Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: The Way Is Jesus

Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:10-19.

When Solomon tells his son to hear, he teaches us that wisdom must be received. Wisdom does not come from inside a person, but it is a gift that comes from the Word of the LORD. This is the path of righteousness, with which Jesus identifies Himself: “I am the Way.” Because this way is given by grace, those who walk on it do not stumble, for they are in Christ. They are placed there by His instruction, which is life. Doctrine must norm life; if life norms doctrine, both will be harmed. The path of the wicked is unbelief; Solomon warns in no uncertain terms against it. Those who walk on it do not find comfort in the grace of God, so they can only look for it in their vain attempts at self-justification. Their food is not the LORD’s gracious gift of Himself, but only a cheap imitation. This way of lawlessness is darkness that leads to ignorant stumbling; only in the light of the Gospel does the Lord place our feet on the true path, Jesus 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 4:10-19

¹⁰Hear, my son, and accept my words,
    that the years of your life may be many.
¹¹I have taught you the way of wisdom;
    I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
¹²When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
    and if you run, you will not stumble.
¹³Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
    guard her, for she is your life.
¹⁴Do not enter the path of the wicked,
    and do not walk in the way of the evil.
¹⁵Avoid it; do not go on it;
    turn away from it and pass on.
¹⁶For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
    they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
¹⁷For they eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence.
¹⁸But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
¹⁹The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know over what they stumble.

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).