The book of proverbs describes many character qualities of men and women. Two categories that stand out are “wise men” and “virtuous women”. By studying these qualities, we learn what God expects of us as men and women. The word “wise” describes a man who is has wisdom or is skilful, prudent, cunning, circumspect, or proper. It can apply to both genders, but in the book of Proverbs, it is usually applied to men. The word “virtue” refers to strength. When applied to women it stresses strength of character.

Transition

This evening we are going to begin looking at some of the qualities of a wise man.

He listens and learns from counsel (1:5)

  1. He has a readiness to learn.
    1. Many men are not teachable. A “know-it-all” is not a wise person.² As a rule, the less a man knows, the more he thinks he knows. Ironside
    2. A wise man willingly admits that he does not know everything and that he needs to learn.
    3. He humbly listens to those who teach him.V (Proverbs 9:9) “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
  2. He benefits from wise counsel.
    1. He seeks counsel before making decisions.
    2. He takes advice and gets wiser.
    3. A husband who is wise leader in his home is not too proud to seek the counsel of his wife.

He accepts correction cheerfully (9:8)

  1. The wise man accepts rebuke
    1. Rebuke means to correct, to judge, to convict.
    2. A wise man will admit when he has done wrong. He does not rebel when rebuked. He takes it like a man. He humbles himself. He swallows his pride.V (Proverbs 17:10) “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”
  2. He appreciates those who point out his error
    1. He goes a step further and actually loves the one who points out his error.
    2. He is wise enough to see that getting back on the right path will be of great benefit.V (Proverbs 27:6) “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

      V (Proverbs 15:31) “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.”

He obeys orders (10:8)

  1. The wise man receives commands.
    1. To “receive” means to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire. He does not just endure these commands but happily takes them to heart.
    2. These commands may be either from God or from men. They may be Bible commands or principle. They may also be the instructions of the boss at work.
  2. He obeys orders instead of talking against them as the prating fool does.
    1. He listens and obeys quickly and consistently.
      1. When he learns what God expects from him, he obeys the Bible commands and principles. He does not make excuses. He does not twist God’s word.
      2. He also obeys civil laws, the traffic laws, the tax laws, the copyright laws, and even the water retic laws.
    2. Jesus linked obedience to love.V (John 14:15) “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

He speaks healing words (12:18)

  1. The wise man guards his tongue
    1. The fool’s words are like the sharp stabs of a sword. They cut to the heart. They harm reputations. They humiliate. They belittle. They shame. He cuts his wife, his children, his neighbours, his friends, and his workmates with his tongue. The wounds he causes may never heal.
    2. The wise man does not allow his tongue to stab like a sword. He guards it carefully. He prays as the Psalmist:V (Psalms 141:3) “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
  2. The wise man uses his tongue to heal not hurt.
    1. By confessing his sins to God, he heals his fellowship with God.
    2. He words are kind, encouraging, edifying, comforting, loving, cheering, and show appreciation (Col 4:6).
    3. With his tongue, he admits his wrongs to those he hurt. He then uses his tongue to apologize for his wrongs and to seek forgiveness.
    4. His tongue offers forgiveness to others.

He walks with wise men (13:20)

  1. He is wise because he walks with wise men.
    1. A wise person chooses his friends carefully. His close friends are Christians who will build him up spiritually. He avoids Christians who are carnal or erring doctrinally. He avoids close friendships with fools (those who reject God’s salvation). Their influence will be harmful.
    2. Your friends will either make you or break you.V (1 Corinthians 15:33) “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
  2. He increases the wisdom of his friends.
    1. You should be the friend of “fools” so you can point them to Christ, but they must not be your close friends. If you live godly and faithfully witnesses to unbelievers, they will not want to be your close friends.
    2. The wisdom of wise men rubs off on their Christian friends through observations and godly conversations.

He fears and departs from evil (14:16)

  1. The wise man fears the Lord.
    1. Fools choke on the simplest Bible facts and yet swallow the most absurd fables like evolution.
    2. The wise man fears the Lord. His fear for God includes respect and honour, but he also does not want to displease God and trembles at the thought of his punishments.
  2. Because he fears God, he turns from evil.
    1. He makes a conscious choice to turn away from evil. He looks away from immodesty. He turns his thoughts when tempted to stray. He protects his eyes and his mind.
    2. He sifts all his activities through the Bible.V (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

He shares knowledge rightly (15:2)

  1. “The wise man knows how to use knowledge profitably; he also knows when to speak and when to be silent.” Ironside
    1. He looks for the right time to speak.
    2. He asks God for wisdom to know just what to say.
    3. He seeks to share his heart in a pleasing way. He does not pour out foolishness as a fool. He thinks before speaking!² It is considered unmanly by many not to resent an insult and to allow wrathful words to pass unchallenged. But it takes far more true character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit, and to return cool, calm words for heated, hasty ones. Ironside
  2. The wise man edifies others.
    1. The wise man share knowledge (perception, skill, wisdom, discernment, understanding) after careful thought. He does not blurt out foolish or self-centred comments.V (Proverbs 15:7) “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.”
    2. He seeks to build up others with his knowledge.

Conclusion

Men, God wants us to develop the qualities of a biblical wise man. If we are going to be a wise husband and wise father, we need the qualities God lists for us. 1) Listen to counsel, 2) Accept correction, 3) Obey orders, 4) Speak healing words, 5) Walk with the wise, 6) Fear God and depart from evil, 7) Share knowledge rightly. The only way we can develop these qualities is with God’s help. We must humble ourselves before Him, abide in close fellowship with Christ, and ask Him to develop these qualities in our lives.

Song: There is Power in the Blood – 198 verse 1-2
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Wise Men & Virtuous Women1
4 January 2014 pm – Proverbs 1:5 – Wise/Virtuous – Scott Childs