Proverbs is full of wisdom. Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding. When we skillfully apply God’s wisdom, we receive the benefits of following his Word.
Last week, we began to look at the book of Proverbs, and I'm excited to introduce us to more wisdom found in this incredible book of the Old Testament.
The words wise or wisdom appear 120 times in the book of Proverbs because this book aims to help us acquire and apply God’s wisdom to everyday living.
PROVERBS 1:1-5 NLT [1] These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. [2] Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. [3] Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. [4] These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. [5] Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.
The first couple of verses in Proverbs chapter 1 show us the intended audience for the readers of this book, which covers us all. All generations can gain God’s wisdom, as found in this book.
The word simple in verse 4 is like empty containers. Wisdom and foolishness compete to fill our minds and hearts. We have a choice to choose which one we accept and which one we reject.
Much of the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, who reigned from approximately 970 BC to 930 BC. Some Bible scholars believe Solomon may have been as young as 17 when he became king. Solomon asked the Lord to give him wisdom so he could effectively lead. Of the 3,000 proverbs he wrote, approximately 900 are included in the book of Proverbs.
So much wisdom was given to Solomon because he asked for it from God.
1 KINGS 4:29,32 NLT [29] God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. [32] He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs.
Proverbs ministers to us on a level of everyday living, teaching us how to process, deal with, manage, and overcome things in life.
PROVERBS 4:5 NLT Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them.
In the Old Testament, to forget means more than not to remember; it is failure to obey. I genuinely believe that sometimes, the thing that is holding us back from all God has for us is ourselves. If we took God at His word, we would walk more confidently and boldly into what He has created us to do.
PROVERBS 4:7 NLT Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
Wisdom often, though not always, brings relational and material prosperity.
PROVERBS 23:23 NLT Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
THE SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM IS FOUND IN JESUS.
God’s word reveals to us the answers to our life and meaning for it. It points us to one person and His name is Jesus. Jesus has all the wisdom. Look at these next two verses and read it for yourself.
COLOSSIANS 2:3 NLT In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:30 NLT God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
EARTHLY WISDOM IS DIFFERENT FROM HEAVENLY WISDOM.
JAMES 3:13-17 NLT [13] If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. [15] For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. [16] For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. [17] But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
The benefits of wisdom include - Happiness (Proverbs 3:13), Longevity (Proverbs 3:1-2), Honor (Proverbs 3:35), Peace (Proverbs 3:17), and Protection (Proverbs 1:33).
HOW TO GET WISDOM
JAMES 1:5-8 NLT [5] If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
ASK
For us to gain wisdom we must do what James 1 is asking us to do. Which is ask for it from God. God is gracious and loving and wants the best for us.
I'm praying that we fall more in love with God’s Word and His son Jesus each and every day. You'll be able to face whatever comes your way.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or someone to talk to. 901-515-6450. God never called us to walk through life alone. The best is yet to come in your life.
