOOLS despise wisdom and discipline.

WHO is Proverbs for?
1. Simple
2. Young
3. Wise
4. Fools

Proverbs 12:1 NIV
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is STUPID.

Proverbs 4:1-10 NLT
My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions. For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child. My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 

Proverbs 1:7 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

There is a 0.0296% chance that your child will become a professional athlete, yet there is a 100% chance that your child will stand before Jesus one day.

3 life lessons from the Fear of the Lord
1. RELATIONSHIPS will make or break you

Proverbs 13:20 NIV
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

3 life lessons from the Fear of the Lord
1. RELATIONSHIPS will make or break you
2. DECISIONS will form you

3 life lessons from the Fear of the Lord
1. RELATIONSHIPS will make or break you
2. DECISIONS will form you
3. OBEDIENCE will protect you

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.

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