Under the working theme of ‘the finishing school of kings’ we’ve considered Proverbs 16 in four sections. The first nine verses expounded the concept of agency under the royal preeminence of God as the font of all legitimate authority.  These verses reveal the relationship between human moral agency and God’s sovereignty.  The second section (verses 10-16) speaks to the royal ideal.  Here we are introduced to the model ruler, the moral standard for civil authorities.  In the third portion, verses 17-25 exhort the dominion agent to assess his own character applying principles internally to the discipline of self-government.  Finally, our chapter closes with instructions for the king to evaluate the reputation of others. Applying externally the standards of Godly character in verses 26-33.

John chapter 20 records a series of resurrection revelations.  John & Peter realized Jesus was risen only upon touring the empty tomb and witnessing the carefully folded grave clothes of our Lord (3-8). Next, Mary Magdalene remains distraught despite witnessing the empty tomb and angels until Jesus Himself speaks to her from the garden (11-18).  Jesus then visits a meeting of disciples cowering behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. He shows them his crucifixion wounds and speaks a blessing of peace restoring their joy (19-23). Finally, eight days later, the doubts of Thomas are assuaged only when Christ appears to him in the flesh and the disciple touches his pierced hands and side (224-28).

Verse 9 of this chapter explains why these face to face encounters were necessary…”for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.”  This would not always be the case however, shortly after these events and the Pentecost advent of the Holy Spirit, Peter began to proclaim the Gospel from the OT scriptures.  It is this witness combined with the NT accounts that now serves to open our eyes and hearts to believe. Behold Peter preaching after he understood the scripture proclaiming Christ.

In consideration of our text this week, I recalled a sermon series I preached years ago which traced the prominence and location of the Ark of the Covenant as it related to the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel… the plight of the Ark as the touchstone of divine habitation & favor corresponded with the heart condition of the people. As spiritual reforms progressed under the rule of David, the red carpet was rolled out for the presence of God to take up residence once again in the midst of the people.  Just as the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem would be paved with praises, palm fronds, and cloaks… so it was centuries before, the people made preparations for the Ark of the Covenant to arrive in Jerusalem.  This event was marked by covenant renewal, worship, and sacrifice.

Our passage today is all about self-discipline. In light of the last section of Proverbs 16 specifically addressed to kings, one might be inclined to ask if these verses are directed toward civil rulers as well? And if so, how do they apply to those wielding authority?  Astute philosophers through the ages have recognized the importance of self-government as a precondition of responsibility.  In a recent interview, Canadian politician: Pierre Poilievre spoke to his own philosophy of leadership by citing Confucius who said: "How will he who does not know how to govern himself know how to govern others?" Before Poilievre there was Confucius, and before Confucius there was Solomon who influenced great kings as the testimony of his wisdom spread far and wide 1000 years before Christ. I Kings 4:29-34 documents the reach and influence of Solomon’s wisdom and renown. Timeless principles outlined in this chapter may well have spanned the inhabited world and endured for centuries, perhaps inspiring generations of leaders from the near east to China.

The more authority someone wields, the more fear of the Lord is required to rule responsibly.  ‘Fear of the Lord’ defined in context of chapter 16: ‘Taking God as seriously as His sovereignty demands’.  Each of the five references to the king in verses 10-15 imply the ideal, that is the perfect example of dominion.  You could place the word ‘perfect’ or ‘ideal’ before each mention of ‘king’ in this section to help clarify the sense of Solomon’s instruction. In addition, it is helpful to remember the wisdom literature device of ‘citing the maximal case’.  This way of speaking commends the application of these principles not exclusively to kings, but furthermore to all lesser dominion agents. Consider Prov 16 in light of the (Gen 1:28) original cultural mandate for all humanity. Given this dynamic, the reader may substitute ‘dominion agent’ for each reference to ‘king’ to clarify the scope of application.

We have reached the penultimate song in the world’s greatest hymnal! The theme of worship and its central importance to the livelihood of the people is expounded.  Worship is a matter of identity, unity, and national security. Last I checked ‘The high praises of God” had not made the list of strategic resources that we believe are in our country’s vital interest. This is a tragic oversight. When true worship thrives so does a society.  Let us explore the great blessings attending those who worship the One True Sovereign in Spirit & in truth.

After addressing the occasion of public worship, expounding references from the greater context of scripture, and laying out practical guidelines, the apostle summarizes his house keeping instructions for the Corinthian church in one sentence at the close of this chapter:" "... All things should be done decently and in order." (40). The standards for decency and order according to the calling of the local church are the subject of our text today. Central to our passage, verses 24 & 25 outline aims for Gospel ministry in the church age. This summary, is a literary structure, is fractal (a concise version of a broader pattern). We can use these categories to outline surrounding verses fro1n (20-40), we'll cover 2 points through verse 26 in this message.

Proverbs 16 reads like a finishing school exam for civil rulers. The author's calling and experience provide the background context occasioning this passage. Nevertheless while Solomon's office as king of Israel explains the instrumental cause of blessing in the land, the chapter itself proclaims the sovereignty of God as the formal cause. Applications of this chapter extend to us as Solomon is citing the maximal case here. The implication being, if the greatest of earthly kings is subject & accountable to the law of God & if he rules merely as an instrument of God's divine decree...the same is certainly true for everyone else. Similar to chapter 15, several verses placed strategically throughout the passage pronounce the theme. These key proverbs are verse 1, 9, and 33 all of which highlight the royal preeminence of YAHWEH the ultimate sovereign, human agency

Working with the “melodic line” theme of the fear of the Lord, and our summary definition of the same: “taking Him as seriously, as His glory demands“… we with our exposition of proverbs 15. Our passage today reads like the wisdom literature version of Jesus words in (Mat 6:33) “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
   Limiting our outline to two major points today will allow us to explore more passages like this from the teachings of Christ that further illuminate and apply the wisdom of Solomon in this chapter.