March 7, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#1. Getting Started Towards Good Thinking…
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…
Proverbs 9:10
We live in a society that values education. We are conditioned to believe that a college degree or accreditation makes a person an authority and therefore trustworthy. How’s that working out for us? MBAs tanked the economy. “Professional” educators are graduating functional illiterates. Government leaders are spending tax dollars our grandchildren have not even paid yet. The missing ingredient in our country is wisdom. How do we get back to common sense and good thinking? God’s Word is a good place to start!
1) Wisdom’s definition…
- knowledge (Gr. gnosis)- a mastery of the facts and information at hand.
- knowledge say
“Here is _WHERE_WE_ARE_.”
- understanding (Gr. sunesis)- a grasp of how the facts and information are conceptually related.
- understanding says
“This is _HOW_WE_GOT_HERE_.”
- wisdom (Gr. sophia)- a practical response/solution based on the facts and how they are related.
- wisdom says
“Here is _WHAT_WE_SHOULD_DO_NEXT_.”
2) Wisdom’s sources…
- a healthy _REVERENCE_OF_ God.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…
Proverbs 9:10
- The “fear” of the Lord is not a fear born of punishment and doom, but of amazement and awe.
This phrase is often used as a synonym for _WORSHIP_.
- a humble _ESTIMATION_OF_ myself.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
3) Wisdom’s demands…
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream,
and God said,
“Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.”
Solomon answered,
“…So give Your servant a discerning heart
to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon has asked for this.
So God said to him,
“…I will do what you have asked.
I will give you a wise and discerning heart…”
1 st Kings 3:5, 9-12
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:13-15
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 22:3
4) Wisdom’s benefits…
*** The Proverbs are practical life _PRINCIPLES_ that,
all things being equal, work when applied.
They are not, however, divine _PROMISES_.
- a _LONG_ and _HEALTHY_ life.
For through me (wisdom) your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Proverbs 9:11, 12
- meaningful _RELATIONSHIPS_.
He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20
- _SATISFACTION_ (as God defines it) in life.
By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
Proverbs 24:3, 4
- a respected _NAME_ and a good _REPUTATION_.
The wise inherit honor, but fools He holds up to shame.
Proverbs 3:35 |
