Rooting Series · Lesson 10

Wisdom

The right use of knowledge and understanding. What wisdom accomplishes, where it is found, and how it is gained.

About 9 min48 scripture references7 memory versesBooklet pages 57–61
In this lesson

As we begin our study of wisdom, you will quickly see the importance it can have in your Christian life. It can best be stated by quoting God’s Word, “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)

I. What Is Wisdom?

Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10-12Memory VerseThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 · KJV

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10-12 · KJV

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Job 28:1-28While He was creating the heavens and the earth, the Lord determined that wisdom should begin at the fear of the Lord. You will not stumble onto this path of wisdom in the middle. You must start at the beginning to perceive it.

Job 28:1-28 · KJV

1Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it. 2Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. 3He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. 4The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men. 5As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire. 6The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold. 7There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: 8The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. 9He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots. 10He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing. 11He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light. 12But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? 13Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. 14The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. 15It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. 16It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. 17The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. 18No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. 19The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. 20Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? 21Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air. 22Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. 23God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. 24For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; 25To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure. 26When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: 27Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out. 28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Psalms 111:10Memory VerseFear of the Lord gives good understanding to those who obey His commandments.

Psalms 111:10 · KJV

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 4:5-9Wisdom is the “principal” thing.

Proverbs 4:5-9 · KJV

5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

II. What Can It Accomplish?

Proverbs 3:19-20; Jeremiah 51:15-17; Psalms 104:24-30The Lord created heaven and earth by wisdom, and designed them so that all things should look to and depend on Him.

Proverbs 3:19-20 · KJV

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

Jeremiah 51:15-17 · KJV

15He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding. 16When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. 17Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

Psalms 104:24-30 · KJV

24O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. 25So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. 26There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. 27These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. 28That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. 29Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. 30Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

Proverbs 8:12Wisdom finds out the knowledge of witty inventions, especially the Lord’s.

Proverbs 8:12 · KJV

12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

III. Two Kinds of Wisdom

James 3:13-18Compare earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom and do not be deceived James 3:14, 17 (Memory Verses)

James 3:13-18 · KJV

13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

1 Corinthians 1:17-31The wisdom of God uses the base things of this world so that no flesh can glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21, 24 (Memory Verses)

1 Corinthians 1:17-31 · KJV

17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2:1-15Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the hidden wisdom of God that is revealed to you by His Spirit from His Word.

1 Corinthians 2:1-15 · KJV

1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

IV. Where Can God’s Wisdom Be Found?

Proverbs 1:20-33Wisdom cries in the streets. Life experiences will teach you wisdom if you are Iistening. The Lord in His goodness tries to instruct all men to truth.

Proverbs 1:20-33 · KJV

20Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Proverbs 8:1-10Wisdom cries in the gates.

Proverbs 8:1-10 · KJV

1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? 2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. 5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. 6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. 9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. 10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Proverbs 20:5; Proverbs 18:4; Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 13:14; Proverbs 16:22Good counsel is in the heart of a wise man. Draw it out.

Proverbs 20:5 · KJV

5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Proverbs 18:4 · KJV

4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

Proverbs 10:11 · KJV

11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 13:14 · KJV

14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 16:22 · KJV

22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 20:18Wisdom is found in the multitude of counselors.

Proverbs 15:22 · KJV

22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Proverbs 11:14 · KJV

14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 20:18 · KJV

18Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 22:17-21Hear counsel that you may be wise.

Proverbs 19:20 · KJV

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Proverbs 22:17-21 · KJV

17Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Ecclesiastes 12:9-11Wisdom is declared by the mouth of true preachers walking in the Spirit.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-11 · KJV

9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-10Memory VerseWisdom can be found in the house of mourning. Ecclesiastes 7:2 (Memory Verse)

Ecclesiastes 7:1-10 · KJV

1A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. 2It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. 7Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

V. The Values of Gaining God’s Wisdom.

Proverbs 3:13-24Wisdom gives happiness, length of days, durable riches, honor, peace, safety, stability and sweet sleep.

Proverbs 3:13-24 · KJV

13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. 19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Proverbs 4:5-10Wisdom will preserve, give an ornament of grace, bring honor, and deliver a crown of glory.

Proverbs 4:5-10 · KJV

5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 10Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

1 Samuel 18:14, 30; Proverbs 12:9David possessed it and was honored.

1 Samuel 18:14, 30 · KJV

14And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. 30Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

Proverbs 12:9 · KJV

9He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Proverbs 2:10-22; 5:1-23Wisdom delivers from the evil man and the strange woman.

Proverbs 2:10-22 · KJV

10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; 13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: 16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. 18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 19None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. 20That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. 22But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 5:1-23 · KJV

1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. 3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell. 6Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. 7Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. 8Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: 9Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: 10Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; 11And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, 12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; 13And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! 14I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. 15Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. 22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. 23He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

Proverbs 8:11-36Wisdom is better than rubies, and brings durable riches and righteousness. Whosoever finds it finds life, and obtains favor of the Lord.

Proverbs 8:11-36 · KJV

11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. 13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. 22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. 32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-29Memory VerseWisdom is a defense, gives life, and makes one strong. Ecclesiastes 7:12 (Memory Verse)

Ecclesiastes 7:11-29 · KJV

11Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. 13Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? 14In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. 15All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. 21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. 23All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? 25I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: 26And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. 27Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: 28Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. 29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Ecclesiastes 10:10; Ecclesiastes 8:5-6Wisdom is profitable to direct. To every purpose there is a right timing and a right judgment. Think before you act or speak. “A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11)

Ecclesiastes 10:10 · KJV

10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 · KJV

5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. 6Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

Isaiah 33:6Wisdom insures stability in life and increases faith because it gives an understanding of salvation.

Isaiah 33:6 · KJV

6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-14Wisdom excels folly as far as light excels darkness. Learn to work and not to play around, because folly works death. Do not seek life in pleasure, but in works of love that earn eternal rewards. (Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 21:17; Matthew 6:19-20).

Ecclesiastes 2:1-14 · KJV

1I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. 2I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? 3I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. 4I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: 5I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: 6I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: 7I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: 8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. 9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. 10And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. 11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. 12And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done. 13Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 14The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.

VI. How Is Wisdom Attained?

1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:7-8Through Christ we have access to God’s wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:30 · KJV

30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Ephesians 1:7-8 · KJV

7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Proverbs 18:1Memory VerseThrough desire wisdom is gained.

Proverbs 18:1 · KJV

1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

James 1:5-8Memory VerseThe Lord gives wisdom when asked, especially during certain trials in your life.

James 1:5-8 · KJV

5If 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. 6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

1 Kings 3:7-14Solomon humbled himself and asked for wisdom.

1 Kings 3:7-14 · KJV

7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 14And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

Proverbs 2:1-11Wisdom comes from searching for it.

Proverbs 2:1-11 · KJV

1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Proverbs 1:1-6Wisdom is gained by reading the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:1-6 · KJV

1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Proverbs 9:10-12Intentionally repeatedWisdom comes by understanding God and His ways.

Proverbs 9:10-12 · KJV

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Proverbs 9:8-9; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Proverbs 12:15Wisdom is attained by hearing the rebuke of the wise.

Proverbs 9:8-9 · KJV

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

Ecclesiastes 7:5 · KJV

5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Proverbs 12:15 · KJV

15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Proverbs 13:20Memory VerseWisdom is obtained by walking with wise men.

Proverbs 13:20 · KJV

20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Colossians 1:9-11Wisdom is gained by elder brothers and sisters praying for you to be filled with it.

Colossians 1:9-11 · KJV

9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

VII. Wisdom Teaches Many Truths

Proverbs 21:20; Proverbs 15:6; Proverbs 27:23-27; Proverbs 18:9Wisdom teaches thriftiness.

Proverbs 21:20 · KJV

20There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Proverbs 15:6 · KJV

6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Proverbs 27:23-27 · KJV

23Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. 24For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? 25The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Proverbs 18:9 · KJV

9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 8:12; Proverbs 16:21; Proverbs 18:15Wisdom dwells with prudence. The prudent man looks well unto his going. (Proverbs 14:15)

Proverbs 8:12 · KJV

12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

Proverbs 16:21 · KJV

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Proverbs 18:15 · KJV

15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 27:12; Proverbs 1:17; Psalms 34:12-22; Romans 16:19Wisdom instructs you to depart from evil. Wisdom forsees the evil coming so that you can avoid it.

Proverbs 14:16 · KJV

16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Proverbs 22:3 · KJV

3A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 27:12 · KJV

12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 1:17 · KJV

17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

Psalms 34:12-22 · KJV

12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. 20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. 21Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. 22The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Romans 16:19 · KJV

19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Proverbs 11:12; Proverbs 25:8-10; Proverbs 27:10; Romans 12:18Wisdom admonishes you to dwell at peace with your neighbor.

Proverbs 11:12 · KJV

12He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Proverbs 25:8-10 · KJV

8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: 10Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

Proverbs 27:10 · KJV

10Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Romans 12:18 · KJV

18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Proverbs 12:18; Ecclesiastes 10:12; Proverbs 16:23-24; Proverbs 10:19Wisdom grooms you to speak right words.

Proverbs 12:18 · KJV

18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 · KJV

12The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Proverbs 16:23-24 · KJV

23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Proverbs 10:19 · KJV

19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Proverbs 15:14, 28; Proverbs 9:9-12Wisdom directs you to teach yourself.

Proverbs 15:14, 28 · KJV

14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

Proverbs 9:9-12 · KJV

9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Proverbs 15:7; Ecclesiastes 12:9-11; Proverbs 25:12; Proverbs 18:4Wisdom challenges you to teach others.

Proverbs 15:7 · KJV

7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-11 · KJV

9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

Proverbs 25:12 · KJV

12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Proverbs 18:4 · KJV

4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

Proverbs 10:4-5; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 21:5Wisdom commands you to work diligently.

Proverbs 10:4-5 · KJV

4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Proverbs 13:4 · KJV

4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 21:5 · KJV

5The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 29:11; Proverbs 21:22; Job 29:16Wisdom leads you to search out matters.

Proverbs 29:11 · KJV

11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Proverbs 21:22 · KJV

22A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

Job 29:16 · KJV

16I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 28:21; Romans 2:11; James 2:1-10Wisdom guides you to not have respect of persons.

Proverbs 24:23 · KJV

23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Proverbs 28:21 · KJV

21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

Romans 2:11 · KJV

11For there is no respect of persons with God.

James 2:1-10 · KJV

1My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-8Wisdom bids you to not despise the chastening of the Lord.

Proverbs 29:15 · KJV

15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Proverbs 3:11-12 · KJV

11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Hebrews 12:5-8 · KJV

5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; James 5:19-20Wisdom admonishes you to win souls. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand:” Make this a way of life sowing the Word in every place you go.

Proverbs 11:30 · KJV

30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Daniel 12:3 · KJV

3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 · KJV

1Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. 3If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. 4He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 5As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

James 5:19-20 · KJV

19Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 9:4-7; Proverbs 24:3-5Wisdom builds her house on a sure foundation, carves out seven pillars, sets her table, and then invites others to come to her feast. In 2 Peter 1:5-10, faith lays the foundation (Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:10-17) and wisdom gives diligence to construct seven life principles to support the house against the storms of life. If you will do this, you will be fruitful and you will never fall.

Proverbs 9:4-7 · KJV

4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. 7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

Proverbs 24:3-5 · KJV

3Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

Conclusion

Wisdom is more valuable then gold and you should seek it with all your heart. Riches corrupt, but wisdom perfects; therefore labor not to be rich. (Proverbs 23:4; 1 Timothy 6:9) Learn to handle matters wisely and you shall find good in this life. “...If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” (Psalms 62:10) Focus on adding learning to your lips and you will walk in peace. (Proverbs 3:17: James 3:1-6) Remember, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man: but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:25)

Do not strive to be great. Strive to be wise. “Great men are not always wise.” Elihu said so, (Job 32:9) “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: (like Solomon did and fell) Why should thou destroy thyself?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16) The Lord, who ultimately gets accused for your actions by the adversary, pleads, “My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.” (Proverbs 27:11) Take heed to God’s Word and “Cease to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:27)

Learn these by heart

Memory verses in this lesson

Proverbs 1:7 · KJV

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10-12 · KJV

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

Psalms 111:10 · KJV

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 · KJV

2It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 · KJV

12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

Proverbs 18:1 · KJV

1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

James 1:5-8 · KJV

5If 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. 6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Proverbs 13:20 · KJV

20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

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