“And now, sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy. Listen to instruction and be wise; don’t ignore it. Anyone who listens to me is happy, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway. For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36 CSB
Recently, I was invited by a friend of mine to speak at a Bible study for a local addiction recovery program in our area. Every Saturday, they are taught out of the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with that day’s date—so my teaching was out of Proverbs 8. I recorded the sermon, and I present it here, hoping it may bless my listeners.
In particular, I was struck by those closing words of Lady Wisdom in the chapter: “All who hate me love death.” To hate God’s wisdom, to despise the way he has designed our world to function, is actually to love death. And truly we express that hatred in an incredibly creative myriad of methods. I see that twisted love expressed in so many ways in my city and in this world, and I earnestly yearn for its end. I want God to open ears, to soften hearts, and to let people see how beautiful Jesus is…and the ugliness of their sin.
I can’t do this by my own wisdom or strength. But I will do what I can where God has put me, and at my own little crossroads right here, to call those around me to heed Lady Wisdom’s words and turn from a love of evil to a love of the One who made them. Follow Spurgeon Audio on Facebook and Twitter
Jon Ladner lives in Denton, TX with his wife, Rachel. He is a high school English teacher, a writer, a musician, and he has been doing audio production in varying capacities for several years. Through the Spurgeon Audio Podcast, he enjoys digging into the compelling writings of Charles Spurgeon. Visit his blog at jonladnertheturingtest.blogspot.com. Follow them on Twitter at @SpurgeonAudio, on Facebook at Facebook at Spurgeon Audio, or visit their website at https://spurgeonaudio.org.
- Charles Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” – December 13, Morning - December 13, 2022
- Charles Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” – December 10, Evening - December 10, 2022
- Charles Spurgeon’s “Morning and Evening” – December 10, Morning - December 10, 2022
