TRUE WIDSOM

 

We are now looking today at the last three of the 23, statements about God in Psalm 111.  We have covered 20 and now we are looking at the last three.  To summarize, Ezra is the author of this psalm.  He is reintroducing the returnees from Persia and Babylon the Hebrew written language, culture and religion.  As a scholar and educator he knew that the written language was the best way to create a lasting generational effect.  He chose in Psalm 111-112 and 119, to use a Jewish form of poetry called an acrostic to make his point.  He uses a letter in the Jewish alphabet and then attached a truth about God.  We see it in its best form in Psalm 119. 

 

1.      The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Ezra here is repeating what Solomon says in Prov 1:7, 9:10, 14;27 and 15:33.  When the Bible talks about the fear of the Lord it has several meanings. 

 

a.      It means to realize that God is your judge and you will have to give an account of how you live and His role and place in your life.

b.      It means, “respect” in the way a servant fears his master and serves him faithfully. 

c.      It also denotes the reverence or awe a person feels in the presence of greatness (Isaiah 6:5). The fear of the Lord is a combination of all of these. 

d.      Fear of the Lord can be defined as “the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching and evaluating everything we think, say, and do.”  Jesus told each of the seven churches in Revelation 1—2, “I know your works.” Nothing escapes His attention.

e.      In order to develop the fear of the Lord, we must recognize God for who He is. We must glimpse with our spirits the power, might, beauty, and brilliance of the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 11:17; Hosea 12:5; Isaiah 6:1–5). Those who fear the Lord have a continual awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him, and sincere commitment to obey Him.

 

2.      Ezra says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Wisdom means, “knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it.”  Knowing what to do with what knowledge, information and facts that have been revealed to do. 

 

a.      There are three types of wisdom.  Satanic, worldly and godly. 

b.      We live in a world where knowledge, understanding and wisdom are prized.  People look to Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Mohammad, and the gurus of the east for wisdom.  It is big business.  People are looking it in man but true wisdom only comes from the author of wisdom.  The Bible says that wisdom was with God before the creation of the world and was part of it.  Wisdom is a communicated attribute of God.  It is part of the character, essence and nature of God.  James says in James 1:5, “if you lack it ask of God and He will give it to you liberally.”

c.      James gives us a great look at wisdom in the Bible.  James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

d.      A perfect example is found in Matt 22:15-22, where Jesus talked about paying taxes. 

e.      Ezra says that having a healthy respect for God is the beginning again repeating Solomon. 

 

3.      All who follow His precepts have good understanding.  Ezra then says to have wisdom is one thing to truly be wise is to apply, follow and do.  James says don’t just be a hearer of the world you must do it.  Ezra then answers this question.  The source of understanding and wisdom is the Word of God.  In the pages of the Bible you find wisdom and understanding. 

a.      The word precept means a rule, law or principle that guide thought and behavior.  We all have principles and philosophies that guide our lives.  For the believer it is the Bible.  It is the final authority of faith and practice. 

b.      The Bible is our compass, rulebook, guide and playbook for life.  If you model your life after Jesus Christ, obey the Bible and do the will of the Father as outline in this book your will have good understanding.  There are 10000 promises or reasons given to you and I.  Simple, clear and precise. 

c.      Application of what you read, see and hear is the secret of an abundant and eternal life.  You have to follow through with action otherwise it is just talk.  You are a just noise as Paul points out in 1 Cor 13.  We have had enough noise in this world.  We need people who show what God is by what they do and our silence is deafening.

 

4.       To him belongs eternal praise.  Ezra then closes off this psalm as He started it with praise.  To God belongs eternal praise.  Let us thank the Lord not just for this moment but for all time.  He has done great things.  He is the God who creates, loves, forgives, heals, restores and gives eternal and abundant life.

a.      Let everything that has breath,  praise the Lord, TODAH - sacrifice of praise, YADAH - let your hands be raised, BAROUCH- with a quiet voice, HALLEL - let your soul rejoice, ZAMAR - play for Him a song, TEHILLAH - you can sing along and SHABACH - shout for joy!  This is seven ways to praise the Lord.

b.      Let us clap and thank the Lord.  You can dance, jump, wave say yes, and thank you Lord.  In everything, give thanks and praise the Lord.  Let us close our time together with a song of praise and thanksgiving.  Let us now have our communion.