Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: The Wisdom of Knowing You Don’t Have Wisdom

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:1-9.

Solomon occupies the role of father teaching wisdom to his sons because he was once a son who was taught wisdom by his father. Jesus is the fulfillment of this. He receives all things from the Father and gives it faithfully to His Church. The Church now constantly occupies both places as Solomon did, constantly hearing the Word of God and faithfully repeating the Word of God. In this way, Christians keep God’s commandments. This includes obedience, but it is far greater than that. We treasure and hold onto all the Words that God has given us. He has acted in remembrance of us, and so our remembrance of His Word is not only cognitive recall, but affects our faith and life. Such wisdom recognizes that wisdom cannot come from within us; we are the poor in spirit who must be filled with the wisdom that Jesus alone can give through faith in His salvation. Clinging to that wisdom, we are co-heirs in the kingdom of Christ.

“Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wickedness because we trust that all good gifts come to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who is His wisdom made flesh for our salvation.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Proverbs 4:1-9

A Father’s Wise Instruction

4 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
    and be attentive, that you may gain^[a] insight,
²for I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
³When I was a son with my father,
    tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
⁴he taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.
⁵Get wisdom; get insight;
    do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
⁶Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
    love her, and she will guard you.
⁷The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
    and whatever you get, get insight.
⁸Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
    she will honor you if you embrace her.
⁹She will place on your head a graceful garland;
    she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

Footnotes

Proverbs 4:1 Hebrew know

English Standard Version (ESV)

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).