From the Pulpit...

The big idea in this sermon is that wise people internalize God's word in order to live by it. You will notice a pattern in the first 12 verses of the chapter where the odd-numbered verses are conditions or behavior that Solomon enjoins, and the even-numbered verses are the corresponding blessing that comes with obedience. The conditions are the Law of Moses restated. For example, see Deuteronomy 8:1-3. We are encouraged to carefully pay attention to the text of Scripture wherein is wisdom for us today; to ask questions about the text; use Scripture as we pray, and ask if my character causes people to despise me or respect me?