Choosing Wisdom: The Power of Our Decisions

Growing up, I was blessed with a grandfather who worked for a technology company and would bring bags of PlayStation games to our house. Even though I loved playing sports outside, I also loved playing sports video games—despite knowing very little about the actual sports themselves. I would always pick the same team and run the same play, not because I understood the game, but because I had the freedom to choose. This idea of choice is central to our lives, especially when it comes to wisdom. Just like in a video game, we get to choose: will we play the part of the wise or the fool?

As we’ve been studying Proverbs, it becomes clear that wisdom isn’t about how much you know or how skilled you are. There are plenty of smart fools in the world. The real difference between wisdom and foolishness is what you do with what you know. The story of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7 illustrates this: both men knew how to build a house, but only one chose to build on the right foundation. Wisdom is a choice, not just a matter of knowledge or expertise.

But where does wisdom begin? Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This fear isn’t about being scared of God, but about having a reverent submission to Him—recognizing His holiness, justice, and majesty, and putting Him in His rightful place in our lives. Wisdom starts with this posture of humility and awe before God. It’s about letting our actions flow from a heart that honors Him above all else.

On the other hand, foolishness is simply the opposite: living as if God doesn’t exist, trusting in our own desires, tearing others down, gossiping, or putting our trust in riches. Proverbs warns us that this path leads to destruction and emptiness. The sobering truth is that many of us are more foolish than we care to admit, often pretending to be wise while living in ways that deny God’s rightful place.

Yet, God’s response to our foolishness is not rejection but invitation. Wisdom cries out in the streets, calling us to repent, to turn from our foolishness, and to draw near to God. When we humble ourselves in reverent submission, God draws us close, offering forgiveness and true wisdom. Today, the invitation is to choose: will you continue to play the fool, or will you respond to the call of wisdom and come close to God?

Key Takeaways

• 1. Wisdom is a Choice, Not Just Knowledge Wisdom isn’t measured by how much you know or how skilled you are, but by what you do with what you know. The difference between the wise and the foolish is often a subtle but crucial choice—acting on truth rather than just possessing it. Every day, we are faced with the decision to live out what we know is right or to ignore it. True wisdom is found in choosing to act on God’s truth, not just understanding it intellectually. [36:04]
• 2. The Fear of the Lord is Foundational The starting point for all wisdom is a reverent submission to God—a deep recognition of His holiness, justice, and authority. This “fear” is not terror, but a humble awe that places God in His rightful place in our lives. When we begin with this posture, our actions and decisions are shaped by a desire to honor Him above all else. Without this foundation, even the most impressive knowledge or skill is empty. [40:34]
• 3. Foolishness is Living as if God Doesn’t Matter Foolishness isn’t just making silly mistakes; it’s living life on our own terms, ignoring God’s counsel, and trusting in our own desires or resources. Proverbs warns that this path leads to destruction, emptiness, and brokenness. The tragedy is that many of us drift into foolishness by being passive or apathetic about sin and self-reliance, not realizing how far we’ve wandered from God’s wisdom. [44:58]
• 4. Pretending to Be Wise is Its Own Kind of Foolishness It’s easy to put on a front of wisdom—appearing put together, saying the right things—while our hearts are far from God. This “wisdom” is hollow, and it keeps us from experiencing the transformation God desires for us. The call is to honest self-examination and repentance, recognizing where we have trusted in ourselves or other things above God. [54:08]
• 5. God’s Invitation is Always to Draw Near Even when we recognize our foolishness, God does not push us away. Instead, He calls us to repent, to turn from our sin, and to come close in reverent submission. In that posture, we find forgiveness, restoration, and the true wisdom that comes from walking with Him. The choice is always before us: to remain in our foolishness or to respond to the voice of wisdom calling us home.
  
  ** [55:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [33:05] - Childhood Video Game Choices
• [34:11] - The Power of Choice
• [35:04] - Wisdom vs. Foolishness Introduced
• [36:04] - Wisdom Is What You Do With What You Know
• [36:52] - The Wise and Foolish Builders
• [38:46] - The Fear of the Lord: Foundation of Wisdom
• [40:34] - God’s Holiness and Our Posture
• [41:58] - Proverbs’ Portrait of Wisdom
• [42:58] - Becoming a Wise Person
• [43:41] - The Nature of Foolishness
• [44:58] - The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom
• [49:10] - Righteousness vs. Wickedness
• [54:08] - Pretending to Be Wise
• [55:40] - God’s Invitation to Repentance
• [57:25] - Responding in Repentance
• [59:41] - The Power of Praying Together
• [64:16] - Closing and Announcements
• [66:44] - Upcoming Events and Farewell

1. According to Proverbs 1:7, what is the starting point for true knowledge and wisdom?
2. In the story of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), what is the main difference between the two men? [36:52]
3. What are some specific examples from Proverbs 11 that the sermon gave to show what foolishness looks like in everyday life? [50:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the “fear of the Lord”? Is it about being scared, or something else? [40:34]

1. Why does the sermon say that wisdom is not just about what you know, but what you do with what you know? How does this challenge the way people usually think about being “wise”? [36:04]
2. The “fear of the Lord” is described as reverent submission and putting God in His rightful place. What does this look like practically in someone’s life? [55:40]
3. The sermon warns that pretending to be wise is its own kind of foolishness. Why is it so easy to fall into this trap, and what are the dangers of it? [54:08]
4. Proverbs 1 says that wisdom “cries out in the streets.” What does it mean that God invites us to turn from foolishness, and how does this show God’s character? [55:40]

1. The sermon says that every day we have a choice to act wisely or foolishly. Think about a recent decision you made—did you act on what you knew was right, or did you ignore it? What was the result? [36:04]
2. “The fear of the Lord” is about putting God first and living in awe of Him. Is there an area of your life where you have not given God His rightful place? What would it look like to change that this week? [40:34]
3. The sermon gave examples of foolishness like gossip, tearing others down, or trusting in riches. Which of these do you struggle with most, and what is one step you can take to move toward wisdom in that area? [52:01]
4. Have you ever found yourself pretending to be wise—saying the right things or looking put together—while your heart was far from God? What would it look like to be honest with God and others about where you really are? [54:08]
5. The sermon talked about God’s invitation to repent and draw near, even when we’ve been foolish. Is there something you need to repent of today? How can you take a step toward God’s wisdom and forgiveness? [55:40]
6. The pastor shared how praying with others changed his life. Is there someone in your life you could ask to pray with you about an area where you need wisdom? What’s stopping you from reaching out? [59:41]
7. Wisdom is a daily choice. What is one practical way you can remind yourself each morning this week to choose wisdom over foolishness? [36:04]