Embracing Wisdom Amidst Chaos and Suffering

 

Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family, not just to worship, but to remember that the kingdom of God is so much bigger than our own community. The world is in turmoil—wars rage, families are displaced, and many live in fear. We are reminded of our own safety and comfort, and how easy it is to overlook the suffering of others. Yet, God’s sovereignty remains unshaken. He has always worked through the chaos of history, using even the most difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Our prayers matter, and we are called to intercede for leaders and those in harm’s way, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it.

Turning to the wisdom of Scripture, we began a new journey into what it means to live wisely rather than foolishly. The Bible defines a fool not as someone lacking intelligence, but as someone who rejects God’s wisdom and refuses correction. We all have a tendency toward foolishness when we ignore advice, act impulsively, or insist on our own way. Real-life stories—from the Titanic disaster to the downfall of companies like Blockbuster and Kodak—illustrate that it’s not ignorance, but arrogance and an unteachable spirit, that leads to regret and loss.

Scripture is filled with cautionary tales, like Lot’s wife and Pharaoh, who ignored clear warnings and suffered the consequences. But there are also stories of hope—David, who repented when confronted; Peter, who was restored after denying Jesus; and even C.S. Lewis, who moved from skepticism to faith through humble listening. The difference in each story is humility: the willingness to listen, learn, and respond.

Wisdom begins with surrender—choosing to trust God’s ways over our own. It’s not something we stumble into by accident, but something we pursue intentionally. Practical steps include daily asking God for wisdom, reflecting on our own foolishness, inviting wise counsel into our lives, engaging in community, and choosing humility over pride. The journey toward wisdom is ongoing, but God walks with us, shaping us through His Word and through the people He places in our lives. May we be people who listen, learn, and walk in the fear of the Lord.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Sovereignty in Chaos: Even when the world feels out of control—wars, disasters, and suffering—God remains sovereign. He is not limited by human conflict or tragedy, and He continues to work out His purposes through history. Our prayers and compassion for those suffering are not just acts of kindness, but alignments with God’s heart and His ongoing work in the world. [47:33]

- The Heart of Foolishness: Foolishness is not a lack of information, but a refusal to be taught. The fool is defined by pride, an unwillingness to accept correction, and a stubborn insistence on their own way. True wisdom requires humility—a posture that is open to God’s instruction and willing to admit when we are wrong. [53:07]

- Learning from Regret: The stories of Lot’s wife, Pharaoh, and even modern examples like the Titanic and Blockbuster, show that ignoring warnings and advice leads to regret. These are not just tales of poor decisions, but warnings about the danger of arrogance and spiritual blindness. Wisdom is found in listening, heeding warnings, and responding with obedience. [59:38]

- The Power of Humble Response: David, Peter, and C.S. Lewis each faced moments of failure, but their stories changed when they chose humility. Repentance, restoration, and transformation are possible when we listen to God and others, admit our need, and act on what we learn. Humility is the gateway to wisdom and spiritual growth. [01:08:32]

- Intentional Pursuit of Wisdom: Wisdom does not come by accident; it is cultivated through daily habits and community. Asking God for wisdom, reflecting on our own lives, seeking out wise mentors, engaging in honest relationships, and immersing ourselves in Scripture are all practical steps. The greatest barrier to wisdom is pride, but God promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask. [01:10:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:19] - The Global Scope of God’s Kingdom
[44:58] - Christ’s Invitation to All
[45:36] - Praying for a World in Conflict
[46:15] - Remembering the Suffering
[47:33] - God’s Sovereignty in Troubled Times
[48:51] - Praying for Leaders and Wisdom
[49:28] - Aligning Ourselves with God’s Work
[51:52] - Wisdom or Foolishness: A New Series
[53:07] - The Biblical Definition of a Fool
[56:17] - Modern Parables: Titanic, Blockbuster, Kodak
[58:58] - Foolishness as a Heart Problem
[59:38] - Cautionary Tales from Scripture
[01:03:32] - Stories of Humble Listeners
[01:10:32] - Practical Steps Toward Wisdom
[01:16:11] - The Barrier of Pride
[01:16:50] - Praying for Wisdom and Growth
[01:18:07] - God’s Ongoing Work in Us

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
- Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
- James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Proverbs 1:7, what is the starting point for true knowledge? How does this contrast with the attitude of a fool? [53:07]
2. In the sermon, what are some real-life examples given of people or companies who ignored warnings or advice? What happened as a result? [56:17]
3. What does Proverbs 12:15 say about the way a fool thinks compared to a wise person? [55:01]
4. The sermon mentioned several biblical characters who responded differently to correction (Lot’s wife, Pharaoh, David, Peter). What was the outcome for each? [59:38]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the Bible describe foolishness as a heart issue rather than just a lack of information? How does this affect the way we view our own mistakes? [58:58]
2. The sermon says wisdom requires humility and a willingness to be corrected. Why is humility so hard, and what are the risks of refusing correction? [01:02:52]
3. How does God’s sovereignty in times of chaos (like wars and disasters) challenge or comfort us when we feel powerless? [47:33]
4. What does it mean to “walk in the fear of the Lord,” and how is this different from being afraid of God? [01:09:11]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to pray daily for wisdom before our feet hit the floor. What would it look like for you to make this a habit? Is there a specific time or way you could start? [01:10:32]
2. Think of a recent situation where you ignored advice or acted impulsively. What was the result, and what could you do differently next time? [54:24]
3. Who are the people you regularly listen to for advice? Are they wise, godly voices, or do you tend to seek out those who just agree with you? How can you invite more wise counsel into your life this week? [01:12:24]
4. The sermon encouraged reflecting on areas where we’ve been foolish. Is there one area in your life right now where you need to admit you’ve been wrong or stubborn? What step could you take toward humility and change? [01:11:09]
5. The message talked about joining a small group or finding a mentor for accountability and growth. What’s holding you back from deeper community, and what’s one step you could take to get connected? [01:13:40]
6. The biggest barrier to wisdom is pride. In what situations do you find it hardest to listen or accept correction? How can you practice choosing humility over pride this week? [01:16:11]
7. The sermon gave the example of reading a chapter of Proverbs each day and meditating on one verse. Would you be willing to try this for a week? What might help you stick with it? [01:14:56]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give each person in the group a teachable heart, courage to admit mistakes, and the humility to seek and follow His wisdom in every area of life.

Devotional

Day 1: The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with honoring and respecting God above all.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)

Description:
Wisdom is not about intelligence or having all the right answers; it is about a posture of humility before God, recognizing His authority and seeking His guidance in every area of life. The wise person is teachable, open to correction, and eager to learn, while the fool rejects instruction and trusts only in their own understanding. When you choose to honor God and submit to His ways, you lay the foundation for a life marked by discernment, growth, and blessing. [53:07]

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you have been relying on your own understanding instead of seeking God’s wisdom? How can you intentionally honor God in that area today?


Day 2: The Dangers of Pride and Rejecting Counsel
Pride blinds us to wisdom and leads to regret and loss.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)

Description:
Pride is a subtle but powerful barrier to wisdom. It convinces us that we know best, causing us to ignore wise counsel, resist correction, and make reckless decisions. The fool is not lacking information but refuses to use it, often leading to avoidable mistakes and missed opportunities. Humility, on the other hand, opens the door to growth and transformation by allowing us to receive guidance from God and others. [55:38]

Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you dismissed advice or correction. What would it look like to humble yourself and seek out wise counsel in a similar situation this week?


Day 3: Listening, Learning, and Responding to God’s Instruction
Transformation comes when we listen, humble ourselves, and act on God’s guidance.

"Anyone who has ears to hear should listen and understand." (Matthew 11:15, ESV)

Description:
God has given each of us the capacity to hear, reason, and respond to His truth. The difference between wisdom and foolishness is not in our ability to understand, but in our willingness to surrender and act on what we know. Throughout Scripture and history, those who listened to God’s instruction—like King David and Peter—experienced restoration and purpose, while those who ignored it faced regret. The call is to be teachable, to listen deeply, and to put God’s wisdom into practice. [01:02:15]

Reflection:
Is there a specific instruction or prompting from God that you have been ignoring? What step can you take today to listen and respond in obedience?


Day 4: The Power of Godly Community and Wise Counsel
Growth in wisdom happens in community with others who speak truth in love.

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14, ESV)

Description:
We are not meant to walk the journey of wisdom alone. God often speaks through mentors, friends, and fellow believers who can offer perspective, encouragement, and correction. Inviting wise counsel into your life—whether through a small group, a mentoring relationship, or intentional conversations—creates space for growth and accountability. It is in these relationships that we are challenged, supported, and shaped to become more like Jesus. [01:13:40]

Reflection:
Who is someone in your life you can invite to speak wisdom and truth to you this week? How can you make space for a meaningful conversation with them?


Day 5: Choosing Humility and Daily Seeking God’s Wisdom
A life of wisdom is built on daily surrender and a humble heart.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)

Description:
Wisdom is not a one-time achievement but a daily pursuit. It begins each morning with a simple prayer for God’s guidance and continues as we choose humility over pride, listen more than we speak, and remain open to correction. By making a habit of seeking God’s wisdom, reflecting on our own areas of foolishness, and committing to grow, we position ourselves to experience God’s best and avoid the pitfalls of stubbornness and self-reliance. [01:10:32]

Reflection:
Will you begin each day this week by asking God for wisdom and a teachable spirit? What practical step can you take to make this a daily habit?

Quotes

In times like this I'm I'm reminded even more how imperative the instruction of the word of the Lord is and what we have for us in God's word and so this morning I do want to begin a new series and I want to talk to you specifically about uh something that can either guide our lives toward God's best or lead us straight to regret and loss. [00:51:36]
In the Bible a fool isn't someone with a low IQ a fool is someone who rejects God's wisdom, his moral authority, and his instruction. Proverbs 1:7 says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and discipline." [00:52:53]
To simplify it, a fool isn't uninformed, a fool is unteachable. The fool doesn't have information, it's not that they don't have the information, it's that they refuse to use it. According to Proverbs, if you look through Proverbs, if you ever read the book of Proverbs, you'll know that it is filled with a whole lot of wisdom. [00:53:22]
But according to Proverbs you see that a fool is one who resists correction and advice, one who is prideful and unteachable, one who speaks before thinking, makes reckless decisions, lacks self-control and sound judgment. Do you ever see yourself falling into any of these traps? [00:53:45]
Proverbs 12:15 tells us it's his own way. It says the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, it's his own way, it's my way. The fool doesn't want to be told that they're wrong, they don't seek counsel because they don't need it. [00:55:32]
In each of these cases it wasn't a lack of knowledge that was the problem, it wasn't that they weren't informed of the opportunity or the potential, it was that they were arrogant. Don't be that guy, but this isn't just a tech problem or a corporate failure, it's really a human heart problem. [00:58:51]
In the Bible a fool is someone who is morally and spiritually blind, not just intellectually lacking. It's a condition of the heart, not just of the mind. A fool isn't someone who lacks knowledge but someone who rejects God's wisdom, refuses correction, and walks in pride and impulse. [00:59:04]
Jesus said in Matthew 11:15 "Anyone who has ears to hear should listen and understand." Matthew Henry says about this, God requires no more of us from us but the right to use and the improvement of the faculties that he has already given us. [01:01:56]
We don't need anything else, he's already given us what we need. What is that? He's given us ears to hear the truth, he's given us reason to be able to process it and make sense of that truth, and he's given us a conscience so that we can respond to it. [01:02:15]
The issue isn't our capacity to understand, it really has to do with a willingness to surrender. The failure of listening and understanding isn't a lack of capacity but in the failure to steward the capacities faithfully. We're accountable not for what we lack, but for how we use what we have. [01:02:39]
They stay foolish because wisdom requires humility and humility means giving up control, and the truth of the matter is we don't like giving up control. We like to have a say, we like to know that when all else fails I can depend on me. [01:03:14]
When believers work and listen and understand God and others, we actively enact our belief that our place in the family of God is highly valued and that God can speak to us through others and through himself. [01:08:51]
You don't become wise by accident, you become wise by surrender. Wisdom starts when we stop trusting ourselves more than we trust God. Don't be the guy who knows it all and ends up with nothing. Be the guy who listens, who learns, and who walks in the fear of the Lord. [01:09:04]
When we're talking about the fear of the Lord, we're not talking about something that we are afraid of, right? We're talking about walking in honor, right? We're talking about walking in respect, talking about walking in a way that understands the sovereignty of our God. [01:09:35]
What would it look like to take this month starting today and for the next 31 days read a chapter of Proverbs? That in and of itself will fill you with all kinds of wisdom over the course of the next month, but what if you took it a step further and not just read them but as you read each chapter ask the Lord to pull out one verse? [01:15:04]
In all my years of walking with the Lord, serving as a pastor, I've come to believe and learn that the biggest barrier to wisdom is pride. Make a conscious decision this week to listen more, talk less, and be open to correction, even when it's uncomfortable. [01:15:53]

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