Return to Series

Sermon Introduction

Wisdom instructs us to listen to wisdom and instruction. Yet wisdom also warns us against the counsel of the wicked, which is deceitful. Therefore, one must choose the right advisers. We must also make sure that there is no deceit in our advice should we give advice to others. Wisdom leads us to walk with the wise because we will become wise. Conversely, we should leave the presence of a fool because we will not gain any knowledge. Furthermore, their company will bring us harm. Eventually, if we want to walk in wisdom, we should choose our companions.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 12:5 ESV

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;
the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Proverbs 14:7 ESV

7 Leave the presence of a fool,
for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 13:20 ESV

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Notes

Wisdom instructs us to listen to wisdom and instruction. Yet wisdom also warns us against the counsel of the wicked, which is deceitful. Therefore, one must choose the right advisers. We must also make sure that there is no deceit in our advice should we give advice to others. Wisdom leads us to walk with the wise because we will become wise. Conversely, we should leave the presence of a fool because we will not gain any knowledge. Furthermore, their company will bring us harm. Eventually, if we want to walk in wisdom, we should choose our companions.

1. Wicked Counsel

   The thoughts of the righteous are just, fair, honest, and truthful. Conversely, the advice of the wicked is deceitful, which may lead to undesirable events. Therefore, one must avoid the advice of the wicked.
   
   5 The thoughts of the righteous are just;
   the counsels of the wicked are deceitful (Prov. 12:5).
   
   

2. Fool’s Presence

   Wisdom states that one must leave the presence of a fool. A fool does not fear God, does not listen to counsel, hates correction, and is only concerned about revealing their mind. One will not gain knowledge from such.
   
   7 Leave the presence of a fool,
   for there you do not meet words of knowledge (Prov. 14:7).
   
   

3. Companion of Fools

   Those who walk with the wise will become wise probably through listening and observation. Conversely, the companion of fools will suffer. Therefore, one must choose one’s companions. Thus, people must evaluate their companions.
   
   20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
   but the companion of fools will suffer harm (Prov. 13:20).
   
   

Application

1. Choose Advisers

   Beware the counsel of the wicked. Their advice is either deceitful or leads to deceit. Avoid them. On the other hand, one must listen to those whose thoughts and actions are truthful, honest, and fair.
   
   

2. Leave the Fool

   We will not gain any wisdom from fools. Therefore, we must leave the presence of a fool for the sake of our own soul. If we are comfortable with fools then probably we are fools.
   
   

3. Walk with the Wise

   What does it mean to walk with the wise? One must invest time with the wise. More than that, keep them company while moving in the same direction. People can only walk with each other if they are in the same direction.
   
   
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. Describe the counsel of the wicked.

2. Why leave the presence of a fool?

3. What happens to the companion of the wise? How about the fool?