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Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 12:1-28. Because the LORD is God and we are not, we will receive correction and discipline whenever He gives His knowledge. Wisdom receives this gladly; it is utter foolishness to reject the LORD’s reproof. This first verse provides the necessary attitude toward the wisdom given in the rest of the chapter. Solomon touches on matters concerning favor before the LORD, marriage, work, words, and daily bread. In this wisdom, we see a picture of Jesus as the One who is truly wise; by His wisdom, He has earned our salvation. “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 wicked

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 11:1-31. Wisdom from the LORD extends into our daily activities. Christians do not leave their Baptism in the church sanctuary; they take that God-given identity into their vocations concerning business and family. Pride would lead us to think that we know better than God and that we can get away with what we think is right; wisdom is found in true humility that recognizes that what God says is good and true. Such wisdom does bring earthly blessings, not only for ourselves, but for our families and communities. At the same time, Christians recognize that these temporal blessings point us forward to the eternal blessings in the new creation. “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 mu

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 10:1-32. Solomon pivots from his addresses to his sons and poems concerning wisdom, but he never leaves that context behind. Each of the individual sayings in the bulk of the book of Proverbs must be understood in light of the fact that true wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. That connection is immediately apparent as Solomon speaks of a wise son, one who has received the faith that has been taught. That faith makes itself apparent in this life right now; Solomon particularly addresses the matter of diligent work and faithful use of the tongue in this section. There are blessings received right now by the righteous who live according to the wisdom that God gives. At the same time, the final fulfillment comes in the resurrection, when God delivers to us eternal life and security in the righteousness that is ours by faith in Christ. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 9:1-18. Solomon brings the first part of the book of Proverbs to a climax. Lady Wisdom speaks yet again. She has established an everlasting house, the Church that is founded on Christ and the confession of who He is. Within her house, she sets a feast of food for everlasting life received through faith in Jesus. Those who have partaken of her bounty call out to others that they too might join the feast. Scoffers refuse to hear and believe, even attacking those who do. Those who fear the LORD enter into the house of Lady Wisdom to receive instruction for eternal life. Lady Folly may look and sound like Lady Wisdom in some respects, but those who seek after the fare she offers only go to death. The matter is clear. Those who desire life must follow after the wisdom that comes only from Christ crucified and risen. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the b

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Hebron, CT, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 8:22-36. Solomon’s personification of Wisdom is more than a poetic device in this text. As we see the role Wisdom played in creation, we see that Wisdom actually is a Person: the Son of God. A careful reading of the text keeps us from any anti-Trinitarian errors that would see the Son of God as a created being. Instead, the Son of God, begotten of the Father from eternity, precedes all creation and is responsible with the Father for all creation. The Father delights in His Wisdom as He creates, and His Wisdom in return delights in His creation, a glorious truth that is evident particularly in the redemption won by Jesus. All who trust in this Wisdom of God are blessed, for they receive true life in Jesus Christ. “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

Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 8:1-21. Lady Wisdom speaks once again. All of her words stand in sharp contrast to the adulterous woman from the previous chapters. Lady Wisdom’s address is universal; she calls to everyone. Her words bring prudence and sense. Because the words of Wisdom are the words of God, Wisdom always speaks the truth and brings value greater than any earthly wealth. Wisdom’s characteristics mirror the characteristics of the Christ as the prophet Isaiah reveals Him. Any earthly ruler who would be faithful listens to Wisdom’s call. As we hear Wisdom’s words, we cannot help but hear Jesus’ words. The way of Wisdom is the way He walks in order to be the way of salvation for sinners. In Him, we have an inheritance of heavenly treasure surpassing all other riches. “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

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 7:1-27. Solomon’s tenth address to his son once again picks up the warning against adultery; yet the First Commandment remains in view along with the Sixth. God gives His Word as a treasure which we look at constantly so that it reflects from our eyes. This treasure must be our constant companion, as close to us as our closest relative or friend, because temptations are always present. This is certainly true of adultery, both in Solomon’s day and ours. The forbidden woman calls the unsuspecting young man into the darkness. She shrouds her temptation in religiosity and pleasure, deceptively banishing any fear of being caught. Once the senseless one has followed her, he soon discovers that the result is only death. Solomon lays the trap bare so that his son can avoid it, lest he become like even those many strong ones who thought they could never fall. As we see that Satan’s temptations toward id

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 6:20-35. Solomon proclaims the importance of the wisdom given in God’s Word by making use of the imagery found in Deuteronomy 6. God’s Word is given by parents to children to guard and guide them in every aspect of life. The wise king instructs his son with this Word particularly in this text as a guard against adultery. Though adultery may appear to offer goodness, it is actually evil. The temptation is to see adultery as victimless, a sin without any real price. The reality is that adultery, whether it starts with prostitution or pornography, only grows and grows into death. Upon further reflection, adultery is completely senseless, especially when viewed in light of the goodness of God’s gift of marriage. In speaking of the temptation toward adultery several times, Solomon lays the groundwork for his later reflection concerning the temptation toward folly. As God’s Word exposes our sin again

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 6:1-19. Placed between two addresses that speak against adultery, Solomon’s eighth address to his son may seem to address small matters. However, faithfulness in small matters tends toward faithfulness in large matters, just as faithlessness in small matters easily leads to faithlessness in large matters. Knowing that a man’s word is his bond, Solomon warns his son against putting up security for a stranger, lest the stranger’s debt become his own. Such teaching naturally leads into the matter of diligent, self-disciplined work. In this, a lazybones can learn from the example of the ant. Instead of a little rest here and a little rest there adding up to poverty, Solomon urges his son to do the work given to him. Along with the sluggard, the worthless man is dangerous. His entire person shows his wickedness; though he thinks he stands above t

Rev. Hans Fiene, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 5:1-23. Solomon reveals both the true allurements of adultery and its devastating results in order to instruct his son to avoid such wickedness. The Scriptures are full of examples of men and women whose lack of satisfaction with the God-given marriage bed led to all kinds of ruin in their lives. Solomon himself knew what adultery had done to his own father and mother, David and Bathsheba. That he does not shy away from the Word of God when it touches his own life and history in this way shows how sharp Solomon’s wisdom truly was. Solomon does not only speak of the disastrous consequences of adultery. He also extols marriage, directing his son to find delight in his wife. God’s blessed gift is a reminder of His faithfulness to His people. “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 sh

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:20-27. Today’s text is the sixth of Solomon’s ten addresses to his sons. The number “ten” suggests completion and also brings to mind the LORD’s Ten Commandments. This address speaks largely toward matters concerning the 8th Commandment. God’s Word demands our attention; we dare not take His commands for granted. Keeping His wisdom before our eyes and in our hearts, we receive His life and healing. Such life and healing from the Word was made complete in the ministry of Jesus. His Word flows from those who believe as a spring of life. In this way, the words we speak are the overflow of saving faith. This faith keeps our eyes focused forward along the way of wisdom that the LORD gives. To the right and to the left is danger; the LORD keeps our feet walking straight through His Word. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although

Rev. Harrison Goodman, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:10-19. When Solomon tells his son to hear, he teaches us that wisdom must be received. Wisdom does not come from inside a person, but it is a gift that comes from the Word of the LORD. This is the path of righteousness, with which Jesus identifies Himself: “I am the Way.” Because this way is given by grace, those who walk on it do not stumble, for they are in Christ. They are placed there by His instruction, which is life. Doctrine must norm life; if life norms doctrine, both will be harmed. The path of the wicked is unbelief; Solomon warns in no uncertain terms against it. Those who walk on it do not find comfort in the grace of God, so they can only look for it in their vain attempts at self-justification. Their food is not the LORD’s gracious gift of Himself, but only a cheap imitation. This way of lawlessness is darkness that leads to ignorant stumbling; only in the light o

Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 4:1-9. Solomon occupies the role of father teaching wisdom to his sons because he was once a son who was taught wisdom by his father. Jesus is the fulfillment of this. He receives all things from the Father and gives it faithfully to His Church. The Church now constantly occupies both places as Solomon did, constantly hearing the Word of God and faithfully repeating the Word of God. In this way, Christians keep God’s commandments. This includes obedience, but it is far greater than that. We treasure and hold onto all the Words that God has given us. He has acted in remembrance of us, and so our remembrance of His Word is not only cognitive recall, but affects our faith and life. Such wisdom recognizes that wisdom cannot come from within us; we are the poor in spirit who must be filled with the wisdom that Jesus alone can give through faith in His salvation. Clinging to that wisdom

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 3:21-35. The wisdom of Proverbs is not pragmatism. The wisdom of Proverbs is faith in the one true God. Solomon teaches Christians to have as their daily adornment God’s Word, which in every place points us to Christ as the Savior. He is the Cornerstone upon whom our lives are secure. In Him, this life has nothing for us to fear, whether waking or sleeping. In this way, the heavenly wisdom of Proverbs is real and concrete, bearing fruit in this life. God’s love in not withholding His good gift from us is mirrored in the lives of His Christians. His love is fully seen in His gift of justification by grace through faith. Those who have been humbled by His Law are lifted up through the saving news of His Gospel. God shows this mercy through the propitiation given by His Son, Jesus Christ. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 3:1-20. The LORD promises blessings to those who receive and keep His commandments. When our lives are normed by the LORD’s will in His Word, He promises His temporal blessings. This is true even as we recognize the incompleteness in this life due to our own sin, leading us to long for the final fulfillment in the resurrection of the dead. The LORD’s loving-kindness is our true wealth which brings us His grace and favor. For this reason, we trust in Him and His Word instead of our own understanding. Such humility leads us toward the LORD and away from evil, bringing us peace and rest. Our offerings are a matter of worship of the LORD, who promises to provide more than we need in this life, including the discipline necessary to keep us as His children. The one who holds onto this precious wisdom from the LORD is blessed, for this wisdom is true wealth. By th

Rev. Gaven Mize, pastor at Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 2:1-22. Solomon continues to urge his son to heed his words and search after wisdom. Complacency must be put away, and diligence must take its place. The LORD does not snatch away His gifts from those who desire the wisdom that He desires to give; this is the proper fear of the LORD that the book of Proverbs lauds as the beginning of knowledge. This wisdom guards us in the path of truth on which the LORD sets our feet and keeps us from the path of wickedness that evil men entice us to walk. The adultress also lures toward forbidden desires, not only concerning sins against the 6th Commandment, but also concerning sins of idolatry against the 1st Commandment. Solomon’s will for his son matches with the LORD’s will for His children. He desires we walk in the path of righteousness to our eternal home with Him. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes throug

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 1:20-33. This text is the first example of an important feature in Proverbs: the personification of Wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a woman, not only because the Hebrew noun is feminine, but also in use of the poetic imagery of the book. In certain texts, Wisdom can be clearly identified with the Son of God, yet the unity of the Holy Trinity also means that the actions and words of all three Persons of the Holy Trinity are seen in the actions and words of Wisdom. In this text, Lady Wisdom calls out to everyone that they would repent, whether of their apathy or hostility toward God, and turn to Him in faith to learn His truth. Those who refuse to listen to Wisdom’s repeated cry and continue to scoff will one day have the tables turned. Lady Wisdom will finally scoff at them in return, as they receive everlasting condemnation, the same terrible verdict given to the five foolish virgins of Matthe

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 1:8-19. In the first address to a son in the book of Proverbs, Solomon reminds us of the central role parents play in instructing their children. Both father and mother should be on the same page in teaching God’s Word to their children. In the same way, teachers ought to teach their students faithfully, and pastors ought to instruct the flock in the true doctrine. Those opposed to God and His teaching entice others to join in their senseless violence in an effort to gain worldly wealth, unrealistically offering to share the spoil. Solomon warns against such folly, for this wicked path ends up as an ambush, not for others, but for the very ones who attempt it. Instead, Solomon calls upon us to value true treasure, the true teaching of God’s Word, which He gives us freely in Christ. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 1:1-7. The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. King Solomon had received wisdom from the LORD in response to his prayer. He wrote and compiled that wisdom in the book of Proverbs. The wisdom literature in the book of Proverbs is unique from secular sources because the wisdom in the book of Proverbs begins and ends with the fear of the LORD. The proper fear of the LORD involves a right understanding of who God is, who we are, and how we stand in relation to Him. He is the Creator; we are His creatures. He is holy; we are sinners. Therefore, the fear of the LORD does involve a sense of trembling in His presence. Yet, as Christians, we also know in Jesus Christ that the one true God is also the Savior and we are those He has saved. In this way, the fear of the LORD also involves trust and love for Him. Through the hearing of His Word, He imparts to us His wisdom to those who recognize their own

“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.