Marry Wisely

Sermon Introduction

Those who want wisdom should learn from the wise—learning the ways of the wise benefits all who do so (13:20). The benefit is becoming wise. One may surmise that the proverb applies to all who desire to grow in wisdom. Thus, this is especially true in marriage. A good choice of a spouse is someone who dares to walk in the wisdom of Scripture. But what is a wise person? It is best to let Scripture define the wise.

On the other hand, what is a fool? Scripture should define the fool. However, one must heed the warning that a companion of fools will suffer harm. If we apply this in marriage, do not marry a fool because you will suffer harm (13:20).

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Proverbs 13:20, 9:10, 18:2, 12:15, 26:12, 14:7, 23:9 ESV

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

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.

12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

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

9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Notes

Those who want wisdom should learn from the wise—learning the ways of the wise benefits all who do so (13:20). The benefit is becoming wise. One may surmise that the proverb applies to all who desire to grow in wisdom. Thus, this is especially true in marriage. A good choice of a spouse is someone who dares to walk in the wisdom of Scripture. But what is a wise person? It is best to let Scripture define the wise.

On the other hand, what is a fool? Scripture should define the fool. However, one must heed the warning that a companion of fools will suffer harm. If we apply this in marriage, do not marry a fool because you will suffer harm (13:20).

1. The book of wisdom equates the fear of the Lord to the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One gives one insight. The word “fear” reflects reverence, respect, awe, and terror (9:10).

   10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
   

2. The fool does not delight in understanding. The fool only desires to express

   personal opinions (18:2). Moreover, the fool does not listen to advice because the

   fool thinks there is no need (12:15). However, there is something worse—the

   person who thinks the self to be wise (26:12).

   2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

   but only in expressing his opinion.

   15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice

   It is pitiful to marry someone who thinks they are always right. Therefore, one must reflect within not to be such a person. Furthermore, one must not marry a person who is always right in their own eyes.

   12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him
   

3. Since the fool does not desire to understand or seek counsel, the fool cannot share substantial knowledge (14:7). Therefore, it is best to leave their presence. If one tries to discuss with a fool, one will experience disappointment (23:9).

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

   9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.

Application

1. Do not be a fool. Fear God and know Him as revealed in Scripture. Listen to godly counsel, do not despise it. Speak less, understand more. Seek the company of the wise. And, of course, avoid the fool. Most importantly, do not marry a fool.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What do you think of the popular belief, “Just marry the person you like?”

2. In what ways may single people apply the wisdom from the cited proverbs?

3. In what way married people may apply the wisdom form the cited proverbs?