Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: Wisdom, Life, and Healing

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:20-27.

Today’s text is the sixth of Solomon’s ten addresses to his sons. The number “ten” suggests completion and also brings to mind the LORD’s Ten Commandments. This address speaks largely toward matters concerning the 8th Commandment. God’s Word demands our attention; we dare not take His commands for granted. Keeping His wisdom before our eyes and in our hearts, we receive His life and healing. Such life and healing from the Word was made complete in the ministry of Jesus. His Word flows from those who believe as a spring of life. In this way, the words we speak are the overflow of saving faith. This faith keeps our eyes focused forward along the way of wisdom that the LORD gives. To the right and to the left is danger; the LORD keeps our feet walking straight through His Word.

“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 4:20-27

²⁰My son, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
²¹Let them not escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart.
²²For they are life to those who find them,
    and healing to all their^[a] flesh.
²³Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.
²⁴Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
²⁵Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
²⁶Ponder^[b] the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
²⁷Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.

Footnotes

Proverbs 4:22 Hebrew his
Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level

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).