Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL

The Proverbs is a varied book with long statements about wisdom and short, pithy statements designed to be chewed on.

There is so much introductory material to the Psalms that we had to have a part 2 to get it all in.

This part of the introduction deals with authors, titles, and other such background material.

Before God declared His character to Moses in Exodus 34-6-7, He had publicly addressed His people in Exodus 20. He gave to the people His Ten Commandments which were a reflection of what His people were to be like reflecting His image. The second commandment forbid the making of idols because it distorts the image of God. God declared what He is like so that people would not confuse His image. The statement in this section is a prelude to what God will share with Moses that displays His glory. This sermon is a prequel to Exodus 34-6-7.

This section allows the reader to see the personal side of Paul. Paul shares in this passage his plans for ministry. He looks forward to opportunities while trying to presently deliver a gift to Jerusalem. Paul serves as a pattern on how to plan to minister to others.

The book of Ecclesiastes was a book ultimately for young persons to become wise. Solomon gives three R's for young people, Rejoice in your youth, Remove sin from your life, Remember God now because old age is coming. The secondary conclusion of Solomon is that all things without God in this world is vanity. The final conclusion is to fear God, live as if He does exist, and keep His commandments.

This lesson covers much ground in the book of Ecclesiastes. The message of the book picks up. Solomon now puts to his readers that they should do whatever they can to get godly wisdom. It is more important than anything else. Solomon lays out many of the advantages of having wisdom. Wisdom allows one to stand before leaders, escape judgment, enjoy life before death, rescue others from difficulties, and answer every situation.

People place in trust in many things. In this chapter of Ecclesiastes some people trust in hasty words to God that they never look to seriously keep. That will bring judgment from God. Other people put their trust in government officials but they will bring disappointment. Other people put their trust in riches, but that will bring one to despair. The contrast to all these is the individual that puts their trust in God. They are able to enjoy each day fully as a gift of God.

People in world work all the time for all sorts of reasons. Some people work because they are envious of what others have. This leads to a great deal of frustration. The fool does not answer this right, because he suggests why work. One of the side effects of overwork is loneliness. People may have all sorts of money but no real relations with people. Others work for the praise for others but favor is a fickle thing.

Injustice is found in every aspect of our life. In places where justice should be served it is ignored. Coming out of the poem on time, Solomon reminds us that justice will be served one day before God's throne. The equalizer in this life is that all men will die.