Making Life Work: Our Destination – Wisdom
Preached on 8.17.08 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes
What is “Wisdom?”
Definition: Insight, prudence, discernment, understanding, Living skillfully.
Praises for wisdom: Better than jewels (8:11), Better than gold (3:14, 16:16), greater than strength (21:22, 24:5-6),
Commands to It: (1:20-33, 3:21, 4:5, 7, 5:1, 6:6, 7:4, 8:33, 9:12, 23:19, 23, 27:11)
WISDOM is the DESTINATION for the journey on which the Book of Proverbs takes us.
Wisdom and Jesus:
- As we grow in Christ-likeness, we should grow in wisdom.
- God has not just given us principles but a Person.
- In Jesus, we have both the example and means toward wisdom.
- Growth happens when we live our lives in light of these principles through God’s power at work within us through the Holy Spirit.
What Does Wisdom Look Like in Practice?
- Accepts reproof (9:8)
- Accepts instruction which leads to greater wisdom (9:9)
- Receives commandments (10:8)
- Lays up, seeks and commends knowledge (10:14, 15:2, 18:15)
- Captures souls (11:30)
- Listens to advice, accepts instruction (12:15, 13:10, 19:20)
- Receives instruction which leads to knowledge (21:11)
- Hears his father’s instruction (13:1)
- Overlooks insults (12:16)
- Makes his speech judicious (16:23)
- Sees danger and hides himself (22:3)
- Is cautious, turns away from and is wary of evil (14:16, 27:12)
- Is full of strength (24:5)
- Turn away wrath (29:8)
- Quietly holds back his spirit (29:11)
Where is there evidence of wisdom in my life? Where do I need to grow in wisdom the most? Are there people speaking into my life that can help me in these areas?
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom?
- Blessing, long life, riches and honor, peace (3:13-18)
- Wealth, treasure and provision (14:24, 21:20)
- Wise will inherit honor (3:35)
- Makes your father/parents glad (10:1, 15:20, 23:15, 24, 29:3)
- Will lead to a future and a hope (24:13-14)
- Longevity, lack of fear, better sleep (3:21-24)
- Appeases wrath (16:14)
- The tongue of the wise brings healing (12:18)
- The lips of the wise will preserve them (14:3)
- Leads to deliverance (28:26)
- Will have the favor of leaders (14:35)
- Leads to ruling and leading (17:2)
How Do We Walk in It?
- Recognize that wisdom comes from the Lord (2:6).
- It begins by us getting to know the Person of wisdom—Jesus.
- Recognize that it requires surrender.
- Prov. 3:5-6. Memorize. Live. Teach to your children.
- Seek it diligently
- 1 Kings 3—pray like Solomon
- Prov. 2—cry out for wisdom!
- Walk with the right people (13:20)—character is contagious.
- The man who has understanding (10:13).
- The righteous (10:31).
- The humble (11:2).
- Ask “What is the WISE CHOICE in this situation?”
Are these actions a habit in our lives? If not, what needs to change?
Homework:
- Meditate on the key passages of Prov. 2, 8 in the book. Journal your thoughts.
- Parents! Look for ways to teach your children both the practices and benefits of wisdom in real life situations.
- Read a chapter of Proverbs a day (31 chapters). Soak in it!
- Pray for wisdom like Solomon did. God will answer this prayer!
- Continue asking “Where do I most need wisdom in my life?” Ask God. Ask others.
- Begin asking “What is the WISE choice in this situation?”
Works Consulted : Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, Messages by Steve Hart, Tim Keller, Darrin Patrick, Mark Driscoll, Introduction to the Old Testament