Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: Wisdom Loves Community in Christ

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, director of admissions and director of the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 17:25-18:24.

Solomon again speaks of the value of God’s gift of family. Children who heed their parents’ instruction in the way of wisdom find blessing for themselves and provide joy to their parents as well. It is foolish to isolate oneself from parents and from the larger Church; in this community, God gives to us His gifts of life and salvation. Our words will only be beneficial to others when they are formed by the life-giving Word of God. Christians must constantly fill themselves with His teaching, lest the folly of the world have devastating effects. This Word buoys our spirit to endure the troubles of this life. This Word points us to Christ, who is the loyal Brother and Friend above all others.

“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 17:25-18:24

²⁵A foolish son is a grief to his father
    and bitterness to her who bore him.
²⁶To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,
    nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
²⁷Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
²⁸Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
18 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
    he breaks out against all sound judgment.
²A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only in expressing his opinion.
³When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
⁴The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
⁵It is not good to be partial to^[a] the wicked
    or to deprive the righteous of justice.
⁶A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites a beating.

Footnotes

Proverbs 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of

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).