Proverbs Study – Lesson 3 –September 26, 2010 – Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 3

READ Prov. 3:1-4 The instruction begins. Solomon begins to tell us how to apply wisdom in a practical way and what benefits it will have in our life. He tells those that are young to not forget his laws and his commandments. The implication here is that those who were young and beginning to become men, and women, were instructed in wisdom as they grew up. In our first study we talked about the reality that not everyone grows up with parents that instruct them. Many grow up with little to no instruction at all. But, the Jewish culture believed in a lifestyle of instruction and teaching of the young in the preparation for life ahead. They were commanded to instruct their children in life and spiritual matters. (READ Ex. 4:15 Deut. 4:10, 6:5-12 and 11:19) They did not leave it to chance, or to others first. Others had a part. The Jewish community was a part of their training. And, the rabbi and synagogue also had its part. But, the ultimate responsibility for the training of their children was the parents.

In this passage, however, Solomon is giving instruction to those who have already been taught wisdom not to forsake it, hanging on to it and guarding it as if their life depended on it. And, it does! Nations rise and fall by the application of or the lack of wisdom. Our life is no different. For as Solomon knew so well, in Wisdom is Life. V. 2 says that wise living has practical benefits to our life. Tangible benefits like length of days, long life and peace are realized by application of good instruction.

Solomon should have read this passage when he departed from wisdom for a season later in his life. It is so interesting that as many get older they begin to live a life like the rules have changed. Like the rules do not matter anymore. Wisdom, however, is life for all of life. All ages benefit from the application of wisdom in their life. Solomon sums it up for us in Ecclesiastes 12:13-4 after his return to God,” Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” I Jn. 2:12-4 (READ) reminds us that the application of Biblical wisdom is beneficial at all stages of life and not just for the young.

Prov. 3:3-4 (READ) tells us that the application of mercy and truth in our life will influence others, including God, to respect and appreciate us more. V. 4 uses the words favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man as benefits of having these attributes in our life. We get a reputation, good or bad, by how we live. We are either known and respected for wisdom and honest living or we are known for being rude, impolite, dishonest, selfish or self centered.

Notice the two words chosen here, mercy and truth. Mercy is such a powerful action. To be known for mercy spreads to the ears of others like wildfire. To actually have the reputation of mercy opens doors before you as you proceed through life that you will never believe. Doors in life that you could never muscle open by your own power are often wide open even before you get there when you are known for your acts of mercy. Even your enemies will stop and help you in your time of need, whether it be for a need that you have or someone else’s need that you are involved in.

Honesty is also much like mercy in that it clears away obstacles that get in the way of a transaction or request. A very large part of an encounter or a transaction is cutting through the red tape of trust. When trust is part of who you are known to be your word is good enough. Many Transactions that are essentially good are passed by and not completed because there was a lack of trust in what is being said or what’s being offered. Also, it is good to remember when it comes to buying or purchasing an item the buyer will always seek out the one with the honest reputation.

READ Prov. 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, Life is confusing. So often we really don’t know what to do. It is confusing even when we need basic wisdom for average days. We hate to admit it, but we do a lot of guessing when making decisions. Even on basic decisions. We give the impression of being confident and sure, but inside we know that we are guessing. And, often with no clue as to really what to do and if what we propose is going to have any benefit at all.

Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us some guidance. It tells us that there is Someone who we can trust in making decisions,… and it says that it is not our self. Prov. 3:5 tells us that we should not lean on our own wisdom as if it was going to hold us up or support the weight of our full trust that is needed in making good decisions in life . Heb. 4:12 (READ) tells us that the word of God is better at discerning our thoughts and intents in our heart. Our heart can fool us. We can often be found to be confident in something that we perceive to be absolutely true only to find out that we were way off, not even close to the right answer or decision.

That is not to say that we always get it wrong. It is just that we need God’s input into our life. We trust in ourselves, we need to trust in God more. Trusting in God we begin to learn His ways. We begin to apply His principles. David saw benefit in trusting God and asking Him first before he acted. So did Solomon. Their confidence and assurance in making the right life decisions grew because of their dependence upon God. James puts it this way in James 1:5-8 (READ), If we lack wisdom ask God. He gives wisdom when asked without holding back. We often approach life double minded. Because of their double mindedness they get much less out of life. James says that double minded people are unstable in all areas of life and can be easily influenced. Those who have found God’s guidance and advise to be accurate and rely on it in their decision making are not double minded but are confident in the decision making process for what lies ahead of them. MANY over the centuries have found GREAT comfort and wisdom in applying Prov. 3:5-6. God is HAPPY to join us and guide us when asked. Solomon is advising that we trust in the Lord with our whole heart as a lifestyle and habit.

This chapter is chuck full of practical life application advice. Prov. 3:9-10 admonishes us to give away so that we will have more. Many of us have a problem with this thought. However, the Bible clearly makes the point that the Lord blesses those who have the heart of generosity. He is not saying that we should give with the motive of getting more. But, the reality is that God blesses those who are generous.

V. 10 seems to clearly put the carrot out in front of us encouraging us to give this a try. We are taught in every area of life to be prudent, making sure that we don’t fritter away what we have earned into nothingness. It is God’s provision for our life.

However, we can get so self absolved in our needs and wants that when it is all said and done and we have divided up what we have been given that there is not only nothing left to give, but all too often we find that there is not even enough to care for our current needs. This is why Solomon makes the point of giving out of the first fruits. He was wise enough to know that by giving out of the first fruits to others we not only see the use of the rest of what we have and how to use it differently, but he also saw God’s hand of blessing, multiplying what he originally had. Solomon had no problem making the point that material blessing is part of God’s blessing to those with a generous heart. This principle is found in other passages such as Luke 6:38 (READ). Again, giving to get is not the principle. But let’s not forget the promise that is stated, especially if it prompts us to be more generous.

Prov. 3:11-2 All of life on the right path with God is not all fun and games. Because of our fallen nature and a fallen world many of life’s lessons are best learned through difficult circumstances. Solomon here is telling us not to talk back to God with our actions when He is trying to teach us something. But instead, he is telling us to listen to the wisdom of God in the method that He has chosen to use. His purpose is not to harm us, but to help us, and He gets no pleasure in our pain. However, in His wisdom, He knows how to perfect us. His love for us is like that of the perfect father, if there ever was one. God, the PERFECT Father, has a purpose in the process and has in mind the end result. Read Heb. 12:5-11 Let us respect Him and His wisdom.

V. 13-9 Solomon revisit the benefits of wisdom. It is interesting that just after giving us incentive to give, citing God’s blessing to the generous, that he makes a point that there are more valuable things than money and, he uses, jewels and treasures as examples of the currency of his day. In these verses he again esteems wisdom as “the highest commodity”, worth more than anything! In v. 19 he makes the point that it was wisdom that was used to make the earth a reality. (Stop and think about it for a minute.) And, by understanding, the Lord established the universe so that it would work or function. Each of these had to have their framework laid on a foundation built with things that would work. He, God, used the things that worked to lay down the foundation of each of these, the earth and the universe. God had the wisdom. It was no accident. This is a strong statement by Solomon. He gives God the credit for the intentional act of creation of the earth and the heavens.

In v. 20 Solomon says that it was by the knowledge of God that water and the other basic building blocks of creation do what they do. He, God, is pretty smart. (READ Gen. 7:11-2). Col. 1 :17 puts it this way, “by Him (Christ) all things consist”. And Heb. 1:3 says that He upholds all things by the word of His power, in other words He is the glue that keeps all things as they are. God may let us in on some of the secrets of the universe, i.e. how and why things work, but that does not take away the obvious, that there is SomeOne behind all that we see. When we begin to see the wisdom in all that Solomon is saying it is hard not to stop and begin to have awe for God and begin to worship…

Wisdom has benefits in many directions. Another benefit of the application of wisdom is peace! Although God puts extra blessings on the application of wisdom in our life, wisdom has its own benefits built into it. Those who do not acknowledge the God of all wisdom who apply wisdom still benefit by its application.

Solomon tells us in 3:23 if we walk in the ways of wisdom that safety will be ours. Wisdom is the foundation of safe actions and safe living. It says that our feet will not stumble, which in that day was often a death blow due to frequent battle situations and aggressive terrain that they had to traverse in daily life. Also v. 24 it refers to the dangers that they faced every day. In that day it was generally dangerous most of the time, especially at night. You literally had to sleep with one eye open. We forget just how good we have it. Up until relatively recent in history, very few societies enjoyed the protections that we take for granted. Protections that we enjoy as common rights in our society were typically only given to the more prominent in ancient cultures. Take away one layer of law enforcement, i.e. the local and state police, and we might begin to understand the fears and concerns that they dealt with on a daily basis. Although they obviously did not have guns, when I read this section I get the picture of the old gun slinger lying in bed with one hand on his gun and sleeping with one eye open. V. 25 refer to the “sudden fear”, thus the need to sleep with one eye open. It also makes mention in v. 25 of the desolation that is inevitable for those who live a lifestyle opposite that of the wisdom Solomon is advocating. He says those who apply wisdom that their sleep will be sweet and that the Lord will place His hand of protection over and around them.

V. 28-9 Reminds us to “love thy neighbor”. Treat him/her as you would want to be treated. If they have a need and you have the ability to meet their need, don’t tell them to come back later. Earlier in this chapter we talked about being known for mercy. Mercy would meet our neighbors need quickly if we are able to, with a spirit of JOY! V. 29 reminds us to not be jealous of our neighbor, devising evil against them. This has to do with coveting our neighbors stuff and is at the heart of keeping up with the Jones. In old days land was power. A neighbor would often covet his neighbor’s land or other positions and may devise ways to get them. Instead Solomon is advising us to be thankful that God has blessed our neighbor and to be thankful that God has located them next to us. You could have trouble living next door.

V. 30 reminds us not to go looking for a fight…or an argument. Some people by nature are turf oriented. We are advised to MAKE FRIENDS and not enemies.

V. 31-5, Sometimes we are tempted to envy what people have forgetting how they got it. NONE of the ways of the oppressor should be attractive to us. God’s blessings do not accompany that lifestyle. Even though it looks so good from the outside, the reality is that that type of living comes with a curse. V. 34 says that “the curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked”. But, v. 34 goes on to say that God “blesses the habitation of the just” V.32 tells us that God has secrets…that He shares ONLY with His children.

Proverbs Study – Lesson 2 – September 19, 2010 – Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 2

We begin our lesson today by picking up where we left off last week at the end of chapter one. READ PROV. 1:20-33. As we mentioned last week, we often think of wisdom as being secret and hard to find. We will often travel to great lengths and pay a high price in the hopes of obtaining wisdom. The first two verses of today’s lesson, v. 20-1, tell us that wisdom is found more often than not found in common places right where we live. Maybe that is part of the reason why we have a hard time receiving it. It is common. It has been around for years. The package that it comes to us in is not fancy enough, so we do not tend to pay it much attention. Want to see it offered to us with drama and emotion and it has to cost enough that it hurts, a real production, a real sacrifice. Wisdom may be more common than we think. This week I want you to try out this thought or proverb found in 1:20-1. As you go through your week stop and take an honest look at things that you encounter in your travels, being sure to be open minded to simple things that don’t necessarily come in the package passed off as real important in our world. Things like patience, prudence, effort, quiet and true need instead of what we perceive as the necessities of a fast paced life. Wisdom is often found in simple things that cry out to us saying, “stop, take a little extra time, a little extra effort…I am here,…it will be worth it.”

It kind of reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. The four characters each had a need and were in need of wisdom on what to do and where to find the answer to their problem. Do you remember what each one’s need was? The answers they were told lies at the end of “the Yellow Brick Road”. Believing this to be true they set out on their long journey for the “truth”. They had traveled a long way and had finally reached their destination, the end of “the Yellow Brick Road”, the place where they would find the answer to each of their questions. They knocked on the palace door and were turned away repeatedly by the doorman. Wisdom must be found here, they thought, the journey was so long and the palace of wisdom was so big and impressive, the answers that we are looking for must be here. This must be the place. This must be some wizard. If he cannot help us no one can.

Being persistent they were finally let in to have an audience with the Wizard. They were met at first with all the trappings of what we think precedes wisdom. Flashing lights, thunder, lightening, all wrapped up in this big impressive palace. However, when the wizard was exposed they found out that it was all smoke and mirrors. It was a man pushing buttons and pulling levers. He was a fellow traveler just like them. Proverbs tells us that “true wisdom” is found in everyday life, if we are willing to receive. But it often comes in a “simple” package, usually, without a lot of hoopla.

READ V. 22-6 tells us that all too often wisdom is offered to us, beaconing for our attention, but we pay it no mind. We are too busy. It requires a little more effort than I am willing to give right now. It is easier to do the same things that I have always done. Wisdom will say, you need to make some changes before it is too late. It tells us that we do not have forever. Our reply is someday. Wisdom replies back, …often, too often, someday never comes.

We assume the if wisdom had made an offer to us to help us and guide us in life at one time that it will always be available whenever we may be ready to receive it or use it. In the end of chapter one Solomon warns us that this is not always so. Although wisdom may be easily accessed and readily available at one point in our life, if we deny or refuse its offer for help it may not be so easy to find in our time of need. Things change. Resources that were common and plenteous at one time at another time may be hard to find. Wisdom may be coming to you through a friend or family member or through another resource. These resources dry up. Friends move away and do not call you back, their life gets busy. The source of wisdom through a mother or father or grandparent may disappear due to an unfortunate situation in life like illness, accident or death.

In v. 27 it uses some pretty harsh realities. It uses words like desolation, destruction, whirlwind, distress and anguish. How descriptive are these words? How true can these words become in describing the harsh realities of life when the winds of life blow hard on us unprepared? When difficult times meet us head on words that often come from our lips are, “If I only would have planned better. I should have listened to _________. It is my own fault. If I had only done this or that when I should have things would have worked out. When we finally wake up and realize that we should have applied the wisdom that at one time was so readily available it is too late. Things have changed. It doesn’t fit or apply so well now. We have to settle for a patch of the problem, not a fix. The patch might hold, but for how long.

This happens in many areas of life. That is why the book of Proverbs talks a lot about planning ahead. Finances, relationships, health, education, even the maintenance of a house or material thing. This life constantly needs our attention. Wisdom says do this…this is the prudent thing to do. And, it should be done sooner rather than later. Waiting when you know that something needs attention now usually diminishes the return, sometimes providing no return at all. How many things do we put off too long only to find that we end up with something that is UNFIXABLE. The answers that would have worked then are now outdated and do not fit the now “new and improved and more complicated problem”.

Some would say that there is always an answer. Others would tell you from EXPERIENCE that you do not have all the time in the world. Wisdom will tell you that you don’t always have forever. Now is the time to apply and invest the wisdom at hand to guarantee a sure tomorrow. Wisdom is telling us we may not have a second chance.

A good example of this is in relationships. Wisdom would tell us to make things right, right now, not next week. As time passes the relationship gets more difficult. Even with the passing of a short amount of time, a relational situation can become more difficult often passing the point of no real solution. Eph. 4:26, Don’t let the sun go down on tour wrath is good advice.

V. 31 says that we will eat of the fruit of our own doing or our own way if wisdom is unapplied. . V. 33 refers to the habitual lifestyle of applying wisdom. Listening and applying wisdom not once, not twice during rare occasions, but learning to make the application of wisdom a daily habit. The lifestyle of wisdom will establish us in a dwelling place of safety and we shall find peace when others fear evil all around them. V. 31-2 Reminds us that contrary to the world’s message that says that we are victims of the calamity that comes our way, that even though it is expected that calamity will occur, that most of the time calamity overcomes us because we have forsaken wisdom not applying it. V. 31says that they, the simple, shall eat of the fruit of “their own way” and that their life will be filled with “their own devises”. V. 32 tells us that those who are simple make a habit of turning away from wisdom and its application when it comes their way. V. 32 says that this has “serous” consequences.

V. 32 also says that those who prosper due to evil ways are victims of their own prosperity. As we will see later in our study in Proverbs, prosperity is not always easy to survive. Everyone wants to win the lottery, believing that it will solve all of our troubles. But, what does experience tell us?

We often hear of those who did not survive the gift of prosperity, especially, those who get it dishonestly. It is easy, especially for the simple, to allow excesses to creep into their life and begin to “rule” when money is no object. Much of life revolves around “what we can afford” and not in actuality on making decisions according to God’s will. Proverbs will advocate the later. Even when we work hard and we have earned what we get, the lack of applied wisdom may cause the good thing that we’ve gotten and worked so hard for to become our downfall. If wisdom and prudence is not applied to our success, success becomes an anchor instead of the answer. V. 33 sums it up by saying that if you want to have your cake and eat it to that wisdom needs to be part of your decision making process and lifestyle.

Chapter 2 refers back to Prov. 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom”. When we looked at that verse during our last study we tried to explain what it really meant and although we had some good comments, we ended up not really understanding its full meaning. Prov. 1:7 is one of those verses that takes on broader and deeper meaning as you ruminate or meditate on it. As a matter of fact, it seems that the entire book of Proverbs is founded on this verse. As we study the book of Proverbs we need to stack everything that we learn upon this verse, using this verse as our foundation. Prov. 2:1-4 tells us that when we truly understand the basis of wisdom that we will begin to understand what it means to fear the Lord. For…in the Lord is found wisdom. He is the source of wisdom. And, in that wisdom there is great power for life.

Seeing this Power naturally produces Awe. Fear…awe is a natural result. Maybe we do not fear God because we have never seen Him. Solomon is saying here that maybe if you truly begin to understand the wisdom in this book, that you will begin to see that God stands behind His Word…Living by it…Living in it, making true wisdom work, making it reality. He is the unseen reality behind wisdom and seeing wisdom, we begin to see Him!

It is common to come to the book of Proverbs seeking help, wanting the wisdom that we have heard is here. We seek the wisdom. We want answers to our life. But Solomon is saying, as you begin to get this wisdom, getting answers to your life that work, you begin to perceive that there is SomeOne behind the foundation of wisdom, keeping it all together, making it work. READ Prov 2:5-11. Behind a humble heart is a teachable spirit. The proud pass by wisdom barely noticing it. Solomon is telling us to consider the source instead of just standing on the edge of wisdom finding a few bits that we can apply to our life. He makes it plain in v. 6 that wisdom in not an entity unto itself. It does not exist in a void. Solomon had found out from personal experience that Wisdom has a Name. Understanding has a face. He tells us plainly in v. 6 that the Lord gives wisdom. Out of His mouth comes understanding. If we want to hit the mother load of wisdom, he tells us that it is here that it is found, in conversation and communion with the Source of wisdom as a daily habit of life.

In v. 6, 7 and 8 he connects us directly to God as the source.

· The Lord gives wisdom

· Out of the Lord’s mouth comes knowledge and understanding

· The Lord lays up sound wisdom for the righteous or those who follow the righteous way

· He is a shield to those who walk uprightly,..follow God in righteousness

· He, the Lord keeps the paths of justice, ..making it work

· He is the preservation of and the establisher of the path laid before those following God

When we begin to see and understand the God that is the Power behind wisdom, And (!!!), we begin to understand and apply His wisdom to our life, then we begin to stand on the edge of understanding “the fear of the Lord”. We then begin to understand its meaning, … and humility begins to overcome us, and love and worship for God begins. Solomon had experienced this.

You will not find true wisdom and understand the meaning of the “fear of the Lord” unless you diligently desire it and diligently seek it out with a humble heart.

V. 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, what is discretion? And, v. 11 also says that understanding shall keep us. I am always amazed at the skill of a tradesman or a specialist. They are so wise in their trade. They know all the tricks to get the job done fast and right. But, they were not always this way. At one point in their life they were unskilled and inept. Over the years they became wise in their trade. Practicing. Learning. Studying. Putting in extra hours. Repeating the process. Making sure that it is right. Discretion and understanding are learned skills and we become good at them over years of practice and application.

READ Prov. 2:11-22. The last part of chapter 2 gives instruction and practical application how wisdom will protect us and guide us when faced with two common temptations of life. What are these two common areas of temptation? V. 11 says that discretion shall preserve us and understanding will keep us when faced with these common temptations and difficulties that go with life. Proverbs will frequently make the statement that the “foolish” or “unlearned” will unknowingly proceed right on ahead, not understanding that danger that is right in front of them. Having discretion and understanding before these problems face us will allow us to be prepared to make wise choices, steering clear of the present danger when they arise.

These warnings are important. They are serious. Many, being simple and void of understanding, have become entangled in these areas, usually having innocent beginnings, never to be the same again. We are faced with many difficulties in life. Some choices are obvious. Others are not so easily discerned. Decisions are made during vulnerable times. Often in a time of need, either physical or emotional. Solomon warns us ahead of time to stay clear of these two areas, the man or so called friends that have bad habits and ways and “the strange woman” which deals with all sorts of immoral drives and temptations. Staying far away from these areas will keep you safe. Knowing what to do before these problems confront us help us to steer clear of them when they are headed our way.

1. dis·cre·tion/disˈkreSHən/Noun

1. The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

2. The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation. More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

Proverbs Study – Lesson 1 –Beginning September 12, 2010 – Seacoast Community Church

Proverbs Study – Lesson 1

When you come to study the book of Proverbs, many find it a difficult decision as to how to approach their study of this book. The book of Proverbs is a collection of pithy sayings (see definition below) that were meant to be practically applied to everyday life and life situations. Because of their structural nature, being typically brief and to the point, they were easily remembered and readily available when a life application needed their particular wisdom. You often find people quoting a proverb verbally that would apply when met with a particular life challenge or situation fitting that proverb.

These sayings are typically short, frequently being one to two sentences long, and are generally well contained. When they written down and recorded in their day they were not necessarily grouped in topical order. We, in our day, would have compiled them topically listing them by topic, compiling an exhaustive listing of all the proverbs of a particular topic and grouping them all together under one heading. Many study guides recommend the topical approach when doing a study on the book of Proverbs.

However, each proverb, although they may be similar to other like topic proverbs, each proverb usually has its own personality and application, not being identical to other related proverbs. In other words, a particular proverb can be correlated to other proverbs, but in really is meant to find its own particular practical application to our life.

Proverbs in all cultures have their origin from the needs and problems encountered in daily living. A particular challenge in life or a potential danger in life needed a proverb to help remember what to do, or not to do, in that particular situation. Solomon had the keen gift of observation. This gift of observation was part of his great wisdom. And, the wonderful thing about Solomon’s observation and his wisdom was that in formulating a proverb its application was extremely practical. His proverbs were easy to apply to life situations, if one chose to do so, and if applied had incredible results.

When we come to study the book of Proverbs these points may be helpful in the type of study approach that you choose, whether the chapter by chapter approach or the topic approach. It is my view that the chapter approach is usually more beneficial to those beginning a study of Proverbs, where as the topical approach should be saved for a more in depth study after a foundational understanding of Proverbs has been formed. Our study will for the most part follow the chapter order that they were written in.

All ancient cultures had their collection of proverbs which were passed down from generation to generation. And, even though, the collection of the Jewish nation‘s Proverbs and writings of wisdom were unique, other nations had sayings that were often also valuable to man and his particular needs. In the ancient world, the strength of a nation was often measured by the collective wisdom of its culture. Its proverbs were a part, usually the major part of that collective wisdom. Its proverbs were often quoted by other nations out of respect for that nation. We find that this is still done today. We quote a Chinese or Asian proverb. In the ancient world, a nation would respect the technological advances of another nation, but they seemed to be more impressed by that nation’s wisdom and approach to daily life often found in proverbs.

However, the collection of proverbs in the Bible is unique. Solomon seemed to have something special. It is good to remember that ALL true wisdom is from God, no matter what culture it is found in. Some cultures appear to have sayings similar to some of the proverbs found in the Bible. Men in different cultures often face similar challenges and would search for answers. But, the proverbs attributed to Solomon had a special God Presence in them, and their application and their outcome was unusual.

There is a reason for this. We read in I King’s chapter 3 that Solomon had an encounter with God and that this encounter was the result of his unusual wisdom. It is said that over 3000 proverbs were attributed to Solomon and that his wisdom far surpassed those of the ancients, ancient civilizations and their leaders and wise men. We read in I Kings chapter 3 verse 3-4 (READ verses 3-9) that Solomon loved the Lord and sought Him and His will for his life. He was a relatively young man at this time his heart was tender, v. 7. He had not yet become old and hard as the heart of a man can be. He had seen God work in his father’s life. He was looking for answers. He was a young king and was beginning his reign and began to realize that in himself he did not have what it took to do the job that was placed before him. He was being honest with himself, and being honest with God. Something we all should do more often.

Sometimes we come to a passage like this one in I Kings and focus just on the conversation between God and man. But, it is interesting to note the posture of Solomon’s heart prior to his encounter with God. Solomon had been in this place seeking God and had offered a thousand sacrifices, I Kings 3:4. We do not know the exact details of what happened during this time of worship. It is assumed that the nation was with him during this worship time and that the sacrifices were probably spread out over several days. Yet, the context of this passage gives the impression that his seeking God had not become a routine act of worship. He was sincere and needed something from God. God seeing Solomon’s heart appeared to him in a dream one night and asked what he, Solomon, wanted…What could He, God, give him?

Think of it!!! It appears that God had literally given him a BLANK CHECK! The God Who is IMMUTABLE JUST MADE AN OFFER! An offer that He can not go back on. READ Heb. 6:13-9 Also, READ Esther 4:11 and 5:1-3. God held out the golden scepter to Solomon. But, unlike the King of Persia, God did not put a limit on Solomon’s request. God told Solomon, “Ask what I shall give you” in verse 5. V. 11 gives just some of the options of what Solomon could have asked for.

· What did Solomon ask for? I Kings 3:6-9

· V. 9 says that he, Solomon, felt inadequate in the ability to discern between good and evil or wrong when making a judgment between two people. How do you feel sometimes…do you feel inadequate in making life’s decisions?

· READ V. 10-1 says that God was “Pleased” with Solomon’s request. I like the term “Impressed” …with his request.

· READ V. 12 God’s Promise to Solomon…a wise and understanding heart like unto none before or none after!

· Extra blessings! V. 14-5

· READ I Kings 3:16-28 The practical use of Solomon’s wisdom begins.

God had blessed Solomon with special wisdom. It was God given. God had Promised that no king or man before or after him would be blessed with wisdom like God gave Solomon.

The Wisdom of Proverbs are TIMELESS and have been found beneficial to many over the history of time. Many have applied these principles to their life and quite frankly have had a better life because of them. We need to remember that these Proverbs were written in approx. the 10^th century B.C., approx. 1000 years before Christ. So they have been around a long time and still provide REAL ANSWERS to life’s problems. Many businessmen have used proverbs as a means to order there life, becoming diligent and honest in their business practices only to find that business works better and is easier with their application. History would not be the same without them.

When I think of the book of Proverbs and the REAL VALUE or benefit to one’s life, I think of the parable of the man that built his house upon a ROCK vs. the man who built his house on sand. READ Matt. 7:24-7 and Lk. 6:46-49. In these parables we have two approaches to life. One is a life built with intention and purpose. The other is the approach of ease and no foresight or planning. When you look at this parable told in two different ways, you see the main difference between the two approaches to life is that it takes little more time, a little more effort and a little more planning or intention to get the substantial benefit of building on the ROCK. The second approach is some easier up front, BUT can be much more work, sometimes hundreds of times more work downstream. Sometimes the results of the easy way out can be irreversible no matter how hard you try to regain the lost ground. The results of poor planning can even be deadly, not to be dramatic. PROVERBS WAS WRITTEN AND COMPILED TO HELP US IN LIFE, not to make our life more work. It is important to note that the main components of the success of Proverbs is heeding the advice of that proverb and applying its wisdom to one’s life, …letting time and God’s Blessing have its FULL effect on the area applied . Wisdom unapplied does nothing. Faith and Patience are also primary players in the application and benefits of Proverbs.

Not all so called proverbs have the life application and impact that the Proverbs of the Bible have. Some sayings passed off as proverbs have little impact on real life situations, sounding more like “wives tales” and having little if any value. The difference between the Proverbs and other wise sayings is that God Himself is behind the Proverb, making them good.

So, we begin our study by coming to the first chapter of the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:1-6 lay down the basic framework of the PURPOSE if this book. READ Prov. 1:1-6 Read down through this section again LISTING KEY WORDS (not phrases) that stand out to you:

· V.2 know, perceive

· V.3 Receive

· V. 4 prudence, knowledge, discretion

· V. 5 hear, learning (increase), attain, wise councils

· V.6 understand, interpretation, words of the wise.

In the first six verses in chapter one, we see some words that REQUIRES SOMETHING FROM US . They require us to DO SOMETHING, TOTAKE ACTION. PROCESS. CONTEMPLATE. APPLY. These first six verses require INTERACTION. It makes the point that reading these Proverbs having a passive attitude is just reading with little possibility for benefit. Words like know, receive, perceive, prudence, discretion, knowledge, interpretation imply some effort in processing what we are reading and learning. They require that we heed the advise of Solomon and APPLY IT. Just knowing something does not actually benefit us. It is the application of knowledge that makes the difference. Application of knowledge and TIME pay BIG benefits.

Proverbs 1:2-3 implies that wisdom is often taught. Some have an inherent ability for wisdom. But, in reality most of wisdom is a learned skill. (We need to make a mental note of this.) And, learning the skill of wisdom begins much earlier in our life than we think. Pv. 1:8 tells us to hear the instruction of our father and mother. That is assuming that our father and mother were taught …by their parents, and their parents were taught by their parents and so on and so on. Much of the problem with wisdom is that we were never taught wisdom. It is possible that entire nations and cultures are found devoid of any depth of true wisdom making that nation vulnerable to whatever calamity or threat that may come its way. In the ancient Jewish culture they were required to teach their children. So Solomon makes this statement in Prov. 1:8 concerning listening to your father and mothers instruction. Many of us had to pick up our own broken and shattered and fragmented pieces of wisdom as we travel through life, getting bits and pieces of wisdom, and not the FULL picture. There is the problem. Wisdom, or the lack thereof, is transferred or not transferred from generation to generation.

If we are fortunate to have good and wise parents, hopefully they have taken the time to be sure to PASS IT ON to us. But, in reality, many of us were not so fortunate. We either had parents that were not taught wisdom from their parents or our parents did not TAKE THE TIME to TEACH US wisdom. Even if you were fortunate to have wise parents, their methods of passing on this wisdom may not have been the best and therefore hard to catch or understand. It is hard to receive from a parent what they may not have and we need to remember that we are also part of the learning equation, meaning that, we may not be the best student, not listening when they were talking. In reality, the responsibility for obtaining wisdom really lies with US. The book of Proverbs says that Wisdom is there for us if we want it.

V.7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. After laying down the basic explanation of the purpose of proverbs, he begins with a foundational TRUTH. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. What does that mean?

We talked about this during our Hebrews study. Does man fear God, especially today in our current society? What does it mean when the Bible talks about “the fear of the Lord”. How does our “reverential trust” in God affect our ability to acquire true wisdom? And, how does this acquisition of wisdom affect our life and understanding of God?

Man generally walks in PRIDE and self-confidence. Give us one good day and we are hard to live with for days. All of a sudden we are the expert and have become almost instantly all wise. It is not wrong to believe in the abilities that God gave us, but the question we need to ask is, “Do I really give God credit for my strengths and gifts, or is my confidence in my own abilities.”

In the case of God we should be intimidated/fearful initially by the beginning relationship with the Living God. Wisdom has its work in a heart that has the ability to be timid and fearful because of what they have just encountered. Any time we begin something GREAT or something DARING that we have never done before fear had better be there, otherwise, we are sure to not adequately respect the power or potential danger that we are about to encounter. They say that a healthy dose of fear is good when going into uncharted waters. This is particularly true when coming to the source of Wisdom which is God.

There is a FEAR or AWE when we stand on the edge of a cliff, or on the bank of the great ocean, or on a dark night when the universe is so plainly in view. It is the fool that just passes by these things not realizing the POWER that they just encountered. The fool wants to grab the tail of a power much greater than him, not knowing what he has just done. Such are the foolish that pass by the Source of Wisdom without giving some reverence to the Creator God who made wisdom and stands behind it making it work. In V. 7 it says that fools cast off wisdom as if it had no value. Oh, foolish heart! Some are so foolish and have no idea what lies ahead of them proceeding on their own!

READ Prov. 1:8-9 When you are young it is natural to at least occasionally think that older peoples wisdom and ways are outdated. It is true that new technology and new advances have their benefit over older ways. But, true wisdom works for ever. It is always useful. It always has a benefit. And, it is never outdated. The writer of Proverbs says that it will be an ornament of grace to your head. In other words, wisdom will decorate you so that others will see you and respect you. The “chains about your neck” probably refers to an adornment such as fine jewelry. Wisdom makes us look good if we are willing to wear it.

READ Prov. 1:10-9 This section deals with the temptation to cast in our lot with evil men typically for gain, or to go down the road in life compromising God’s principles to get something that we think that we want. In the days of Solomon the gain referred to here could have been anything that one would want that someone else had. The temptation here was to get rich quick, or get what you wanted fast. Little to no waiting. You do not have to pay your dues. You can have it NOW…JUST TAKE IT. However, acquiring it will be at someone else’s expense. You may have to shed some blood, their blood, to get it. Or, in acquiring it they may go hungry. But, don’t worry. It’s them, not you. V. 13 says that we can have a good living this way. The sad part is that for a season it is true. For a season you can live well. A short season.

This section of scripture gives me the impression or picture of a bunch of pirates. These guys are serious. Seriously out for themselves. Eventually, they will grow to be so bad that they will stop at NOTHING to get what they want. It says that those living this way are in danger of getting caught in their own devises or trap, v. 17-9. Be careful, what you apply to life will come back…good or bad. This section gives the impression that this relationship starts off slow, but quickly becomes a lifestyle that you cannot easily quit or get out of. V. 19 says that greed is the driving force.

READ Prov. 1:20-33 V. 20-21 tells us that Wisdom is not hidden! It is found in the open, in plain view, in public places. We usually think of wise things as being hidden or secret. This passage tells us that this is not true. We often think of the “secrets of success” or “the hidden secrets of living a good and prosperous life.” However, Proverbs tells us that this is not the case. Wisdom with all its benefits are in plain view. It is READILY AVAILIBLE. It does not cost as much as you expect. Just look around. It is in before you …in God’s Word!

Ps 111:10, Prov. 1:7, 9:10
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1. Pithy | Define Pithy at Dictionary.com

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Hebrews Study – Lesson 14 – May-August 2010 – Seacoast Community Church

Hebrews Study – Lesson 14

Read Heb. Chapter 12:15-29. This is the last and final warning that the writer of the Hebrews gives to his readers. It is the warning of Denying. It had reference to the denying the SUFICIENCY of God and His will in meeting our needs. (Refer to Hebrews study 11 for the other 5 warnings issued.) Chapter 12:16-7 uses the example of Esau. Esau was one who lived for the here and now. The right NOW! The, I want it today crowd. No thought of how today will affect tomorrow. How many of us would sell out God’s blessings that He has for us as we walk with Him for the here and now? We often act so short sighted, wanting things now instead of taking a little more time and letting God guide us into His blessing, receiving the EXACT thing that we need. God’s provisions are what we are looking for. Not this world’s imitation substitutes. His provisions are what we want because He is in them. They are tailor made for our needs and desires. READ Gen. 25:24-34

The writer of the Hebrews here WARNS US of living like Esau. Esau was not only a man who lived for the now, but he also proved by his lifestyle that he had no need for true spiritual things. This is a warning to us. He was a self made man. The birth right prior to Aaron had more attached to it than just material inheritance. It also had spiritual responsibilities and blessings attached to it. As a matter of fact, the spiritual inheritance at that time was considered far more important than the material inheritance. In that day, the first born would keep the family items significant to their religious heritage. In pagan families the first born would be the keeper of their family idols which were considered the family’s spiritual power. Esau lived in a Christian home, so to speak. I am sure that his father had shared stories of their heritage and how God was with their grandfather and how God would be with them. Think of it, Isaac was the one who went up with Abraham on Mt. Moriah to offer a sacrifice, and Abraham took no sacrifice except Isaac per the Lords instructions. Attached to the birthright of the first born was the spiritual leadership of the family and the passing on their heritage to future generations. Prior to Aaron and the Law the first born carried on the responsibilities and duties of the priest for their family. READ Gen. 25:5-6.

That Esau even gave a thought to selling his birthright is amazing. His birthright WAS SO VALUABLE, spiritually as well as materially. But, as we see, he never even gave it a thought. He was hungry. Jacob barely had to work for it. To Esau the birthright had no value. The ONLY value he gave it was the price of a meal.

The story is told of a purchase of a certain item at a yard sale. It was a box of old time photographic negatives. These negatives were glass negatives from the 1920’s and 30’s containing different scenes mainly of Yosemite and the San Francisco Bay area. The current owner had priced them at $70. The buyer and the seller haggled for a short time and the man eventually bought them for $45. He took them home and put them under his pool table, where they stayed for several years. At times he would pull them out and show them to friends. He and his friends were fascinated by them. Comments were made that these plates were so unusual that they thought, ”what if they were really worth something”. Maybe they were negatives having at least some value. Some comments were made that maybe they could be, by chance, some lost work of the famous American photographer Ansel Adams. The man continued to store them under his pool table. As time went on, he began to do some research and found out that they were indeed just that. Evidently the man found out that the negatives were the only remaining plates left from a dark room fire that had destroyed more than 5000 negatives. The value of his purchase was estimated at 200 million dollars. He purchased them for the price of a meal. May we not be so foolish not to realize the value of our inheritance in Christ. All to often we value the standards and trappings of this world more than what Christ offers us as an inheritance. Investing all of our time and effort in the temporal things the world places value on, neglecting the much more valuable benefits of our eternal inheritance in Christ. If we only committed to our journey with Christ as much as we have committed to our journey with this world and its system, believing Him and seeing the delusion and deception of this present world.

Esau was moved and controlled by his body. It controlled him, instead of him being master over the impulses and cravings of his body. He was hungry. Not thinking too much of it he willingly sold his birth right for TEMPORARY satisfaction. Unbelievable! By doing this, his actions proved that he did not value his inheritance. Through this piece of paper Jacob his brother even though a rascal, had respect for what was offered by being in the position of the first born. He valued what was associated with that position. By realizing the opportunity, and acting on it, he, not Esau became the heir in line for the Kingdom blessing which was far more valuable than any earthly possession.

Read 12:18-24 Again, the writer takes them back to their heritage again, reminding them that although the Covenant of the Law was right and true, it was an agreement that did not make provision for man’s weakness, his sin nature. V. 18-21 shows just how far man is separated from God in who God is and what is necessary and expected for man to reach the standard needed to stand before God. Perfection was/is required. The First mount, Mt. Sinai, set the standard clear and to the point as to what God’s standard was. If man stood on his own this is what would be needed. (Perfection) It was SCARY. It was TERRIBLE.

Later in this chapter, v. 29, he reminds us that God is a CONSUMING FIRE. He is WARNING them that God is real and God IS Just. A warning that we need to heed today! He, God, must judge this universe and all that is in it and hold it accountable. This is TRULY a picture of God dealing with man standing on his own. V. 18-20 gives us some descriptive terms that help us to see the terror in being in the presence of the Living God on our own. In v. 21 it says that it was so terrible to see that even Moses said “I exceedingly fear and quake”.

Compare this to the Lord Jesus reaching out His hand saying, “Fear not. Come. Peace be unto you..” to those who were called His own. He is saying we who have come, having our sins FORGIVEN, have come through Christ to Mt. Zion, the city of the Living God, the New Jerusalem, the city of Peace. READ v. 22-4. Also, it seems that v. 18-21, although it uses the plural word ye in v. 18 signifying all inclusive, the text gives the impression of personal accountability. You get the feeling of just me and God. V.’s 22-24 gives the impression of family. Large family. Accepted. Together. In Peace. It uses terms like general assembly, the Church, first born, written in heaven, God, Jesus, mediator, New Covenant and Perfect.

In v. 23 it uses the term “written” in Heaven. This has direct reference to Rev. 21:27 (READ) and those who have made their peace with God, their names written in the “Book of Life”. Rev. 19:11-15 (READ) gives the final picture of those trying to come to God through the Law or any standard other than Christ’s sacrifice. God is a consuming fire. How terrible it will be to try to come to God through Mt. Sinai. V. 25-9 of chapter 12 (Read) gives a stern warning telling them not to take this lightly and/or to casual. God spoke in times past and the earth shook. This happened at the giving of the Law. It also happened at the Crucifixion. During the final Judgment the entire universe will be shaken. Only those things that CANNOT BE SHAKEN, His Word, will remain. He asks us to serve God with reverence and godly fear.

The last and final chapter of this book starts out with some practical application of a true relationship with God. He was calling them to grow. To grow up,...to mature in their faith. He had reminded them of the relationship that they began with when they came to Christ. This was not a head trip on bible knowledge trivia so that they could say the right answer only. He wanted them to go further than just understanding the concepts of church doctrine. He wanted to see it “lived out” in their lives. His intention from the beginning was to see their lives changed and established and rooted in the ways of Christ. It was the application of his message that was the goal and purpose of his letter. James 2:14-20 gives practical instruction as to what a relationship with Christ should look like. He, the writer of the book of Hebrews, ends this book with some practical application.

In the beginning of chapter 13 he does not give an exhausted list of necessary virtues for the Christian life. He may have focused on these virtues because he needed to. It could be that these were specific areas they needed encouragement in. It is interesting that this book, being fairly long, does not deal much with riotous and or carnal living. Yet, their offence was serious. Very Serious! They were beginning to stray doctrinally and he dealt more with position and relationship with Christ. Chapter 13 reminds us that sound doctrine should lead into practical Christian living. I have known many who seemed to be wise in Christian doctrine, but lacked significantly in its application. They have the right answers, but seem to have the wrong attitude in application. Usually it is the virtue of love and compassion for those who are still in process that is lacking in application. Christ knew doctrine well, but also applied patience, love and compassion. The writer of the Hebrews does the same. He does not compromise Christ’s message and doctrine, but he is truly compassionate on his approach to these Jewish Christians. His warnings to them are stern and clear, but his encouragement and support to take the step to make a full comment to Christ is evident.

This section is not a list of to do’s. The writer undergirds his instruction in this opening section of chapter 13 with love. He not only starts out with the admonition of continuing brotherly love, but continues further instruction as he himself continues his instruction with the same spirit that he is asking them to have. The items listed are often done with a I have to do them attitude because that’s what is expected of me as a Christian. He was not saying “Just Do It”. His admonition is to do these things, but the overall tone of his instructions is encouraging, believing in them that with the right relationship with Christ, they can do it. He wants them to participate in the PLEASURE of pleasing Christ.

He reminds them to LOVE one another in v.1. In v. 2 he tells them not to forget to care for the stranger, showing them kindness and hospitality. They, being Jews, were strangers once. V. 3 reminds them to remember those in bonds. Persecution may have been common. We know from history that it was soon to get much worse. He did not want those who were already in bonds and those who would be in bonds to be forgotten. He uses two phrases that are significant. The first is ‘as bound with them’ indicating not only identifying with them emotionally…empathy, but actually helping to shoulder their burden. The second dealing with suffering has the idea of literally feeling their pain.

v. 4 clearly makes reference to ‘holy matrimony’. The bible is clear that sex is made for the boundaries of marriage only and is not only honorable in that boundary, but is blessed. The sex act outside of marriage receives God’s judgment, not blessing. It should be saved for marriage. A compromised view in this area has been the downfall of many and leads to a lifetime of pain for many. This section of Scripture also applies to those widowed. It is sad to see those who have lived a good Christian life compromise their testimony living inappropriately after the loss of a spouse. It is worth the effort and commitment to honor God in this area of life. Doing so brings GREAT pleasure in a relationship and also brings God’s blessing.

V. 5-6 Tells us the to not be covetous. Covetous has the meaning of wanting what someone else has. If the world obeyed the instruction in v. 5-6 all commerce would practically stop. The world runs on the spirit of wanting what someone else has. The tone in his instruction, however, has the underlying understanding that in the root of covetousness is denying that God can and will meet our needs. He admonishes that we are to be BOLD in our FAITH in God, WAITING if necessary for Him to meet our need. It is good to WAIT on GOD. It is not only a witness to others of God’s faithfulness in our lives, but it is also a witness to us that He is indeed FAITHFUL, time and time again.

V. 7 tells us to follow our leaders, but not blindly. He makes several interesting points in this verse. First he comments that those who have rule should be guiding and instructing others in God’s Word, and not just sharing their own philosophy of life. He also makes the point that those who have rule should have a faith worth following, considering the end of their manor of life, where it will take them..the end result of living that way. It is very good to follow and apply spiritual habits and perspectives of a Godly life.

V. 8-9 reminds us not to be carried away with trends and ideas that are NEW to us unless they meet the test of scripture. God/Jesus is THE SAME yesterday, today and FOREVER. Same old is NOT bad if God is in it. God is never outdated. The TRUTHS that He shows us are NEVER outdated. He reminds us in V.9 that it is a good thing to establish our heart in the understanding that His GRACE is sufficient! We cannot add to our standing with God by adding anything. Observances, especially new ones, can be very deceiving, so be careful what new trend you follow!

Read v 10-4. He continues to remind them that now that they have begun their NEW LIFE in Christ that they DO NOT FIT IN to their old lifestyle anymore. To live as instructed in this book we need to TAKE SERIOUS the NEW LIFE and its ways that are offered. The Hebrews received stern WARNINGS that they should not deny the power offered to them in their NEW LIFE. This meant LEAVING BEHIND some of their old ways. For a new believer, some of the old temple practices were actually OFFENSIVE to God. They were being told to LEAVE THESE PRACTICES BEHIND, being called outside the camp, so to speak, to worship Christ. This has parallel to us today in that God is calling us outside of the world, calling us OUT to live unto Him. Heb. 11:13-6. (READ)

V. 15-6 reminds us to give God the credit for the good that He has blessed us with in our life. And, …to share that good(good news)that we have received with others.

He reminds them again to obey those that have been given charge with the keeping of the Body of Christ, i.e. the Church. If they are truly Godly men they are keeping watch over each one in the Body with the intent of seeing them be established and become mature in the faith. Submitting to their over site is beneficial, beneficial to them making their job joyful, even though it may be challenging, and beneficial to you, allowing them to help you in your journey. This is not to say that we should follow them blindly. To the contrary. But, submitting to good leaders is beneficial to the Body of Christ. Resisting them often causes discord and is not of Christ.

V. 18-9 reminds them that they are connected together by prayer and asks for prayer that he may be reunited with them sooner than it appears that it will be. He apparently had the intention of reconnecting with them and it looked as though he would be detained. Some believe that this could possibly have reference to the Apostle Paul and it may have reference to his being in prison.

V. 20-2 The benediction… (READ). He closes with ‘the God of Peace’ made possible through the blood of the Everlasting covenant. Again, note the sweet tone of this passage.

V. 22 encourages them to ‘bear the word of exhortation’. The writer knows that he has asked a lot of them. He does not apologize for the content or length of his letter, but instead asks them to be responsible and receive it.

V. 22-5 Timothy is mentioned and then gives his final parting words. It is likely that the writer did not end his contact with this church here. It is probable that he followed up on them, encouraging and instructing them further, if the situation allowed, to help establish them in the faith. We also need to remember that this is not the end of this study…leaving this behind and going on to the next thing is not what God intended.

READ Heb. 10:24-5 Our faith is meant to be lived out in community. Being accountable to each other can spur us on to ESTABLISH the Christian faith in practical living. In v. 25 it says “to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together” and to “exhort one another, and so much more as you see the day approaching.” May this be so.

· Choose faith as your default option

· Look for God in your day

· Walk through the door(s) God places before you small/simple or large/beyond your ability

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Rick Norsigian kept two boxes he bought at a garage sale under his pool table for four years before realizing they may be too valuable to store at home.

The Fresno, California, commercial painter learned this week that what was in those boxes he paid $45 dollars for a decade ago could be worth more than $200 million.

"When I heard that $200 million, I got a little weak," Norsigian said at a Beverly Hills art gallery Tuesday.

Art, forensic, handwriting and weather experts teamed up to conclude the 65 glass plates in the boxes were photographic negatives created more than 80 years ago by Ansel Adams, the iconic American photographer whose images of the West inspired the country.

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· Ansel Adams

Arnold Peter, the lawyer who led the effort to authenticate that the negatives were made by the man known as the father of American photography, said their approach was "to put these negatives on trial."

Experts, including a former FBI agent and a U.S. attorney, "came to the conclusion that, based on the evidence which was overwhelming, that no reasonable person would have any doubt that these, in fact, were the long-lost images of Ansel Adams," Arnold said.

The photographs were from the early career of the famed nature photographer, a period that is not well documented since a 1937 darkroom fire destroyed 5,000 of his plates, Arnold said.

"It truly is a missing link of Ansel Adams and history and his career," said Beverly Hills appraiser and art dealer David W. Streets.

The photographs were taken between 1919 and the early 1930s at locations familiar to Adams, mostly around Yosemite, California, Streets said.

"This is going to show the world the evolution of his eye, of his talent, of his skill, his gift, but also his legacy," Streets said.

"And it's a portion that we thought had been destroyed in the studio fire."

Norsigian, who scours garage sales for antiques, was looking for a barber chair when he spotted to two deteriorated boxes in the spring of 2000.

"When I pulled on of those glass negatives out, I seen Yosemite," he said. "As a young man, I worked at Yosemite quite a bit. So, right away I recognized it as Yosemite."

He bickered with the seller, finally negotiating down from $70 to $45 for the boxes. The owner said he bought them in the 1940s at a warehouse salvage in Los Angeles. He bickered the price down from $70 to $45.

It would be two years before he realized they photos may be from Adams, he said. After four years, he had done enough research to realize the plates could be valuable. He moved them from under his pool table and placed them in a bank vault.

How these 6.5 x 8.5 inch glass plate negatives of famous Yosemite landscapes and San Francisco landmarks -- some of them with fire damage -- made their way from Adams collection 70 years ago to a Southern California garage sale in 2000 can only be guessed.

Photography expert Patrick Alt, who helped confirm the authenticity of the negatives, suspects Adams carried them to use in a photography class he was teaching in Pasadena, California, in the early 1940s.