Proverbs 3:19-35 • February 10, 2008
Introduction
This week, the Tennessean (Nashville newspaper) reported that the Georgia State Legislature has a resolution in the works to attempt to extend the Georgia boarder with Tennessee and annex part of Tennessee. The resolution, which has passed early hurdles but has not received final passage, claims that the boundary was erroneously surveyed in 1818 and that Georgia has never accepted it. The resolution calls for the creation of a “Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission” that would perform joint surveys and change the line to the “definite and true” boundary line: exactly following the 35th parallel.
What is the drive for this move? Georgia desperately needs water. By moving the boarder by a little over a mile, the state would gain access to the Tennessee River and Nickajack Reservoir.
Tennesseans are mildly amused, and have offered to settle it with a football game or a wrestling match. One Tennessee state politician suggested floating an armada of University of Tennessee fans down the Tennessee River to defend the state’s honor. Others see it as a serious issue and should this move by Georgia gain momentum, things could turn ugly.
Whether it is states or individuals, there are certain boundaries that should not be crossed. If they are, if certain lines are ignored, serious problems could develop between people. Certain lines should not be crossed.
Proverbs is a book that not only addresses our relationship with God and provides guidance for navigating life, but it helps us learn to live with one another.
● God is the creator of everything. He is the manufacturer. He knows how life works. We need to listen to him. We need to plug into his wisdom.
● Having wisdom means we are connected to God. This in turn gives us:
○ Stability– we will not stumble.
○ Security– we will be safe.
● Make sure your relationship with God is what it is supposed to be so that you will not be negatively influenced by those around you.
6 Boundaries (Negatively Stated)
1. 3:25-26 – Do not abandon your walk with God.
a. No matter what else may happen, or what relationships you may or may not have, your relationship with God must be the top priority.
b. He is to be your source of confidence and strength.
c. Others are good, and it is nice to have someone with skin on. But ultimately, if we have not established our confidence in the Lord, we will have unhealthy relationships with other people
i. We invest too much in them.
ii. We expect too much from them.
2. 3:27 – Do not withhold good.
a. “Due” means owed. We owe a debt of goodness to those around us. We must pay it.
b. When you have the ability to do good, do it.
c. When we owe a debt, any debt, it must be paid. In the New Testament, we find the one debt we will never be able to fully pay is the debt of love to others.
3. 3:28 – Do not delay paying your debts.
a. Do not delay paying your debts, especially your debts of kindness, until some later time.
b. Tomorrow very rarely comes.
4. 3:29– Do not deal treacherously with others.
a. Attacking an unsuspecting neighbor.
b. Plan is same word as plow– carefully plotting your course.
c. ILL– Ahab & Jezebel’s theft of Naboth’s vineyard (2 Kings 21:1-29)
5. 3:30– Do not quarrel with your neighbor.
a. Don’t pick an unnecessary fight.
b. ILL– Frivolous lawsuits.
6. 3:31-32 – Do not envy the wicked.
a. Too tempting to fall in love with the lifestyles of the wicked and ungodly.
b. The violent man is one who exercises power over others– physically or verbally abusing others to get their way.
c. They are not to be envied because God detests them. Their way of life leads away from God.
APPLICATION – Let’s condense and restate these in a positive way…
1. Be Generous– Give what is good to those around us.
a. Romans 13:7-8 (ESV) Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. [8] Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
b. Give quickly.
2. Be Peaceable– live peaceable with all people.
a. Romans 12:16-18 (ESV) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
3. Be Content– Contentment with what we are and have is the way to avoid the sin of envy.
4. Be generous toward others, be peaceable toward others, and be content.
Conclusion
Proverbs 3:33-35– Compare the wise and the foolish.
The way we treat others is an indication of how we are related to God. If we are mean spirited and wicked toward those around us, God will be displeased. They are under his curse, are scorned, and disgraced.
Those who love the Lord and love their neighbors are blessed, receive favor, and inherit honor.
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