WISDOM IS A GIFT FROM GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people … He was wiser than anyone else … and his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.”  2 Kings 4:30-31 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

When The Lord God asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment so that he could make the right decisions for the people of Israel. (1 Kings 3:5-9)  The Lord God granted his request and gave him much more than he asked for including fame and fortune. (1 Kings 3:11-13)  God gave Solomon great insight and a breath of understanding that was as immeasurable as the grains of sand on the seashore. (1 Kings 4:29)  He was wiser than all of the wise men of his day. (1 Kings 4:31)  He spoke on a vast multitude of topics and people came from the surrounding countries and from all over the world to hear him share his words of wisdom. (1 Kings 4:32-34)

APPLICATION

Solomon was the wisest man ever.  He got his wisdom because he asked The Lord God for it.  We may not be as wise as Solomon was, but if we want wisdom, we can also get it, if we pray and ask The Lord God for it. (James 1:5)  Wisdom is a gift from God. (Proverbs 2:6)  It is better to get wisdom than silver and gold. (Proverbs 16:16)  The fear and love of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)  Happy is the man who gets wisdom. (Proverbs 3:13)  We seek and get a lot of things in life, and with all of our getting, we should get wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

LET THE WISE LISTEN AND ADD TO THEIR LEARNING

Proclamation:

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let discerning get guidance; for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.  The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:5-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These proverbs are the words of King Solomon, son of King David, the king of Israel.  They were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to provide instruction and guidance to the people of God.  This first proverb begins by discussing wisdom, instruction and knowledge. (Proverbs 1:1-6)  “Fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7)  Then it warns them not to hang out with evil men who plan to harm and take advantage of the innocent. (Proverbs 1:10-19)  The remainder of this proverb describes the consequences which they would receive for not following this advice. (Proverbs 1:20-33)

Application:

It has been said that maybe God gave us two ears and one mouth because He wanted us to spend twice as much time listening as we did talking.  All too often we listen just so that we can respond to what was said.  It is good to listen in order to gain knowledge and understanding.  However, we do not understand everything that we hear or read.  Some things must be explained to us, and some things only The Holy Spirit of God can reveal to us.  Reading The Bible is good, but much more insight and knowledge can be gained from prayerful Bible study.  “Study to show yourself approved unto God.” (2 Timothy 2:15)  Only the fool does not want to learn or get any wiser.  To learn is to grow, and only dead things don’t grow.  Don’t be a dead soul, pray and ask The Lord God to increase your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of His Holy Word then apply what you learn.

KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

Proclamation:

“The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by King Solomon, the wisest man ever (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) and the son of King David, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the people of God in order to provide them with basic guidelines and instruction in Christian living.

Application:

Some people say "I know, I know, I know," and some say it a lot.  But how much do they really know?  A lot has been said about knowledge.  "If you only have a little bit of knowledge, then you are dangerous."  And "Only a fool doesn't know that he doesn't know."  Having a series of facts at ones disposal does not make one knowledgeable.  Knowledge implies an understanding of something.  However, having a large amount of information and even understanding it is useless if one does not know how to apply it.  Wisdom is often used as a synonym for knowledge but it implies an ability to discern relationships between things or facts and the ability to apply of that information.  Having knowledge and wisdom suggests the ability to understand and appropriately apply the facts at ones disposal.  Knowledge and wisdom are God given abilities.  Knowledge is the correct understanding of the world and one’s self.  Wisdom is the God given ability to apply that knowledge correctly.  It is possible to knowledgeable about some things and totally ignorant about other things.  There are a lot of smart people in the world who know very little about The Word of God.  Unfortunately, there are also a lot of believers who can quote parts of The Bible but they do not live or behave as it says we ought to live.  We all need to pray to God for wisdom and knowledge of His Word and for His help in being living examples of good Christian behavior.  Having knowledge without wisdom and understanding leads to destruction.  The devil knows who God is and chose not to obey Him and to go against Him. (James 2:19)  Having knowledge without the appropriate actions is useless. (James 2:17)

LISTEN TO BE WISE AND PRAY TO SUCCEED

Proclamation:

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.  Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is The Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words of advice were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. (2 Chronicles 1:7-12 and 1 Kings 4:29-34)  Solomon was offering advice on the essential features of a good life.  He stated that he who keeps God’s commandments also keeps his life. (Proverbs 19:16)  He says that he who gives to the poor lends to The Lord and God will repay him. (Proverbs 19:17)  Be involved in the lives of your children and correct them when they are wrong. (Proverbs 19:18)  Avoid people who lack self control. (Proverbs 19:19)  Then he said listen to the advice of Godly people and follow The Word of God in order to succeed in this life and to be ready for the next one. (Proverbs 19:20)  The will of God will prevail.

Application:

None of us knows everything.  We can all learn something new especially regarding The Word of God.  Our main problem is we don't want to listen, we want to talk.  Our next problem is we listen to the wrong people and we do not validate what we hear with The Word of God.  The Lord God sends some people into our lives to be a blessing to us. However we should not believe everything that we hear no matter who the source is.  Advice and instruction can come from many sources, make sure that it is heaven sent.  Wisdom is a gift from God. (1 Corinthians 12:8 and James 3:17)  The knowledge of a lot of facts is useless without the fear of The Lord and the wisdom to apply them. (Psalms 111:10)  We need to listen to what The Lord God is saying to us through His Holy Word and then we need to pray for the understanding and wisdom in order to put His Word into action in our lives.  Ultimately The Will of God will prevail.  All that remains to be seen is whether or not we will be doers of His Will or just hearers of His Word. (James 1:22)

Pray For Wisdom

"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.  Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost all you have, get understanding."  Proverbs 4:5-7 (NIV)

This proverb of King Solomon, the wisest man ever, was written to convey the importance and the value of wisdom.  The fear of The Lord God is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10)  The Lord God gives man wisdom. (Proverbs 2:6)  Having wisdom can save one from the ways of the wicked and evil people. (Proverbs 2:12)  Having wisdom will protect you.  Getting wisdom is worth whatever it cost you.

Getting an education is a good thing to do.  However, it is useless just acquiring the knowledge of a large number facts without the wisdom and understanding of how to use and apply them.  All wisdom comes from God. (Proverbs 2:6 and 4:11)  Having knowledge without wisdom, is like having all of the pieces to a puzzle and not understanding how to put them together to reveal a picture.  It is also like having tools and not knowing how to use them  Those who seek wisdom know that it is more valuable than precious stones. (Proverbs 8:11 and 16:16)  Wisdom is a blessing which not everyone receives. (Proverbs 3:13)  A wise man will pray to The Lord God for wisdom. (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)

Do What Is Right Just And Fair

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young; let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance; for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.  The fear of The LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."  Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)

King Solomon was the wisest man ever (2 Chronicles 1:11-12), and he chose to share his wisdom with the people within the thirty-one proverbs which he wrote. The purpose of the proverbs was to help the people gain wisdom and discipline, to gain understanding and a prudent life. To help them do that which was right, just, and fair as they went about their daily activities and in their dealings with others.

Solomon prayed for wisdom and knowledge so that he could do a good job as king leading God's people. (2 Chronicles 1:10)  He wanted to help the people by giving them some good examples and words of wisdom to live by.  We could learn a lot from Solomon, not only from the proverbs which he wrote, but also from his prayerful concern for others and his purpose for sharing.  His motives had nothing to do with personal gain.  He had a sincere love for others.  We need to pray that we would develop that type of love for others.  Jesus said that we should love others as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, and Luke 10:27)  If we love The Lord, then we should love and help His people.  To truly love and live a Godly life, we must do things which benefit someone other than ourselves.  As we treat others, we are doing that to God.  (Matthew 25:40)  We should do that which is right, just, and fair, and that which is a blessing to others.  Solomon was blessed beyond what he asked for because his purpose was to be a blessing to others.  He who blesses others shall himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

The Light Of The World

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' "  John 8:12 (NIV)

The Apostle John again records the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to the people gathered in the courts of the temple.  Here Jesus spoke the second of the great "I AM" statements and said "I AM the light of the world".  In this metaphor Jesus said that He eluminates and enlightens the way for those who believe so that they will not be lost in the darkness of ignorance or lack understanding.  The scriptures also refer to The Messiah as a light. (Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 49:6, and Isaiah 60:1-3 & 19-20)

In this second "I AM" statement, Jesus declared that He is "the light" to show the way for the world so that we would not have to continue to be lost in darkness. (John 1:4-5 & 1 John 1:5)  Jesus is the "light" of salvation and the "light" of God.  He not only lights the way to salvation, (Psalms 27:1), He also enlightens us and gives us "the light of life" which is wisdom and understanding. (Luke 2:32)  He indwells those who believe, and it is His light that shines forth from us when we obey Him and do His will. (Matthew 5:16)  Because He is in us, and we are in Him, we should seek to do that which pleases Him, to follow Him, to walk with Him, and to avoid that which is darkness and sinful. (Ephesians 5:8-14)   We need to pray that He will help us to walk in His light.

Read And Learn From A Very Wise Man

"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.  Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.  He was wiser than any other man ... And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.  He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.  He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls.  He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.  Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom."  1Kings 4:29-34 (NIV)

The unknown author of the Book of Kings makes it clear that King Solomon was the wisest man ever.  A lot of people listened to, learned, and benefited from, what he had to say. 

There are thirty-one (31) proverbs written in The Bible Book of Proverbs, written by the wisest man to ever live.  It would be a good idea to read one of them each day.  To make it easy to keep track of where you are, read the one which corresponds to the date of the month.  In addition to the blessing that you will receive from reading The Word of God, you will be getting advice for the wisest man ever. 

Ask God For The Right Things And Be Blessed

"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 ... I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties ... So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong ... So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked.  I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.  Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for, both riches and honor, so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.  And if you walk in My ways and obey My statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.' "  1 Kings 3:5-14 (NIV)

After he had firmly established himself as the king, because his older brother Adonijah had declared himself to be the king (1 Kings 1:5-7) after David, King Solomon asked God for a discerning heart to govern and to distinguish right from wrong.  God blessed him with that and wisdom, riches, honor, and  a long life.  God made him the wisest man ever.

Often we ask God for things that we should not ask for, and we don't ask for some things that we should ask Him for.  King Solomon is the perfect example of asking God for the right things, for the right reasons, and being blessed with that and much, much more.  His request was not selfish, it was for the benefit of others.  Maybe we could learn a lesson from Solomon which might help us with our prayer life.  Sincerely praying for the benefit of others, may result in us receiving blessings for ourselves. 

We Need Knowledge Understanding And Wisdom

"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of The LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of The Holy One is understanding."  Proverbs 9:9-10 (NIV)

King Solomon states that if one instructs, corrects, or teaches a wise and righteous man, he will become wiser.  He also makes it clear that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10)

Only someone who values wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will appreciate and gain from instruction, correction, and teaching.  Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding through experience.  One can know facts and not understand their significance.  One can understand but not know how to apply the information.  Wisdom is a gift from God.  (Proverbs 2:6)  A reverence for God and the dislike of His wrath is provide the basis for wisdom.  The knowledge of The Word of God, by reading or hearing, with due diligence, praying and studying, can lead to understanding.  However, God only grants wisdom to those who apply The Word to their lives. 

God Enlightens Rewards And Protects Us

"For The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones."  Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV)

King Solomon, who was granted great wisdom by God, (1 Kings 4:29-34), states that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to those that He chooses, and He rewards, guards, and protects them.

There are many blessings that are given to us for being a child of God.  While we do not all get the same exact blessings, we are all enlightened, rewarded, and protected as He sees is fitting for us.  As we demonstrate that we will do the right thing with the blessings that we have received, then we will be blessed with more.  (Matthew 25:21 & 23) 

Seriously Pursue Wisdom

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge."  Proverbs 23:12 (NIV)

King Solomon suggests that one ought to sereously pursue wisdom.  One should put their heart into it and listen to wise instruction in an effort to gain knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

In our whole hearted pursuit of instruction and education in oder to gain knowledge understanding , and wisdom, let us remember that wisdom comes from God and begins with the fear of The Lord.  (Psalms 111:10 & Proverbs 9:10)  It is only useful if God is in it.

Get The Truth Wisdom Discipline And Understanding

"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding."  Proverbs 23:23 (NIV)

King Solomon said obtain the truth at whatever cost, and never give it up at any price.  Get The Truth and in all of your "getting" be sure to also get wisdom, get discipline, and get understanding.

Jesus, The Christ, is The Truth. (John 14:6)  The beginning of wisdom is knowing and fearing The Lord.  (Psalms 111:10 & Proverbs 9:10)  Letting Jesus into your life is the best thing you can do.  Knowledge without wisdom and understanding is useless.  Just knowing a bunch of facts is useless unless one understands the significance of the facts and is able to apply them in the appropriate situation.  Just knowing who Jesus is, is not enough.  We must believe in Him, seek Him, and obey Him.  The devil and his demons know who He is. (James 2:19)  Once we get it we must do something with it.  Applying the wisdom and understanding is where discipline come in.  Sustained effort is necessary to exercise our faith.  Faith and belief without work is useless. (James 2:20 & 26) 

Man Plans But God Prevails

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.  Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is The Lord's purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV)

This proverb is a moral statement or illustration of Solomon which makes the point that integrity is better than wealth and wisdom is gained by listening to wise council.  Man's plans should always consider God's purpose.  Human preparation is always subject to God's will. (Proverbs 16:1)

Most of us want what we want, and we go after it.  Our poorly thought out plans do not take into account the advice of others or the previous instruction of our teachers.  Our plans, spoken or silent, do not consider the will of God.  We should listen to wise council and pray, before we plan and act.  Plans that leave God out probably will not succeed.  The best plans of man are those which demonstrate our love for our fellow man and those which give God glory.  If our plans are for our own benefit, pleasure, or personal gain, then they are based upon worldly pursuits.  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these other things will be added unto you."  (Matthew 6:33)  We were all put here for a purpose, let's pray and make sure that our plans and actions are to accomplish God's purpose for our lives.

The Days Of Our Lives

"All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.  The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away ... Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom ... Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble."  Psalms 90:9-15 (NIV)

This psalm is the only one that was written by Moses.  It is a prayer which primarily focuses on the wrath of God, and here he makes reference to the brevity of man's life because of God's wrath.  He prays that God will help them to appreciate the time that they are alive that they may learn from them.  Then he asks God to grant them as many days of happiness equal to the days they have endured suffering wandering in the wilderness.

Today, life is short, especially when compared to the life spand of seven, eight, and nine hundred years lived by the men in Adam's family.  (Genesis chapter 5)  Additionally, most of the of our lives we spend suffering from one thing or another.  Anyway, the prayer is still appropriate, we need God's help in order to appreciate the days of our lives and to learn from them.  As for his second request, God has already blessed us with this.  We have more good days than we do bad days, we just do not always appreciate the good days or we take them for granted.  So as the gospel song goes "... when I look around, and I think things over;  all of my good days outweigh my bad days, I won't complain ... The Lord has been so good to me ... I just want to say 'Thank you, Lord', I won't complain."

Believe And Never Doubt

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from The Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." James 1:5-8 (NIV)

James, the half brother of Jesus, writing to the scattered believers in Christ, tells them to ask for wisdom if they want it. However, if they ask for it, they must believe that they will get it. If they have any doubts about receiving it, they will basically block their own blessing.

The same applies to us today. When we pray and ask God for a blessing, we must believe that we will receive it. Doubting God shows a lack of faith in Him. When we doubt that we will get what we ask for, we basically block our own blessings. No one else will get the blessings that have our name on them, but doubting will cause us not to get them either. Pray that God will help our unbelief.

Share Wisdom And Understanding When You Speak

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions ... The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:2-4 (NIV)

This proverb of King Solomon teaches that a fool is not interested in gaining understanding, all he wants to do is express his own opinion. Whereas the words of a wise man express his deep and seemingly inexhaustible wisdom and understanding.

It seems that some people like to hear themselves talk, even when they have nothing substantial to say. Before we speak, we should make sure that we know what we are talking about. Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are essential for effective communication and sharing The Word of God. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) If you are not sure that you know something, be quiet and listen, then verify what you have heard. The Bible records in 2 Timothy 4:15 (KJV): "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Know what you are talking about before you speak, do not simply repeat hearsay or offer an unsubstantiated opinion.

Blessed With More Than We Asked For

"God said to Solomon, 'Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (NIV)

When David's son Solomon became king, he prayed to God for wisdom and knowledge in order to properly govern God's people. Because his request pleased God, He gave him what he asked for and blessed him with much more than he asked for, including wealth, riches, and honor.

Sometimes when our prayers are for the best interest of others, God blesses us with more than we ask for. God knows the desires of our hearts, and when our desires are in line with His will, He blesses us in more ways than we requested. Frequently, we are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt Not Respect

"When Jesus had finished these parables, He moved on from there. Coming to His hometown, He began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?' they asked. 'Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't His mother's name Mary, and aren't His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all His sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, 'Only in His hometown and in His own house is a prophet without honor.' And He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." Matthew 13:53-58 (NIV)

After Jesus spoke the seven parables, the people in His home town, who thought that they knew Him well as a boy and as a young man, questioned where He learned all that He spoke. They took offense at Him because they felt that He was nothing special.

It is hard to get respect and honor from people who knew you "way back when," especially if they did not have a very high regard for you then. People will frequently remind you of your past when your present situation, and your future, is brighter than theirs. This is especially true if they feel that they were better off than you were in the past. The best thing to say to them is, "Thanks be to God, I have moved on from there." Remember, we are not here to get the praise of men, we are here to please God and to give Him glory.

Grace Filled Christian Conversation

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to be careful in the way that they act and speak so that they would not turn people off from Christianity.

Some people will make judgements about all Christians based upon what they see and hear from one or two Christians. We should speak with grace, spiritual & wholesome (Godly), fitting & sensitive (appropriate), purposeful & complimentary (helpful), kind & gentle (considerate), and truthful & thoughtful (Christ-like). We should make sure that our walk and our talk reflect good Christian behavior and conversation. We need to be like salt, we should be a purifying influence in a decaying world.