August 8 Sermon:  Be Wise and Not a Fool

Scripture:  Proverbs 1:7-9

Sermon delivered by Pastor Williams

 

            People have a problem with the word �fool�.  It has an emotional effect that makes them think someone is talking about them.  If you despise wisdom, you are a fool.  If you won�t listen to God, you are a fool.  You are a fool if you hate wisdom and knowledge.  A fool doesn�t believe there is a God.  There are too many things that evidence there is a God.

            Have any of you ever done anything foolish or said something foolish?  You look back on it and wish you could take it back?  Chances are before you did it or said it, God told you not to.  God wants us to be wise and not a fool.  The only way you can be wise is to fear the Lord.

            Knowledge is taking information and storing it in your brain.  Wisdom is taking that same information and applying it in a spiritual manner.  You can have all the knowledge in the world and not know how to use it.  That makes you an educated fool.  When you want to learn about God, you will receive wisdom.  We have to learn to reverence God.  There used to be a time when we not only respected God but we respected each other.  When you do not respect God, you could be a fool.  God wants us to learn to lean on Him.  As we walk through these valleys and shadows of death, we have to lean on and trust in the Lord. 

            Wise men know God has all the riches.  When health starts to fail you and you can�t work on a job, you will learn how to lean on the Lord.  When unemployment is in your house you will learn how to lean on the Lord.  Stop trying to lean on yourself.  Stop trying to figure out.  A wise man learns how to lean on the Lord.  Listen to what the Lord is trying to tell you.  A wise man opens up his ears and listens to the Lord.

            When you are living for the Lord, walking for Christ, people will think you are crazy.  You wonder why I preach the way I do?  The Lord has been good to me.  I�m going to act a fool for the Lord.  Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.  I�m glad I made a wise decision.  When you are in trouble, listen to Him, lean on Him.  When they dog you out, listen to Him, lean on Him.  When they talk about you, listen to Him, lean on Him.

            That�s what a wise man will do.  Acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.  Lean on Him.  Listen to Him.