Lesson
Notes
We need a multitude of
counselors
Where- The scriptures.
Proverbs 8:11 - There is value in wisdom. Psalms 119:24/ Hebrews 4:12
When - Nature of
decisions- different situations and time may need different type of
decisions
Who - Godly people,
Spouse and parents- increasingly we rely on chat groups, google to seek
information and advice. We can also rely on cell group members sharing. In a
family context - husband and wife must be open and realistic on the
financial position and get the support of the others to plan ahead. Is
preserving the relationship more important - keeping the harmony by going
with the counsel /decision which you do not favor. Will a person's
experience and pride become a deterrent to seeking advice by seeking
advice- we become vulnerable as we expose our weak financial position.
What- Seek the Lord for
directions
Ecc 4:9
Proverbs 15:22
Definition of wisdom
The
primary Hebrew word for wisdom is chokmah. It comes from a root word
meaning "intelligent, prudent, cunning, clever; to teach, instruct." Another
Hebrew word translated wisdom is sekel. It comes from a root word
meaning "to be circumspect; to act prudently, to prosper, to have success;
to have expertise; to teach; to give insight, have comprehension." The
stated purpose of Proverbs is to "know wisdom [chokmah]" and "to receive the
instruction of wisdom [sakel]." (See Proverbs 1:2-3.)
The
main Greek word for wisdom is sophia, Which denotes practical skill and
acumen. One Greek word translated wise is phronimos, which means
"thoughtful, sagacious, discreet. It implies a cautious person."
God
provides a description of wisdom [sophia] in James 3:17. "The wisdom that is
from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
How
Is Wisdom Demonstrated?
When
wisdom is first mentioned in Scripture, it is in reference to the skillful
making of things to benefit the work of God. For example, God instructed
that wise men should make the priestly garments. "Thou shalt speak unto all
that are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that
they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto
me in the priest's office" (Exodus 28:3).
Next,
God chose wise men to construct various buildings for the work of God. The
man God chose to build the tabernacle was filled with wisdom. "I have filled
him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in
knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to
work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set
them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
"And I,
behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of
Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that
they may make all that I have commanded thee" (Exodus 31:3-6).
The
theme of building, in association with the wise, continues throughout
Scripture. God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and with it,
Solomon built the Temple.
In the
Book of Proverbs, he stated, "Wisdom hath builded her house" (Proverbs 9:1).
Again he explained, "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by
understanding it is established" (Proverbs 24:3).
What
Great Heroes of Faith Received Wisdom?
Joseph
"Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there
is none so discreet and wise as thou art," and "he made him governor over
Egypt arid all his house"
(Genesis 41:39, Acts 7:10).
Joshua
"Joshua
the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his
hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as
the LORD commanded Moses"
(Deuteronomy 34:9).
Daniel
"God
gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had
understanding in all visions and dreams. . And in all matters of wisdom and
understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times
better than all the magicians and astrologers" (Daniel
1:17, 20).
David
"David
behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Wherefore
when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. . .
. David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that
his name was much set by" (I Samuel 18:14-15, 30).
Solomon
"God
gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of
heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon's wisdom
excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the
wisdom of Egypt. ... And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of
Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom" (I
Kings 4:29-30, 34).
Ezra
"And
thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set
magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the
river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know
them not" (Ezra 7:25).
Stephen
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full
of the Holy Ghost and wisdom .... and they chose Stephen, a man full of
faith and of the Holy Ghost .. .. And they were not able to resist the
wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" (Acts 6:3-10).
Why Is
Wisdom So Important?
In
order to explain the superior value of wisdom, God compares it to the most
precious things in life.
1.
It is more valuable than gold-"My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine
gold; and my revenue than choice silver" (Proverbs 8:19).
2.
It is more precious than jewels-"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all
the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it" (Proverbs
8:11).
3.
It is more valuable than riches-"Riches and honour are with me [wisdom];
yea, durable riches and righteousness" (Proverbs 8:18).
4.
It should be our first priority-"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore
get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7).
How Do
We Get Wisdom?
-
By asking God for it-"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" (James 1:5).
-
By studying God's Law-"Keep therefore and do them; for this is your
wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear
all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation' is a wise and
understanding people" (Deuteronomy 4:6).
-
By keeping God's commandments with us-"Thou through thy commandments
hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me" (Psalm
119:98).
-
Through the fear of the Lord—"The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10).
-
By reading the Book of Proverbs-"The proverbs of Solomon the son of
David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words
of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and
judgment, and equity" (Proverbs 1:1-3).
-
By God's testimonies-"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the
soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (Psalm
19:7).
-
By hearing instruction-"Hear' instruction, and be wise, and refuse it
not" (Proverbs 8:33). "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet
wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:9).
-
By seeking it early-"I love them that love me; and those that seek me
early shall find me" (Proverbs 8:17).
-
By listening to rebukes-"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will
be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs
9:9).
-
By seeking wise counsel-"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise"
(Proverbs 13:20).
A
Description of Fools from the Book of Proverbs:
1.
Simple fool
· Believes every word
· Looks for a leader
· Ignorant of cause and effect
· Corrupted by scorning fools
2.
Silly fool
· Seeks "a good time"
· Has fun breaking rules
· Seeks wrong friends
· Has guilt for wrongdoing
3.
Sensual fool
· Sneaks out with friends
· Engages in immorality
· Involved in drugs and bad habits
· Skilled in deception
4.
Scorning fool
· Gets simple fools to do evil
· Despises rules and authorities
. Creates contention
· Proud of evil exploits
5.
Committed fool
· Has a seared conscience
· Believes wrong is right
· Skilled in arguments
· Seeks followers for self-gain
Both
the wise and the foolish are known by the friends they choose.
LEARN
FROM THE OWL
The
ears of the great horned owl allow it to "see from a second perspective. The
owl's cars are offset so that it can hear in all directions. This allows an
owl to recognize and track its prey using only the sounds of footsteps
God
identifies four animals which are small but "exceeding wise" and explains
why. (See Proverbs 30:24-28.)
1
The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they prepare their food in
the summer.
2.
The
hyraxes/
conies are but a
feeble folk, yet mare they their houses' in the rocks.
3.
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands.
4.
The lizard taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
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