In our society a premium is placed upon education. In my parents' generation, it was fine for a person to finish high school, but it wasn't considered necessary. Of my generation there was a greater emphasis placed on finishing high school, but only a few went on to college. Now we encourage all of our young people to, not only finish high school, but also go on to college. Our world is such that even with experience, a person finds they need a college degree to really advance in many fields.
One would think that with such an emphasis on education, that people would be much wiser. Unfortunately, it is not education that produces wisdom. Wisdom comes from God! James tells us that wisdom is available to all who would ask of God. God has preserved for us His Word. We have the source of true scholarship in the pages of the Bible.
Read: Psalm 119:97-104
In tonight's section of this psalm, the psalmist declares the wisdom that can be attained from this Book. He also addresses the benefits of the application of this wisdom.
I. Wiser than the Enemy. v97-98
A. His love for the Word.
1. Why?
2. It gives reveals to us the meaning and purpose of life.
3. It shows us the way of eternal salvation.
4. It prepares us to deal with every situation that we might find ourselves in.
B. His meditation on the Word.
1. All day long he meditates upon God's Word.
2. Meditate = to reflect upon, contemplate.
3. We ought to consider His Word and His principles continually, that we might apply those principles in our daily life.
4. Note: Joshua's challenge to Israel.
(Josh 1:8) "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
C. The presence of enemies.
1. We forget that we are strangers in this world, enemies abound.
2. They may not be personal enemies, but they are enemies of the Cross.
3. Their philosophies permeate the society in which we live.
4. We need the wisdom of God's Word to be on guard for the attacks that are inevitable.
(1 Pet 5:8) "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
(Eph 6:11) "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
II. Wiser than Teachers. v99-100
A. Not more accumulated knowledge, but more understanding.
(Prov 2:6) "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
1. The psalmist was not saying he knew more than his teachers.
2. He was stating that he had more understanding, because he would meditate upon the Word.
3. God's Word will give us an understanding that goes beyond what could be attained through years of study.
B. Note the example of Christ.
1. At 12 years of age, He was discussing matters with the doctors.
2. It amazed all who heard Him, because of His understanding. Cf. Luke 2:47
3. As an adult, He continued to amaze others with His teaching and preaching.
(John 7:15) "And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"
C. The Word of God will bring wisdom beyond our years.
1. Spiritual understanding and wisdom does not come according to our chronological age.
2. In my first pastorate, nearly every person in the church was a contemporary with my parents.
3. At times that can be a problem, that is why the Scriptures require a pastor not to be a novice.
(1 Tim 4:12) "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
4. This does not mean that one doesn't respect or honor those who are older; it just means that old doesn't equal wise.
III. The Application of this Wisdom v101-104
A. Brings a separated life.
1. What paths our feet will follow.
2. This is a preliminary decision.
3. Common phrase now, "Don't go there!"
4. The Word will literally keep us from going where we shouldn't go.
B. Example of Daniel.
1. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.
2. Others did, but Daniel didn't.
3. He applied God's wisdom to his life in a practical manner.
4. That choice made it easier to make other choices later.
C. Results in a satisfied life.
1. Jackie Gleason was known for a number of things, but one phrase he used often was, "How sweet it is!".
2. A conscious knowledge that we are obeying the Word brings satisfaction.
3. The temptations are many, and they offer a sweet reward, but in reality the result is death.
4. Note: Proverbs 9:13-18
(Prov 20:17) "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel."
It is time for us to 'wise up'. We need to choose to follow after the wisdom of God. The source of the wisdom is in His Word. The benefits are great, and the results of the application are sweet.