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Introduction:
Every day we face circumstances that require us to make decisions and choices. Navigating them can be difficult. If we are going to live wisely, we need God’s knowledge and wisdom. The pursuit of Godly wisdom should be a priority of the Christian life. Without God, we cannot make wise choices.
“Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. 8Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.” —Proverbs 4:7-8
God gave us a book called Proverbs to help us understand the value of wisdom and how to attain it.
- The theme of Proverbs is wisdom. It covers all the basic areas of life.
- The main writer of Proverbs is Solomon. He was the wisest person to ever live.
- The nature of Proverbs is pithy. They are short and concise statements of penetrating truth.
This collection of talks will help you wise up and live well and will include:
June 2nd/5th Living Wisely – Understanding Wisdom
June 9th/12th Living Wisely with Decisions – Honor the Grads Weekend
June 16th/19th Living Wisely in Relationships – Father’s Day Weekend
June 23rd/26th Living Wisely with Money
June 30th/July 3rd Living Wisely as a Citizen - 4th of July Weekend
Text: Proverbs 1:1-7 (CSB, Old Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: When wisdom increases, foolishness decreases.
Week 1 - Understanding Wisdom
I. WE MUST
WISDOM
A. Wisdom is
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” —Proverbs 14:12
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” —Ephesians 5:15-17
B. Wisdom
The purpose of Solomon’s writing and teaching is to give us: (vs 2–4)
a. “Wisdom” (“Hokmah”) - the ability to skillfully use knowledge
b. “Instruction” - The knowledge necessary to carry out life’s obligations
c. “Understanding” - Intelligence, discernment, the ability to see the true relationship between facts
d. “Subtilty” - Shrewdness, prudence, the ability to make delicate and fine distinctions
e. “Knowledge” - Acquaintance with facts
f. “Discretion” - The quality of showing discernment and good judgment in conduct, especially in speech
II. WE MUST
WISDOM
A.
“Solomon offered sacrifices there in the Lord’s presence on the bronze altar at the tent of meeting; he offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. 7That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask. What should I give you?” 8And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and faithful love to my father David, and you have made me king in his place. 9Lord God, let your promise to my father David now come true. For you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of yours?” 11God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge my people over whom I have made you king, 12wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you.” —II Chronicles 1:6-12
“God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore.” —I Kings 4:29
“And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.” —I Kings 4:34 (NKJV)
B. When
“Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, 14for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold. 15She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. 17Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful. 18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.” —Proverbs 3:13-18
C. There are
- Your life will be
- Your life will be
- Your life will be financially
- Your life will have
- Your life will be
- Your life will experience
III. WE MUST
FOR WISDOM
A. Only
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” —James 1:5
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” —Proverbs 2:6
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” —Proverbs 9:10
“… Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” —I Corinthians 1:24b
B. Wisdom is found in the
“My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. 2Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.” —Proverbs 7:1-2 (NKJV)
CONCLUSION: Will you make wisdom the pursuit of your life?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
1. How does the Bible’s definition of wisdom stack up against the one you knew before today?
2. What are you valuing over wisdom?
3. Which of the benefits of wisdom do you need most now?
4. Will you ask God for wisdom this week? How will you remind yourself?