03 Wise Up - SHARP Wisdom

River Church Sermons

Wise Up!

Part 3: "Sharp Wisdom"

by Louie Marsh, 10-2-2025

blical wisdom shown in a little know story about a wise woman in a difficult situation.

S - SEIZE the Initiative

"16Then a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, 'Come here, that I may speak to you.' "" (2 Samuel 20:16, ESV)

"7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;" (Ecclesiastes 3:7, ESV)

1) 2 extremes to avoid - speaking too soon - brashly shooting your mouth off

2) being to passive never saying anything!

H - HAVE a Respectful Attitude

"17And he came near her, and the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He answered, "I am." Then she said to him, "Listen to the words of your servant." And he answered, "I am listening."" (2 Samuel 20:17, ESV)

"17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:17, ESV)

1) There is a time to be blunt, but it's usually NOT when I want too!

2) The more I want to let someone have it - the less likely it is that that's the wise choice!

A - APPRECIATE the Consequences

"18Then she said, "They used to say in former times, 'Let them but ask counsel at Abel,' and so they settled a matter. 19I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the heritage of the Lord?"" (2 Samuel 20:18–19, ESV)

"7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

"17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17, ESV)

1) Remember the Law of Unintended Consequences!

R - RECOGNIZE the Real Issue

"21That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city." And the woman said to Joab, "Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall."" (2 Samuel 20:21, ESV)

"21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Mark 10:21–22, ESV)

P - PRODUCE what's Needed

"22Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king." (2 Samuel 20:22, ESV)

"5Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him." (Ecclesiastes 8:5–6, ESV)

S.H.A.R.P. towards PROBLEMS, relationships, children, etc.

S.H.A.R.P. towards GOD

S - God has already taken the initiative - you must now seize the moment and respond!

H - Have a respectful attitude - that's repentance for our sins!

A - Look at the consequences - both good and bad!

R - Recognize the real issue - It's not politics, evolution, or a hundred other things - it's our standing before God and our eternal destiny!

P - Produce what's needed - by giving your life to Jesus Christ!!