Wise Community IV

Sermon Introduction

There is a need for every church community to keep growing in wisdom. Nobody in their right mind would desire the opposite. For a community to grow in wisdom, the individual members of the community should determine to grow in understanding God’s word and grow in living God’s word. Each individual should meditate on God’s word; then each should become part of a small group that studies God’s word. However, if a person is not comfortable with people who diligently seek to study God’s word, then let such individual receive this warning.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr. Senior Pastor

Proverbs 13:20 NASB

One who walks with wise people will be wise,
But a companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 14:7-8 NASB

7 Leave the presence of a fool,
Or you will not discern words of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,
But the foolishness of fools is deceit.

Notes

There is a need for every church community to keep growing in wisdom. Nobody in their right mind would desire the opposite. For a community to grow in wisdom, the individual members of the community should determine to grow in understanding God’s word and grow in living God’s word. Each individual should meditate on God’s word; then each should become part of a small group that studies God’s word. However, if a person is not comfortable with people who diligently seek to study God’s word, then let such individual receive this warning.

1. If one seeks to grow in wisdom, one should fellowship more with people who walk in wisdom. A community intent on learning and living God’s word will continue to grow in wisdom. Each member learns from the word of God, then they learn from each other. On the other hand, one whose friends are fools will suffer.

   One who walks with wise people will be wise,
   But a companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)

2. The fool hates correction and does not listen to instruction. The fool is quick- tempered, and the fool mocks wisdom. The fool speaks before he listens and uses many words. The fool also thinks that he is wise but reveals his foolishness. The fool also creates divisions and is not inclined to seek counsel.

   Leave the presence of a fool,
   Or you will not discern words of knowledge. (Proverbs 14:7)

3. The one who is sensible and prudent examines the self. The wise evaluates words uttered and actions taken. Believers should meditate on the word of God as they would intently look at a mirror. But fools deceive themselves. They believe their own lie that they are right.

   The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,
   But the foolishness of fools is deceit. (Proverbs 14:8)

Reflection & Discussion

1. What will happen to the one who walks with the wise? What will happen to the one who walks with fools?

2. What should one do in the presence of a fool? A fool is one who does not listen but is only concerned about revealing his/her mind. A fool is also one who hates correction and many more.

3. What does the sensible and prudent person do? What is the foolishness of fools?