Instruction in the Lord

September 11, 2011

Lesson: Proverbs 4:10–27

Key Verse: Proverbs 4:13

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Introduction

Solomon calls his children to pay attention to “the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law” (Pro. 4:1); “That is,” wrote Matthew Henry, “Let my own children, in the first place, receive and give good heed to those instructions which I set down for the use of others also.” Henry wrote further that “Magistrates and ministers, who are entrusted with the direction of larger societies, are concerned to take a more than ordinary care for the good instruction of their own families; from this duty their public work will by no means excuse them. This charity must begin at home, though it must not end there; for he that has not his children in subjection with all gravity, and does not take pains in their good education, how shall he do his duty as he ought to the church of God?” As heads of households are faithful in their Biblical instruction of their family, so must the elders, under-shepherds of the Christ’s Congregation (Church of God), be true in undergirding the faith of God’s people.

Wisdom (to be skillful, wise) speaks, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her; for she is thy life” (Pro. 4:13). The word ‘instruction’ means ‘chastisement, warning or reproof.’ Instruction, therefore, can be defined as Wisdom; for the Holy Scriptures “are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus;” for “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:15–17). We are to “take fast hold of instruction;” to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

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The Way of Wisdom—Proverbs 4:10–13

Solomon, (the Wisdom of God) continues his instruction: “Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.” Any instruction from the Word of God must have the listening ear: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The words of God are given to ears that have been made alive by the Spirit; the Christian whose heart has been made to hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Christ. In other words, the Christian comes with a desire to hear, and so to learn what God speaks. The result is both growth in maturity and strength in all areas of life that bring increasing joy to each passing year.

Scripture has been faithful in teaching us the way of Wisdom: “I have led thee in right paths.” Our testimony is this: “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore” (Psa. 16:11). Within of God’s congregations shall the people find the path of life: “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3).

The righteous paths of the Lord shall be our life: “When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened (shall not be stressful nor in distress); and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble (shall not fall or be overthrown). Therefore, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Since wisdom is Christ, we look to Him for our life; as He has testified: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25–26).

Discussion: Why is it important to pay attention to God’s words of instruction?

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The Path of the Just—Proverbs 4:14–19

Wisdom continues: “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” For example, Paul teaches us that we are to put away lying and speak the truth; we are not to steal, but do good; and not to let “corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:25–30). By the grace of God we are enabled to turn from evil and practice that which is right and good according to the Word of God. Yet there is sin which continues to pursue us—by Word and Spirit flee from it.

The wicked continue to chase us: “For they sleep not, except they have done mischief, and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” Therefore, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;” keeping your eyes upon Christ, taking “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:16–17). The path of the just is the path of righteousness in Christ: for the Gospel of Christ “is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth …For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16–17).

The wicked live in darkness, but the righteous live in the light: “the path of the just (those who practice righteousness) is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.” Christ is that Light, of the Godhead from before the foundation of the world, our Creator; for “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made;” and “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1–5). Christ Jesus alone is our Savior, our life: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Discussion: What does it mean for the just to live by faith?

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The Keeping of Your Heart—Proverbs 4:20–27

Wisdom continues: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.” Listen carefully and desire to keep what the Spirit teaches “in the midst of thine heart. For they (the Word of God) are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” The advertisements of the many drugs that promise life contain the words, ‘go tell your doctor.’ But, remember the side effects and tell him about any other problems you may have or drugs you are already on. However, Scripture speaks not only to our spiritual life but also to our physical life. Who is our Savior? The man with the scalpel or the Creator who can keep the promise of life given in Christ? We are not talking about those who faithfully seek the health of the body, but about those whose monetary gains rest upon the dispensing of cures. Whether it is the health of the body or soul we can rest assured that our Creator and Savior is able to give us life.

Therefore, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a forward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” Be diligent, meaning, put a guard around your heart, keep out those things which would lead you away from your Lord, keeping and nourishing that which the Spirit writes upon your heart by His Word. “Let your eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” Slumber not, do not allow weariness break down your diligence, and look to Christ continually. “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil.” Be alive in Christ by your thoughts and deeds: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:9–13).

Discussion: What does it mean to keep your heart?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2011 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.