Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: Justice, Honesty, and Hard Work

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 24:23-34.

Solomon provides another compilation of sayings of wise people that he has edited under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In these verses, he primarily deals with three topics: courtroom conduct, wise and foolish speech, and diligent labor. The matter of judgment without partiality finds its foundation in the character of God. Though Christians may not always experience in this life the reality that Solomon writes, we live by faith in the good blessing that will be ours in the resurrection. Honesty upon the lips of Christians also has its foundation in the fact Jesus is the Truth. In Him, we receive our hard work and our rest as good gifts, knowing that our labor in the LORD is not in vain.

“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 24:23-34

More Sayings of the Wise

²³These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.
²⁴Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
²⁵but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.
²⁶Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

²⁷Prepare your work outside;
get everything ready for yourself in the field,
and after that build your house.

²⁸Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.
²⁹Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

³⁰I passed by the field of a sluggard,
    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
³¹and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
    the ground was covered with nettles,
    and its stone wall was broken down.
³²Then I saw and considered it;
    I looked and received instruction.
³³A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest,
³⁴and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
    and want like an armed man.

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).