What is the best piece of wisdom you ever received?
Proverbs 1:1-2
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
You could say that wisdom is understanding how life works and then using that knowledge to respond appropriately, justly, or skillfully.
“Hokhmah” (Hebrew) is the word for Wisdom.
1. “hokhmah” is more than just a way to describe how to make good decisions. Hokhmah is literally an attribute of God that God used to create the world.
2. Hokhmah is also used to describe how a craftsman takes knowledge and uses it to build or create. Like how a skilled artisan who excels at their craft, like woodworking or masonry. So you show you possess hokhmah when you put it to work and develop the skill of making a good life.
3. “Hokhmah” is literally woven into the fabric of the universe.
Unpacking the Text:
Proverbs wants to help us recognize Wisdom…
Proverbs 3:3-6
*for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise
Proverbs also reminds us the Heart of True WISDOM
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
True wisdom is grounded in the Story of God.
Proverbs 3:19-20
By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
True wisdom must take into account the creator and the way of the creator.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Colossians 2:2-3
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Final Thought:
In Christ we see that resurrection is the organizing principle of our world.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
*and lean not on your own understanding;*
in all your ways submit to him,
*and he will make your paths straight*
Discussion Questions
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
How would you describe wisdom?
How do you differentiate between wisdom and foolishness?
Would you consider yourself teachable? Why or why not?
What does a relationship with God have to do with wisdom?