“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to recognize the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and uprightness; to give sense to the simple, knowledge and judgment to the young man; the wise hears and increases learning; and understanding ones get wisdom; to understand a proverb and its meaning; the words of the wise, and their acute sayings. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:1-7

What is wisdom?

  • Wisdom is the attribute of God by which He creates, sustains and controls all things:

“The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” Proverbs 3:19-20

See also: Proverbs 8:10-31

Everything we feel, see, act upon, experience and live out in this life is controlled by with wisdom of God. Wisdom also shows how foolish we are – and allows us to see what God expects from us.

  • Wisdom is the asset far more valuable than all other pursuits in life:

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” Proverbs 3:13-18

See also: Proverbs 4:5-9; Proverbs 16:16

The wisdom that God speaks of, cannot be obtained by education, career or other earthly man-centered pursuit. No. Wisdom, according to Proverb’s author comes through the pains, sufferings and great sorrows of decisions made by a foolish heart.

  • Wisdom is the application of God’s holiness in all that we say and do:

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:6-8

see also: Proverbs 4:11-19; 6:23-24; 7:1-5; 8:13; 14:16

The way of the wicked is darkness, unaware of their stumbling. The way of the wise is opposite the way of evil – departing from evil to do those things that please God in all that we say and do.

Where do we get Wisdom?

  • Wisdom is an attribute of God and comes directly from Him.

“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

see also: II Timothy 3:16-17 (Greek: “All scripture God-breathed.”); II Peter 3:15-16

All scripture comes from God and is breathed from He alone. It is impossible for any man to possess such treasure apart from God giving it to him directly!

  • Wisdom is given to all who ask – for this pleases Him greatly!

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8

God does not limit His gift of wisdom for the aged and famous – but, to all who ask of Him in faith. We are reminded not to waver in what we ask for concerning wisdom, lest we remain double-minded.

Why don’t we have wisdom?

  • Wisdom is refused and rejected by the arrogant who believe they can live life apart from God’s instruction.

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:7

see also: Proverbs 1:20-33; 1:7; 9:10; 15:33

The many problems facing an individual has come about by their own rejection of God as the source for wisdom needed – governing themselves as fools instead of being governed by God in wisdom.

  • Wisdom is rebuked by those who hate what another says in counsel.

“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:8-9

see also: Proverbs 15:31-33; 9:9: 19:20; 10:5-19 (note verse 8 & 19); 11:12; 17:28

Sometimes, the rebuke of another is a source of wisdom’s and her call – and learning to walk uprightly before both God and man comes from discerning, through wisdom, what to do in times of adversity. Refraining from evil deeds and an evil mouth go hand in hand as one seek’s the way of wisdom; not as fools.

When do we know we have wisdom?

  • wisdom is rewarded to those who seek God in all he says and does and bears the fruits of such a life.

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:28-30

see also: Proverbs 16:21; 10:13; 14:6; 14:33

Though many use this particular verse to justify “winning souls to Christ” – a wise thing indeed; but, this is not what this verse addresses! The fruit of a man living wisely becomes a blessing to his neighbor. A fool, just the opposite a wise man – is known far and wide for his troubling spirit and evil heart.

  • wisdom is remembered in one who is prudent.

“The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.” Proverbs 16:21

see also: Proverbs 10:13; 14:6; 14:33

Wisdom is shown in the one whose words are measured and gentle. Wisdom is also shown in how he deals with others. A wise person builds others up when required – and, ceases contentions when dealing with a fool. And, what form does wisdom take in these situations? Prudence.

Note:

William Cody Bateman is authoring a new book for men called, “Problems and Proverbs – it takes more than sex to be a father.”

The subject of wisdom is one of 16 modules Cody uses when speaking to men’s groups, fellowships and youth rallies. Feel free to use these notes to aid your own study in God’s word as you seek His wisdom!

The Book print version will be greatly expanded and more detailed in commentary than what is offered here…

Contact Cody directly for booking information. Go here!

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