The Philosophy and Prudential Maxims. 9:13-11:16
W.J. Erdman's sermon emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom and the importance of prudence in navigating life's complexities while acknowledging the mystery of God's purpose.
W.J. Erdman reflects on the climax of life and thought, pondering the great question as shadows lengthen towards the 'long home.' Despite failures, he finds a permanent serenity and composure, still valuing wisdom and prudence. As he cautiously praises wisdom, he contemplates the greater conclusion of fearing God and keeping His commandments. Through proverbial philosophy, he imparts worldly-wise maxims emphasizing the importance of prudence and 'due proportion' in all aspects of life, including relationships with rulers, culminating in the wisdom that man's ignorance of God's mysterious purpose should not hinder him from fulfilling his own work.
Text
Another and final pause ensues, but the lover of wisdom waits in calmer mood. The climacteric of maturer life and thought has been reached. The silent query seems to be, what answer can next be given to the great question. For the last time, and as the shadows lengthen towards the "long home," this wise investigator of all things done under heaven, recovers himself, from his failure, to a permanent serenity and composure of mind. He is still wise and loves wisdom and prudence, and will not utterly forsake the law of life already found; but the height of the greater and better conclusion to fear God and keep His commandments looms in the distance.
He begins, but very cautiously, to praise wisdom again, as illustrated in the case of a poor wise man who delivered a city besieged, but who also was soon forgotten. True again to nature, he cannot overlook this familiar " vanity " -- to be forgotten, forgotten!
This serves him as an introduction to the " proverbial philosophy " which follows. In it, in his meditative, soliloquizing way, he sets forth sundry observations and worldly-wise maxims. All of them belong to the law of life chosen, the law requiring prudence and " due proportion " at all times and places, and especially in relation to rulers.
At last, how ever, as if he had gained some solid footing for himself and for his fellow men in their work and walk with each other, he finishes these wise sayings with one very wise for man under the sun, the maturest product of his experience, that man's ignorance of God's mysterious purpose and work should not keep man from doing his own work.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the quest for wisdom - The importance of serenity in understanding life - Recognition of the ultimate question of existence
- II points: - Praise for wisdom through the example of a wise man - The theme of being forgotten despite achievements - Reflection on the nature of vanity
- III points: - Introduction to proverbial philosophy - Observations on worldly maxims - The necessity of prudence in life
- IV points: - The role of rulers in the law of life - Finding solid footing in wisdom - The ultimate conclusion about God's purpose
Key Quotes
“The height of the greater and better conclusion to fear God and keep His commandments looms in the distance.” — W.J. Erdman
“True again to nature, he cannot overlook this familiar 'vanity' -- to be forgotten, forgotten!” — W.J. Erdman
“Man's ignorance of God's mysterious purpose and work should not keep man from doing his own work.” — W.J. Erdman
Application Points
- Seek wisdom in all aspects of life and decision-making.
- Recognize the transient nature of achievements and the importance of living with purpose.
- Embrace prudence as a guiding principle in interactions with others and in leadership.