Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey Through Proverbs
Summary
Today is not just another Sunday—it is a day uniquely crafted by God, a day in which we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit among us. God has been waiting for this day, for each of us, since before the foundation of the world. He chose us, called us, and now invites us to be conformed to the likeness of Christ, not only through salvation but also through the transformative journey of wisdom. As we witnessed in baptism, God’s work is personal and powerful, and He desires to shape us into people who reflect His wisdom in every aspect of life.
We are beginning a journey through the wisdom literature of Scripture, focusing on the book of Proverbs—Solomon’s “king’s speech.” In the Old Testament, the king’s voice was the voice of wisdom, distinct from the prophet and the priest. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live apart from Christ, offers us a manual for living well. Yet, his life also serves as a warning: wisdom is not just about knowledge or intellect, but about the skillful application of God’s truth to our daily decisions. The sum total of our lives is shaped by the sum total of our choices, and God has given us both the authority and the responsibility to make those choices wisely.
Wisdom is not the same as intelligence or education. Many educated people lack wisdom because they do not know how to apply what they know. Wisdom is a God-given skill, available to anyone who asks for it in humility. It is the ability to take information—especially the revelation God has given us—and apply it in such a way that it produces understanding. Proverbs are not promises, but precepts: they describe the most likely outcomes of wise or foolish choices. Our goal is to become people who continually seek wisdom, who learn from the experiences of others, and who humbly accept instruction.
This journey is for everyone: the simple, the young, and even the already wise. We must be lifelong learners, always open to God’s instruction and the lessons of those who have gone before us. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—a deep reverence that recognizes God’s authority, His power, and His willingness to guide us. The world may see us as fools for following Christ, but in God’s eyes, surrendering to His wisdom is the wisest thing we could ever do. Christ Himself is our wisdom, our righteousness, and our redemption. To be a “fool for Christ” is to be on the path to true wisdom and understanding.
Key Takeaways
- Wisdom is a God-given skill, not merely intelligence or education. True wisdom is the ability to skillfully apply God’s information to the decisions of life, producing understanding and transformation. Anyone can receive this skill by humbly asking God, regardless of their background or past mistakes. [48:14]
- Proverbs are not ironclad promises but precepts—guiding principles that describe the most likely outcomes of our choices. They invite us to consider the consequences of our actions, to weigh pros and cons, and to make decisions that align with God’s revealed truth. This approach frees us from fatalism and empowers us to shape our destiny through wise choices. [53:57]
- Humility is essential for gaining wisdom. The wise are those who recognize their need for guidance, who are willing to learn from others’ experiences, and who never assume they have “arrived.” Lifelong learning, openness to correction, and a willingness to listen are marks of a truly wise person. [59:11]
- The fear of the Lord is the foundation of all true knowledge and wisdom. This is not a paralyzing fear, but a profound reverence for God’s authority, His insight into every situation, and His desire to guide us. When we submit to God’s sovereignty, we are freed from the paralysis of analysis and empowered to make decisions with confidence, knowing He gives wisdom generously to those who ask. [01:15:43]
- The world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom often stand in stark contrast. To the world, the message of Christ crucified is foolishness, but to those who believe, it is the very power and wisdom of God. Embracing the “foolishness” of the cross is the wisest decision we can make, for in Christ we find true understanding, righteousness, and redemption. [01:19:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Uniqueness of This Day
[03:00] - Baptism and the Power of New Life
[15:55] - Introduction to Proverbs and Wisdom Literature
[21:30] - The Three Voices: Prophet, Priest, and King
[27:00] - Solomon: Wisdom and Folly
[39:30] - The Power of Individual Decisions
[44:02] - The Nature of Proverbs: Precepts, Not Promises
[48:14] - Solomon’s Gift of Wisdom
[51:00] - Information, Application, and Understanding
[53:57] - The Skill of Wisdom in Daily Life
[56:26] - Asking God for Wisdom
[59:11] - Lifelong Learning and Humility
[01:02:18] - Prudence, Justice, and Fairness
[01:07:00] - Wisdom for the Simple, the Young, and the Wise
[01:13:53] - Understanding: The Goal of Wisdom
[01:15:43] - The Fear of the Lord
[01:19:36] - Christ: The Wisdom of God
[01:22:07] - The “Foolishness” of the Cross
[01:23:33] - Closing Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Skill of Wisdom
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### Bible Reading
Proverbs 1:1-7 (ESV)
> The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
> To know wisdom and instruction,
> to understand words of insight,
> to receive instruction in wise dealing,
> in righteousness, justice, and equity;
> to give prudence to the simple,
> knowledge and discretion to the youth—
> Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
> and the one who understands obtain guidance,
> to understand a proverb and a saying,
> the words of the wise and their riddles.
> The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
> fools despise wisdom and instruction.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (ESV)
> For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
> Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 1:1-7, what are some of the main purposes for the book of Proverbs? What kinds of people are mentioned as needing wisdom?
2. In the sermon, what is the difference between a proverb and a promise? ([46:04])
3. How does the sermon describe the “fear of the Lord” as the beginning of knowledge? ([01:15:43])
4. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, how does Paul contrast the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says wisdom is a “God-given skill” and not just intelligence or education. What does it mean for wisdom to be a skill, and how is it different from simply knowing facts? ([48:14])
2. Why do you think humility is so important for gaining wisdom, according to both Proverbs and the sermon? ([59:11])
3. The sermon mentions that Proverbs are “precepts, not promises.” How does this understanding affect the way we read and apply Proverbs to our lives? ([46:04])
4. The world often sees following Christ as foolishness. Why might God choose to work through what the world calls “foolish” to reveal His wisdom? ([01:19:36])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says anyone can receive wisdom by humbly asking God, no matter their background or past mistakes. Is there an area of your life where you need to ask God for wisdom right now? What would it look like to ask Him for that skill this week? ([48:14])
2. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you approach it with wisdom—by weighing pros and cons, seeking God’s guidance, or learning from others’ experiences? If not, how could you approach your next decision differently? ([53:57])
3. The sermon emphasizes lifelong learning and humility. Are there people in your life you could learn from, or areas where you need to be more open to instruction? What’s one step you could take to become more teachable? ([59:11])
4. The “fear of the Lord” is described as a deep reverence for God’s authority and guidance. How does this kind of reverence show up (or not show up) in your daily choices? Is there a specific area where you need to submit more fully to God’s wisdom? ([01:15:43])
5. The world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom often clash. Can you think of a time when following Jesus made you look foolish in the eyes of others? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:19:36])
6. The sermon talks about learning from the experiences—both good and bad—of others. Is there a mistake or lesson from someone else’s life that you need to pay more attention to? How could that change your own choices? ([59:11])
7. Proverbs is for the simple, the young, and even the already wise. Which of these categories do you most identify with right now, and what does that mean for how you approach this season of your life? ([01:07:00])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give each person in the group a humble heart, a teachable spirit, and the skill to apply His wisdom in every area of life. Pray for courage to look “foolish” for Christ if that’s what it takes to follow Him.
Devotional
Day 1: The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with a humble reverence for God, recognizing His authority, power, and the reality that He sees beyond what we can comprehend. When you approach life with a posture of awe and respect for the Lord, you open yourself to the knowledge and understanding He desires to give. This fear is not about being paralyzed by anxiety, but about submitting to God’s sovereignty and trusting that He knows the outcome of every decision. It is the wise who acknowledge their need for God’s guidance, while the fool arrogantly believes they have no need for instruction. Let your heart be one that bows before God, seeking His wisdom above all else. [15:55]
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 humble yourself before God and seek His wisdom, rather than relying on your own understanding or experience?
Day 2: Wisdom is a God-Given Skill, Not Mere Intelligence
Wisdom is not simply about having information or being highly educated; it is a God-given skill to rightly apply knowledge to life’s decisions. Many people are intelligent or well-informed, but lack the ability to translate that information into wise choices that lead to understanding and fruitful living. God invites you to ask Him for this skill, promising to give it generously without finding fault, even if your past decisions have led to pain or regret. Wisdom is available to all who seek it, regardless of background or education, and it is the key to living a life that aligns with God’s purposes. [51:00]
James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing right now where you need to pause and specifically ask God for the wisdom to apply what you know in a way that honors Him?
Day 3: Learn from the Experiences of Others
A wise person is willing to learn from the successes and failures of others, humbling themselves to receive instruction and insight beyond their own experience. God has provided wisdom through the stories, teachings, and even the mistakes of those who have gone before us, so that we do not have to repeat the same errors. This requires a teachable spirit and a willingness to be a lifelong learner, always open to new understanding and correction. By listening to others and applying their lessons, you can avoid unnecessary pain and make choices that lead to blessing and growth. [44:02]
Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life whose experiences—good or bad—you can learn from this week, and how can you intentionally seek out their wisdom or story?
Day 4: Christ is the Wisdom of God
The world may see the message of the cross as foolishness, but for those who believe, Christ is the very wisdom and power of God. True wisdom is found not in the philosophies or achievements of this world, but in surrendering to Jesus, who became for us righteousness, holiness, and redemption. God delights in using what the world considers weak or foolish to display His glory, and He calls us to boast only in Him. Embracing Christ as your wisdom means living differently, trusting that God’s ways are higher and ultimately lead to life. [01:19:36]
1 Corinthians 1:18, 24-25, 30-31 (ESV)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men... And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Reflection: In what practical way can you choose to boast in Christ alone today, rather than in your own wisdom, strength, or accomplishments?
Day 5: Understanding Comes Through Applying Wisdom
The ultimate goal of wisdom is understanding—a deep, lived realization of how God’s truth works in real life. This understanding is not just theoretical, but comes as you apply God’s wisdom to your decisions, learn from the outcomes, and allow the light to go on in your heart. It is the synthesis of information and experience, where you see the fruit of wise choices and the consequences of foolish ones. God desires for you to reach this place of understanding, where your life is marked by discernment, prudence, and the ability to judge rightly according to His standards. [01:13:53]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Reflection: What is one lesson God has taught you through experience that you can now apply to a current situation, so that you walk in greater understanding and bear fruit?
Quotes
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