Choosing Wisdom: The Path to Spiritual Life
Summary
In my recent sermon, I explored the profound wisdom found in the teachings of Solomon, particularly as he imparts life lessons to his son through a series of ten lectures. These lectures are not merely paternal advice but are deeply spiritual and moral instructions that are relevant to all believers.
Solomon's first five lectures focus on the importance of choosing wisdom over evil. He personifies this choice as a decision between aligning oneself with Lady Wisdom or succumbing to the seductions of Madame Folly. The imagery used is stark and vivid; Solomon likens the act of adultery to carrying fire close to one's body or walking on hot coals, emphasizing the inevitable harm and lifelong consequences of such actions. He warns that the allure of Madame Folly—characterized by passion, secrecy, and false promises of impunity—is a trap from which escape is nearly impossible once ensnared.
However, Solomon's teachings go beyond the literal warnings against infidelity. He presents wisdom itself as the ultimate pursuit. He paints a picture of a crossroads where two women, Lady Wisdom and Madame Folly, call out to his son. Both offer enticing rewards, but they represent fundamentally different paths. Lady Wisdom calls for trust in God, while Madame Folly, like the serpent in Eden, tempts with the fulfillment of personal desires.
Solomon urges his son to choose the wisdom that was present with God during the creation of the world, the wisdom that leads to life, and to reject the deceptive wisdom that brings death and evil. He likens his lectures to God's law, emphasizing that internalizing these teachings and treasuring them will shield one from evil's seduction and lead to God's blessings.
Despite Solomon's earnest instruction, history tells us that his son did not heed his warnings. Israel, too, fell into the traps of idolatry and adultery, leading to their exile in Babylon. Yet, the prophet Ezekiel, during this time of exile, spoke of a future hope—a time when God would give Israel a new spirit, replacing their stony hearts with ones receptive to divine wisdom.
This hope is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies the Spirit of wisdom and writes His laws upon our hearts. As believers, we face the same choices as Solomon's son, torn between our desires and God's Word. It is only through the Spirit of Jesus that we can resist temptation and folly. By His power, we can embrace Lady Wisdom as our sister, and her guidance will lead us into eternal life with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The choice between wisdom and folly is a daily decision that affects our spiritual health and destiny. Just as Solomon warned his son, we must be vigilant in discerning the allure of sin, which often presents itself as harmless or without consequence. True wisdom is found in aligning our desires with God's will, not in the fleeting pleasures of sin. [00:56]
- Wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a relational commitment to God's ways. When Solomon instructs his son to call wisdom "sister," he is advocating for an intimate, familial bond with godly insight. This relationship with wisdom protects us from the seductions of evil and guides us in righteous living. [02:09]
- The consequences of ignoring divine wisdom are not just personal but can have historical and communal implications, as seen in the downfall of Solomon's son and the nation of Israel. Our choices have a ripple effect, influencing not only our lives but also the spiritual health of our communities and future generations. [03:25]
- God's promise through Ezekiel to replace stony hearts with hearts receptive to His wisdom is a transformative work that Jesus accomplishes in believers. This new heart is essential for understanding and applying God's wisdom in a world filled with competing voices and temptations. [02:09]
- The indwelling of Jesus' Spirit empowers us to live wisely. It is not by our strength that we resist temptation but by the Spirit's power within us. As we submit to the Spirit's leading, we experience the true life and blessings that come from walking in wisdom. [03:25]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 7:1-5 (NIV)
> "My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and to insight, 'You are my relative.' They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words."
2. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)
> "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
3. James 1:5 (NIV)
> "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two contrasting figures Solomon uses to personify wisdom and folly in his lectures? [00:56]
2. How does Solomon describe the consequences of choosing folly, particularly in the context of adultery? [00:56]
3. According to the sermon, what does Solomon compare his lectures to, and what is the significance of this comparison? [02:09]
4. What promise does Ezekiel give to Israel during their exile, and how is this promise fulfilled according to the sermon? [02:09]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "write wisdom on the tablet of your heart" as Solomon advises his son? How can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [02:09]
2. How does the imagery of Lady Wisdom and Madame Folly help us understand the daily choices we face between godly wisdom and worldly desires? [00:56]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the consequences of ignoring divine wisdom extend beyond personal repercussions to affect communities and future generations? [03:25]
4. How does the indwelling of Jesus' Spirit empower believers to resist temptation and live wisely, according to the sermon? [03:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you feel torn between your desires and God's Word? How did you resolve this conflict, and what was the outcome? [02:09]
2. Solomon urges his son to call wisdom his "sister." What steps can you take to develop a more intimate relationship with godly wisdom in your daily life? [00:56]
3. Think about a time when you or someone you know faced the consequences of ignoring divine wisdom. How did this experience impact your understanding of the importance of wisdom? [03:25]
4. Ezekiel speaks of God giving a new heart and spirit. In what areas of your life do you feel you need a "heart of flesh" to better follow God's wisdom? [02:09]
5. The sermon mentions that our choices have a ripple effect on our communities. Can you identify a decision you need to make that could positively influence those around you? How will you ensure it aligns with godly wisdom? [03:25]
6. How can you rely more on the Spirit's power rather than your own strength to resist temptation and make wise choices? Share a specific situation where you can apply this reliance. [03:25]
7. Identify one area in your life where you often struggle with choosing wisdom over folly. What practical steps can you take this week to choose wisdom in that area? [00:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom Overcomes Sin's Allure
Wisdom is not a mere concept; it is a life-giving force that stands in stark opposition to the enticements of sin. The choice between wisdom and folly is akin to a daily battle, where every decision can lead one closer to spiritual vitality or decline. Wisdom calls for a deliberate alignment with God's will, a path that may not always be the easiest but promises the truest form of fulfillment and peace. The allure of sin, on the other hand, is deceptive; it often appears harmless, yet its consequences are far-reaching and destructive. The pursuit of wisdom is a pursuit of life, and it requires a vigilant heart, one that is attuned to the subtle seductions of sin and ready to choose the higher road. [07:40]
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." - Proverbs 13:20
Reflection: What temptation do you find most alluring, and how can you actively choose wisdom over it today?
Day 2: Embrace Wisdom as Family
To embrace wisdom is to form an intimate bond with it, as one would with a close family member. This relational commitment to godly insight serves as a protective shield against the seductions of evil. It is not enough to simply know what is right; one must also love and cherish wisdom, making it a part of one's innermost circle. This deep connection with wisdom guides individuals in righteous living and offers a sense of clarity and purpose that cannot be shaken by the fleeting pleasures of sin. [02:09]
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." - James 3:17
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with wisdom in your daily life?
Day 3: Our Choices Echo Through History
The decisions made in the pursuit of wisdom or folly do not only affect the individual but also have historical and communal implications. The narrative of Solomon's son and the nation of Israel serves as a sobering reminder that the consequences of ignoring divine wisdom can lead to downfall and exile. The choices one makes ripple through time, influencing not just personal destiny but also the spiritual health of communities and future generations. [03:25]
"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." - Hebrews 11:24-25
Reflection: What choice can you make today that will positively impact your community and future generations?
Day 4: A New Heart for Wisdom
The transformative work of receiving a new heart, one that is receptive to God's wisdom, is a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This new heart is essential for understanding and applying God's wisdom amidst a cacophony of competing voices and temptations. It is a divine gift that allows believers to discern and embrace the life-giving wisdom that God offers, a wisdom that leads to true life and blessings. [02:09]
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26
Reflection: In what ways can you open your heart to receive God's wisdom more fully?
Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit to Live Wisely
The indwelling of Jesus' Spirit is the source of strength for believers to resist temptation and live wisely. It is not by human effort alone that one can walk the path of wisdom, but by the power of the Spirit within. As believers submit to the Spirit's leading, they experience the true life and blessings that come from a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom. This empowerment is a testament to the grace and love of God, who equips His children to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and righteousness. [03:25]
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to submit to the Spirit's leading in your pursuit of wisdom?
Quotes
"Solomon’s last five lectures personify that struggle as a choice between joining himself to Lady Wisdom or having an affair with Madame Folly. On one level, it’s a simple lesson about the danger of adultery. Sleeping with another man’s wife is a decision you will pay for for the rest of your life. Solomon compares it to carrying fire under your clothes or walking on coals; he warns you cannot help but get burned." [00:56]
"But if Solomon’s son wants to avoid destruction, he must choose Lady Wisdom as the only object of his affection. He must write her words on his heart, and perhaps even more intimately, he needs to call wisdom his 'sister'. If he joins himself to Lady Wisdom, he avoids slaughter and gains her as his advisor as he rules nations, gains wealth, and lives a long life." [02:09]
"Solomon asks his son to imagine that he’s standing at a fork in the road. At the crossroads, two women are calling for him. One woman tells him to trust God, and the other tells him, like the serpent, to trust his desires. Solomon encourages his son to choose the wisdom that was with God when he formed the world." [02:09]
"Solomon compares his lectures to God’s law. He tells his son that if he 'write[s] them on the tablet of [his] heart' and they are the 'apple of his eye,' he will be protected from the seduction of evil and will experience the blessings of God." [02:09]
"During that exile, the prophet Ezekiel used the language of Proverbs, saying God will give Israel a new spirit, remove their heart of stone, and give them a heart that will listen to God’s wisdom. Ezekiel promises that Solomon’s hopes will one day come true. And they do—in Jesus." [03:25]
"Jesus fills us with his Spirit and writes his laws on our hearts. This is good news because we are faced with the same choice Solomon’s son was warned about. We’re pulled in one direction by our desires and in another direction by God’s word." [03:25]
"By Jesus’ power you can walk by the Spirit and say no to the desires of your body. By Jesus’ power Lady Wisdom becomes your sister. His wisdom will lead and guide you into an eternal life with him." [03:25]
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