Welcome to Day 2589 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2589 – Wisdom Nuggets – Old Testament Orientation – Books of Wisdom: Knowing God and Being Loyal to Him – Ecclesiastes 34:13-14

Putnam Church Message – 03/16/2025 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 10: Books of Wisdom: Knowing God and Being Loyal to Him   Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series and reviewed Prophecy, Idolatry, the Day of the Lord, Loyalty, and Messiah. We explored from an ancient Israelite worldview. This week, we will explore the Books of Wisdom: Knowing God and Being Loyal to Him. These books are my favorite genre in the Old Testament. So let us think like an Ancient Israelite and their worldview of the Wisdom books. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, Creator of heaven and earth, we humbly come before You today to seek Your wisdom and guidance. Just as You once walked with Adam and Eve in Eden, may You walk with us today through the gardens of Your Word. Grant us open hearts and receptive spirits to hear Your voice through the wisdom of the Scriptures. May the ancient words of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon awaken within us a renewed passion for knowing You intimately. Let our hearts not merely gather knowledge, but let our lives demonstrate steadfast faithfulness and loyalty to You. May our understanding deepen, and our love for You grow stronger with each word we hear. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen. Introduction Let’s climb back into the imagination station. Today, we are an ancient Israelite living in the flourishing kingdom of Israel under King Solomon. The land is peaceful, your fields are productive, and the nation is prospering like never before. Yet, despite material wealth, you sense a more profound emptiness within your community. The priests offer sacrifices daily, and the temple is bustling>with activity, yet people’s hearts seem distant from Yahweh. Then, one day, you hear a wise teacher speaking openly at the city gate, challenging people to think differently, to move beyond mere ritual to a deeper understanding and loyalty to God. He shares wisdom not just about how to be successful in life, but about what truly matters>knowing God and living faithfully for Him./ Even today, people seek wisdom and true knowledge that wealth alone cannot provide. The sages and teachers call out to people in the streets and city gates: “Seek wisdom! Seek God above all else!” Today, we journey through the wisdom literature of the Old Testament—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon—to explore the ancient path of knowing God intimately and remaining loyal to Him. Let’s briefly examine the concepts found in each of these books. (Bulletin Insert)     Main Points

1. The Wisdom of Job: Trusting God in Times of Suffering

Expanded Narrative: In ancient Israel, the story of Job was both inspiring and troubling. The book of Job shows a very clear picture of God and His interaction with His Divine Council. Let me read Job 1: 6-9 ⁶ One day the members of the heavenly court^[a] came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, (the) Satan,^[b] came with them. ⁷ “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” ⁸ Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Yes, Job was known to all as a righteous man, yet suddenly, he lost everything: family, wealth, and even his health. Job’s friends, attempting to explain his suffering, insisted that he must have sinned. But Job stood firm, maintaining his innocence and loyalty to God, despite confusion and pain. In our lives today, we experience similar confusion when tragedy strikes—a sudden illness, financial ruin, or loss of a loved one. Like Job, we wrestle with the question, “Why me, Lord?” Yet, the wisdom of Job teaches us that faith is not dependent on understanding everything. Loyalty to God means trusting Him, even when His purposes seem hidden. Illustration Story: In ancient Israel, a young shepherd named Eliezer lost his entire flock to a sudden storm. The village elders blamed his misfortune on hidden sin, but like Job, he knew he was innocent. Instead of cursing God, Eliezer trusted Yahweh, believing that even tragedy was under God’s sovereign care. Eventually, he saw restoration and deeper wisdom in God’s mysterious ways. Modern Analogy: A faithful believer today receives a sudden, devastating diagnosis. Rather than turning away from God, she embraces trust, understanding that loyalty doesn’t depend on circumstances but on the faithful character of God. Object Lesson: Hold up Gramp’s Popcorn Bowl, which is beautifully crafted but has a crack. Explain that life’s hardships, like the cracks, often reveal more profound beauty and strength within us. Trusting God doesn’t eliminate pain, but it gives purpose and depth to our character. Job 19:25-27 (NLT) – “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!”   Summary Statement: Job’s life illustrates deep trust in God, even when his suffering seems senseless and overwhelming. Despite severe trials, Job clings to God’s faithfulness. “True wisdom trusts God’s character, even in our deepest suffering and even when life doesn’t make sense.”

2. The Wisdom of Psalms: Authentic Worship and Expression

Expanded Narrative: The Psalms were the hymnbook of ancient Israel, echoing in the temple courts and homes of God’s people. Psalms capture every emotion—joy, sorrow, anger, confusion—teaching us that our worship should always be authentic and genuine. King David expressed not only praise but also frustration and despair, openly and honestly before God. Consider today when we hesitate to be honest with God, afraid to show vulnerability. But the Psalms remind us that authenticity in our relationship with God deepens our loyalty. It’s in genuine expression that we find true comfort and strength. Illustration Story: Picture yourself among Israelites gathered around a campfire near Hebron, chanting Psalms under the stars. One young woman pours out her heart, sharing her grief and joy openly through the poetry of David, finding healing and peace in genuine worship. Modern Analogy: A teenager wrestling with depression turns to journaling prayers. Through honest expressions to God, he finds comfort and a genuine relationship, discovering the power of authentic communication with God.   Object Lesson: Show a journal from 1913 by GG filled with personal reflections. Explain that writing honest prayers and thoughts can help us deepen our relationship with God, just like David. Psalm 62:8 – “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Summary Statement: The Psalms encourage honest, open communication with God—expressing genuine emotions, struggles, and praises. This honest dialogue brings spiritual closeness and authentic worship. “True wisdom is found in authentic, heartfelt worship and openness with God.”

3. The Wisdom of Proverbs: Practical Living Rooted in Loyalty

Expanded Narrative: My very favorite book of the Bible In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued—kings, priests, and commoners alike sought after it. Proverbs provided practical guidelines for everyday life, teaching people how to live with integrity, humility, and discipline. Proverbs reminds us, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7, NLT). Today, we live in a society often driven by short-term gains rather than lasting wisdom. Just as ancient Israelites were tempted by shortcuts, modern culture tempts us to compromise integrity for success. Proverbs challenges us to remain loyal to God’s wisdom, which leads to lasting peace and success. Illustration Story: A young Israelite apprentice learns metalworking from a wise master. He repeatedly hears proverbs emphasizing patience, diligence, and integrity. By practicing these principles, he grows into a respected craftsman known for his quality and character. Modern Analogy: Today, an employee is pressured by coworkers to cut corners. Remembering the wisdom from Proverbs, he chooses integrity over immediate gain, reflecting true loyalty to God. Object Lesson: Show Wisdom-Trek picture and sturdy walking stick, symbolizing how Proverbs offers reliable support on our journey, guiding us safely along life’s paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Summary Statement: Proverbs teaches us that genuine wisdom isn’t theoretical but practical. Daily loyalty to God involves living according to His ways, even in life’s ordinary moments and choices. “True wisdom applies God’s principles to daily decisions, reflecting our loyalty to Him.”

4. The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: Enjoying Life’s Gifts in Humility

Expanded Narrative: Ecclesiastes was wisdom literature that surprised many ancient Israelites. It seemed unconventional—even skeptical—about life’s meaning. Yet, its conclusion was clear: life is fleeting, so fear God and enjoy His simple gifts (Core verse) Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, NLT). ¹³ That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. ¹⁴ God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Today’s world pushes endless striving, leaving little time for rest and enjoyment. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is not meant to be endlessly grasped, but humbly enjoyed as a gift from God. Illustration Story: An elderly vineyard owner in ancient Israel, after years of relentless labor, learns to pause and savor simple meals and time with his grandchildren. He recognizes these daily joys as gifts from God, appreciating life’s transient beauty as taught by Ecclesiastes. Modern Analogy: A busy professional today, facing burnout, finally understands the wisdom of taking intentional breaks to appreciate family dinners, sunsets, and simple friendships, recognizing these moments as gifts from God. Object Lesson: Show an Apple. Illustrate how enjoying simple pleasures in life reminds us of God’s goodness and provision. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 – “So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Summary Statement: Ecclesiastes reveals the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures humbly and gratefully, recognizing everything as God’s gift in the midst of life’s unpredictability. “True wisdom embraces God’s gifts with humility and gratitude.”

5. The Wisdom of Song of Solomon: Cherishing God-Given Relationships

Expanded Narrative: The Song of Solomon celebrates romantic love, a drama of intimacy and affection that ancient Israelites recognized as sacred. This poetic dialogue between lovers reminded Israelites that relationships are divine gifts, designed to be cherished and nurtured. Today, relationships often become transactional rather than relational. The Song teaches us to appreciate the intimacy, vulnerability, and commitment that reflects God’s love for us. Illustration Story: In a village near Galilee, a newlywed couple grows in intimacy and understanding through the drama and poetry of the Song of Solomon, recognizing their relationship as a reflection of God’s sacred love. Modern Analogy: A couple today attends a marriage retreat, reconnecting deeply as they understand their marriage reflects God’s love—intimate, forgiving, and enduring. Object Lesson: Display two intertwined ropes, symbolizing the strength and closeness God desires in our relationships. Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.” Summary Statement: Song of Solomon teaches us the beauty and sacredness of human relationships, reflecting God’s faithful, intimate love. “True wisdom honors relationships as sacred reflections of God’s love.”     Applications and Takeaways

1. Trust God Amidst Life’s Uncertainties

Just as Job trusted without knowing the “why,” today we must trust God through uncertainties like job loss, health challenges, or relational conflicts, confident in His unwavering goodness. Expanded Narrative: In ancient Israel, there lived a merchant named Isaac, who was widely respected for his honesty and generosity. However, one devastating season, his ships carrying precious cargo sank in a storm. Overnight, Isaac lost everything. Friends and neighbors expected him to collapse under grief and bitterness, urging him to question God’s justice. Yet Isaac chose differently. Each morning, he rose early to pray at the city gate, whispering Job’s faithful words, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25, NLT). His friends watched in amazement as Isaac never blamed God, never lost hope, and never abandoned his faith. Eventually, through unexpected blessings, Isaac rebuilt his trade, now richer in faith and wisdom than before. In our time, imagine Daniel, a young father, suddenly diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Terrified and confused, Daniel was tempted to blame God. However, recalling the story of Job and Isaac, he chose trust instead. Though uncertain of what tomorrow held, Daniel prayed openly and trusted deeply. His quiet confidence inspired those around him, including his doctors, family, and friends, demonstrating a powerful witness of unwavering loyalty.

• Story: Imagine your family going through unemployment. Rather than panic, you pray, trust, and remain loyal. Eventually, your perseverance strengthens your family bond and spiritual maturity.
• Summary: Choose trust even when explanations are absent. Your faith is proven most clearly in seasons of uncertainty. Loyalty to God anchors us through life’s unpredictable storms.

2. Express Your Heart Openly to God

Like the Psalmists, we discover a deeper connection with God when we honestly share our doubts, joys, fears, and praises. You may find yourself overwhelmed with anxiety, but you can find peace through journaling prayers openly to God. Expanded Narrative: During the times of King David, worship in Jerusalem often resonated with powerful emotional honesty. Deborah, a widow from Bethlehem, regularly visited the temple courts to pour out her sorrow and loneliness before Yahweh. Her prayers were raw, genuine, and sometimes filled with questions: “How long, Lord, must I endure this emptiness?” Drawing courage from the Psalms, she expressed not only her grief but also her hope, declaring, “Yet I will trust You, my refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NLT). Her honesty drew her closer to God, providing comfort and strength in her grief. Today, consider Andrea, a woman who felt isolated after losing her job and moving to a new city. Initially, Andrea kept her pain bottled inside, ashamed to admit weakness. However, after hearing a sermon on authentic worship inspired by Psalms, she began writing honest prayers—expressing doubts, fears, and even anger toward her circumstances. In these vulnerable moments, Andrea felt God draw near, offering comfort and peace. Her honesty became a pathway to genuine spiritual renewal and intimacy.

• Story: Picture yourself journaling your honest feelings about anxiety. Through transparent prayer, you can experience peace and assurance from God.
• Summary: Authentic prayer and worship is an invitation to true intimacy with God. Honesty in prayer doesn’t weaken our faith—it strengthens it, drawing us closer to God’s comforting presence.

3. Apply God’s Wisdom Practically

Just as Proverbs taught Israelites practical wisdom, we can honor God in everyday decisions. For example, a manager chooses ethical integrity over company pressure, demonstrating loyalty to God practically every day. In Solomon’s day, everyday wisdom was treasured in Israel. A craftsman named Amos faced daily decisions in the market, particularly around fairness and integrity. His fellow traders often inflated prices and used dishonest measures, easily justifying it as business practice. Amos, guided by Proverbs, consistently chose fairness, even when it cost him profits....