Choosing Wisdom: The Power of Our Decisions
Summary
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
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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
[01:04:16] - Closing and Announcements
[01:06:44] - Upcoming Events and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Wisdom Is a Choice
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### Bible Reading
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Matthew 7:24-27 – The parable of the wise and foolish builders.
- Proverbs 11:6, 9, 13, 28 – Examples of wisdom and foolishness in daily life.
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### Observation Questions
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]
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### Interpretation Questions
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]
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### Application Questions
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]
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Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom Is a Choice, Not Just Knowledge
Every day, you are faced with choices that shape your life and character. Wisdom is not simply about how much you know or how skilled you are, but about what you do with what you know. Even the most knowledgeable person can act foolishly if they do not apply their understanding in the right way. The difference between the wise and the fool is not intelligence or expertise, but the decision to act on what is right. You have the opportunity to choose wisdom in your actions, your words, and your relationships. Will you choose to live wisely today? [36:04]
Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Reflection: What is one decision you face today where you can intentionally choose to act with wisdom rather than simply relying on what you know?
Day 2: The Foundation of Wisdom Is the Fear of the Lord
True wisdom begins with a right view of God—recognizing His holiness, power, and authority, and responding with reverent submission. Fearing the Lord is not about being scared, but about honoring Him above all else, putting Him in His rightful place in your life, and letting your actions flow from that posture. This is the starting point for all wisdom: acknowledging who God is and who you are not. When you live out of this reality, your choices and your life are transformed. [40:34]
Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to put God in His rightful place today, letting reverence for Him guide your actions?
Day 3: The Consequences of Foolishness
Foolishness is not just a lack of knowledge, but a rejection of God’s ways and a refusal to listen to His voice. The Bible warns that living in foolishness—ignoring God’s counsel, discipline, and correction—leads to destruction and regret. Wisdom is constantly calling out, inviting you to turn from your own way and listen, but if you persist in ignoring that call, you will experience the consequences of your choices. Let today be a day where you listen to the voice of wisdom and turn away from foolishness. [46:34]
Proverbs 1:24-27 (ESV)
Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
Reflection: Is there an area where you have been ignoring God’s counsel or correction? What step can you take today to listen and respond to His voice?
Day 4: The Subtlety of Sin and Self-Deception
It is easy to think of foolishness and wickedness as problems that belong to someone else, but the truth is that sin can be subtle and self-deception is common. Many people pretend to be wise and put together, but in reality, they are trusting in their own power, tearing others down, gossiping, or placing their trust in things other than God. The call is to honestly examine your heart, admit where foolishness and sin have crept in, and turn away from pretending. God desires truth and humility, not appearances. [54:08]
Proverbs 11:6, 9, 13, 28 (ESV)
The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Reflection: Where have you been pretending to be wise or righteous while ignoring areas of sin or foolishness in your life? What would it look like to bring those into the light before God today?
Day 5: Repentance and Drawing Near to God
God does not leave you in your foolishness or sin. When you respond to His call with reverent submission and repentance, He draws you close and welcomes you into true wisdom. Repentance is not just feeling sorry, but turning away from sin and moving toward God, accepting His discipline, guidance, and correction. In humility, bend your knee before Him, knowing that He is ready to receive you, restore you, and lead you into the life of wisdom you were created for. [55:40]
James 4:8-10 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Reflection: What specific step of repentance and humility can you take today to draw near to God and receive His wisdom?
Quotes
The good news is, that while this is the reality for most of us, because the truth is, without God, we are all fools. That even in our fear of the Lord, when we get to that point where we say, you know what? I actually am afraid of the Lord. Guess what? That's good. But you know what he doesn't do? He doesn't push us off in that fear. He doesn't leave us in our foolishness. Instead, what God does in our fear and reverence and submission to him, he calls us close. He pulls us in. He says, come to me. [00:54:55] (45 seconds)
He doesn't leave us in our foolishness. He doesn't leave us in our sin. He doesn't leave us in our wickedness. He actually, that's what Proverbs chapter 1 is saying. It's saying that his voice is crying out to us. And in the passage that I was studying from or the translation, it actually says, wisdom is crying out and saying, repent at my rebuke. Repent. Repent of your foolishness. Repent of your wickedness. But don't just repent. Come close to me. Walk away from the foolishness. Repent of it and come close to me. Listen to my words. Hear my instruction. Accept my discipline. Accept my guidance and correction. Draw close to me. [00:56:18] (50 seconds)
You get to choose. You're going to choose wisdom or you're going to choose to play the fool. Don't play the fool. But you know there's something that wisdom is crying out in your heart to repent. [01:00:12] (22 seconds)
We pretend to be wise. We pretend to be put together. We pretend that everything is fine. And the truth is, it's not. Because we're trying in our own power. We're trusting in things that don't matter. We're tearing our neighbors down. We're gossiping and spreading things that aren't our business to talk about. And guess what? That is wickedness. That is sin. And it must be dealt with. [00:54:11] (29 seconds)
Wisdom is crying out to the foolish heart and saying, stop doing what you're doing and listen to my voice. This is God. This is God's voice crying out, saying, listen to me before you destroy yourself. [00:46:04] (20 seconds)
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