Pt.3 The Key to Your Gift
UNDERSTANDING WISDOM
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
I. INTRODUCTION
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II. THE FOUNDATIONS OF WISDOM
• Definition of Wisdom: Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in a way that pleases God and benefits oneself and others.
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• Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
III. THE SOURCE OF BIBLICAL WISDOM
• Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
- DIVINE ORIGIN
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- GOD’S COMMUNICATION
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- HOLISTIC WISDOM:
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• James 3:17 highlights the qualities of wisdom from above: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This emphasizes that true wisdom is demonstrated through virtuous and ethical behavior.
IV. THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING WISDOM
- Proverbs 4:7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
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- James 3:13: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
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- Proverbs 19:21: “Many plans can be made by a person, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.”
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V. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN WISDOM AND FOOLISHNESS
• Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
- SOURCE OF INSIGHT
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- BEHAVIOR AND DECISION-MAKING
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- ATTITUDE AND TEACHABILITY
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Wisdom vs. Foolishness:
- Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
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- Proverbs 14:1: “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”
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- Matthew 7:24-27: Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate the importance of acting on wisdom and following God’s teachings.
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VI. THE ROLE OF DISCERNMENT IN WISDOM
• Proverbs 2:11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
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VII. WISDOM AS A GIFT FROM GOD
- SOLOMON:
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- 1 Kings 3:5-15 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
- JETHRO:
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o Exodus 18:17-24 17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.
VIII. THE VALUE OF WISDOM
3. Wisdom as a Source of Blessings:
- Proverbs 3:16: “For length of days and years of life, and peace, are in your right hand.”
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- Proverbs 4:18: “But the path of the righteous is like the dawn; it shines brighter and brighter until the full day.”
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IX. APPLYING WISDOM IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE
• Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
In essence, wisdom IS not a static concept, but a dynamic process of seeking God’s guidance, understanding His teachings, and applying them in daily life. It’s a path that leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
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