Embracing Wisdom: Transforming Lies into God's Truth

Summary

We often find ourselves believing lies—sometimes ones we tell ourselves, sometimes ones the world tells us—until they become our reality. But God’s Word, especially the book of Proverbs, is a source of truth that exposes these lies and calls us to live differently. Proverbs is not just a collection of ancient sayings; it is a wellspring of practical wisdom for every area of life, as relevant today as it was 3,000 years ago. The challenge is simple but profound: take the next 31 days and read a chapter of Proverbs each day. Don’t just read—pause, reflect, and ask God what He wants to reveal and change in you.

Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, but wisdom is the application of that knowledge—seeing people, events, and situations as God sees them and living accordingly. The difference between a wise person and a fool is not what they know, but what they do with what they know. The fool, biblically, is not someone who is ignorant, but someone who knows the truth and refuses to apply it. This is a sobering reality: to know God’s instruction and ignore it is to live as a fool.

The foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord—not a fear that drives us away, but a reverent awe that draws us close and makes us want to please Him above all else. This fear is the starting point for all true knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 1 lays out this foundation and urges us to listen to godly instruction, to heed parental guidance, and to resist the enticement of sinful influences. Wisdom is personified as calling out to us, inviting us to listen and live securely, but warning that ignoring her voice leads to destruction and regret.

We are all products of either wisdom or the lack of it. The invitation is open: seek wisdom, apply God’s truth, and let it shape your life. The journey is lifelong, but it starts with a single step—choosing to listen, to learn, and to live out what God reveals.

Key Takeaways

- The Lies We Believe vs. God’s Truth
We often accept lies about ourselves or our circumstances, sometimes repeating them so often that they become our reality. Proverbs invites us to let God’s truth expose and replace those lies, but this requires intentional time in His Word and a willingness to let Him challenge our assumptions. The process of reading, reflecting, and applying Proverbs can be life-changing if we allow God to speak into the areas where we’ve been deceived. [00:52]

- Wisdom Is the Application of Knowledge
Knowing what is right is not enough; wisdom is found in doing what is right. The biblical fool is not someone who lacks information, but someone who knows the truth and chooses not to live by it. True wisdom is demonstrated in the daily, sometimes difficult, choices to align our actions with God’s revealed will, even when it’s inconvenient or countercultural. [10:58]

- The Fear of the Lord as the Foundation
A proper fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of punishment, but about having a deep reverence and desire not to disappoint our Heavenly Father. This reverence is the starting point for all wisdom and knowledge, shaping our motives and decisions. When we prioritize pleasing God above pleasing ourselves or others, we position ourselves to receive and apply true wisdom. [17:44]

- The Danger of Ignoring Wisdom’s Call
Wisdom is not passive; she calls out to us in every season of life, offering guidance and protection. Ignoring her voice leads to consequences that may not be immediate, but are inevitable—just as in the days of Noah, when people ignored God’s warnings until it was too late. The call is urgent: don’t wait until calamity strikes to seek wisdom; pursue it now, while the invitation is open. [26:03]

- The Lifelong Pursuit and Community of Wisdom
No one ever outgrows the need for wisdom, regardless of age or experience. Proverbs is for the young and the old, the learned and the unlearned, and its truths are inexhaustible. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences, remaining teachable, and continually seeking wisdom from God’s Word and His people are essential for a life that honors Him and avoids the pitfalls of foolishness. [31:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - The Lies We Believe and the Challenge to Read Proverbs
[03:01] - Wisdom’s Impact: Testimonies and Lifelong Learning
[04:24] - The Relevance and Context of Proverbs
[06:19] - Solomon’s Wisdom and Its Global Influence
[07:26] - Knowledge vs. Wisdom: What’s the Difference?
[08:53] - The Scope of Proverbs: Life’s Practical Issues
[10:01] - Key Verses and the Centrality of Wisdom
[10:58] - Defining Wisdom: Application, Not Just Information
[13:01] - The Example of Noah: Knowing vs. Doing
[15:15] - Surrendering to God’s Instruction
[15:57] - Proverbs 1: Themes and Instructions
[17:44] - The Fear of the Lord and Parental Guidance
[26:03] - Warnings Against Sinful Influences and Greed
[31:27] - Wisdom’s Call, Consequences, and the Invitation to Seek
[33:00] - Closing Prayer and Final Challenge

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Wisdom from Proverbs

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### Bible Reading

- Proverbs 1:1-33
- Proverbs 1:7 – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
- Proverbs 8:13-14 – "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Proverbs 1, what are some of the main themes that Solomon introduces at the very beginning of the book? (wisdom, fear of the Lord, parental guidance, warnings against sinful influences) [15:57]
2. In Proverbs 1:20-33, how is wisdom described, and what is she doing? What is the response of the people to her call? [26:03]
3. What does Proverbs 1:7 say is the foundation of knowledge? How does the passage describe the difference between the wise and the fool? [17:44]
4. What warnings does Solomon give about the consequences of ignoring wisdom’s call in Proverbs 1? [31:27]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that wisdom is not just knowing what is right, but doing it. Why does the preacher say that a fool is not someone who lacks information, but someone who refuses to apply what they know? [11:51]
2. The “fear of the Lord” is described as a reverent awe that draws us close to God. How does this kind of fear shape a person’s motives and decisions differently than just being afraid of punishment? [17:44]
3. The sermon mentions that wisdom is calling out to everyone, but not everyone listens. What are some reasons people might ignore wisdom’s call, according to the sermon? [26:03]
4. The preacher challenges the church to read a chapter of Proverbs each day for 31 days. Why does he believe this practice can be life-changing? [00:52]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talks about the lies we believe—either from ourselves or from the world. Can you identify a lie you have believed about yourself or your circumstances? How might God’s truth in Proverbs challenge or replace that lie? [00:52]
2. The difference between knowledge and wisdom is in the application. Is there an area in your life where you know what is right, but you struggle to do it? What is holding you back from applying what you know? [10:58]
3. The “fear of the Lord” is described as not wanting to disappoint our Heavenly Father. Is there a specific area where you are more concerned about pleasing others (or yourself) than pleasing God? What would it look like to shift your focus? [17:44]
4. Wisdom is said to be calling out to us, but sometimes we ignore her voice. What are some distractions or influences in your life that make it hard to hear or respond to God’s wisdom? [26:03]
5. The sermon warns that ignoring wisdom leads to consequences, even if they aren’t immediate. Can you think of a time when you ignored wise advice and later regretted it? What did you learn from that experience? [13:01]
6. The preacher encourages everyone, regardless of age or experience, to keep seeking wisdom. Who are some godly influences you can surround yourself with, or what steps can you take to remain teachable? [31:27]
7. The challenge is to read a chapter of Proverbs each day for 31 days. What is your plan to take up this challenge? How can the group encourage each other to stick with it and share what God is teaching them? [00:52]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Fear of the Lord is the Foundation of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with a reverent awe and respect for God, aligning your life with His will above all else. To fear the Lord is not to cower in terror, but to hold a deep, loving respect that shapes your choices and priorities. This kind of fear leads you to desire pleasing God more than pleasing yourself or others, and it is the starting point for all true knowledge and understanding. When you choose to ignore God's wisdom, you are not just making a mistake—you are missing the very foundation of a wise and meaningful life. Let your reverence for God guide your actions, decisions, and the way you respond to His Word. [17:44]

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 realign your actions out of reverence for God, rather than seeking approval from others or yourself?

Day 2: Wisdom is the Application of Knowledge
Knowing what is right is not enough; wisdom is found in actually living out what you know to be true. Many people accumulate facts and information, but their lives remain unchanged because they do not apply what they have learned. The difference between a wise person and a fool is not the amount of knowledge, but the willingness to put that knowledge into practice. When you choose to act on God's truth, you are building a life that reflects His character and avoids the pitfalls of foolishness. Let your pursuit of wisdom be marked by obedience and practical application, not just intellectual understanding. [10:58]

Proverbs 4:5 (ESV)
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Reflection: What is one truth from God’s Word that you know but have not yet put into practice? What step can you take today to apply it?

Day 3: Listen to Godly Instruction and Correction
A wise person is open to correction, values the teaching of parents and mentors, and seeks out counsel from those who walk with God. Ignoring godly advice or refusing to listen to correction leads to repeated mistakes and missed opportunities for growth. Whether you are young or old, wisdom requires humility—a willingness to learn, to be corrected, and to change course when necessary. As you listen to the instruction of those God has placed in your life, you are adorned with honor and equipped for a life that pleases Him. [17:44]

Proverbs 1:8-9 (ESV)
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life whose godly advice you have been resisting? How can you open your heart to their correction this week?

Day 4: Avoid the Path of Sinners and Seek Wise Companions
The company you keep and the influences you allow into your life have a profound impact on your choices and your character. Proverbs warns against being enticed by those who pursue dishonest gain or lead you away from God’s ways. Instead, surround yourself with people who encourage you to live righteously and pursue godly wisdom. The allure of shortcuts, greed, or peer pressure can be strong, but the consequences are severe. Choose your influences wisely, and let your relationships draw you closer to God, not further away. [26:03]

Proverbs 1:10, 15 (ESV)
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths.

Reflection: Are there relationships or influences in your life that are pulling you away from God’s wisdom? What boundary or change do you need to make today?

Day 5: Respond to Wisdom’s Call Before It’s Too Late
God’s wisdom is not hidden; it calls out to everyone, urging us to listen, turn, and live securely. Ignoring wisdom’s call leads to regret, hardship, and missed opportunities for God’s blessing. There comes a point when persistent rejection of wisdom results in consequences that cannot be undone. Today, wisdom is calling you to examine your life, to turn from complacency, and to seek God’s guidance wholeheartedly. Don’t wait until calamity strikes—respond to God’s invitation now, and you will find safety, peace, and security in Him. [31:27]

Proverbs 1:20-23, 32-33 (ESV)
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you... For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Reflection: What is one area where you have been ignoring God’s wisdom? How will you respond to His call today before consequences set in?

Quotes

Sometimes we tell ourselves lies long enough that we begin to believe them. Sometimes we lie to ourselves or other people or the world tells us things about ourselves, and we begin to believe those lies. We begin to believe that they're truths. [00:00:54]

When I was a young believer, I had a mentor in my life who challenged me and asked me, he said, Robbie, will you take 31 days and read a proverb a day? And he said, if you'll do that, I promise you it will change your life. So I accepted the challenge, and I read a proverb a day for 31 days. And I can honestly say, folks, that that time in the Proverbs of reading it, stopping, asking what God was saying to me, what did I need to change in my life, what was he revealing to me, what lies was I being told that the truths were revealing to me, it changed my life. [00:01:27]

Someone once said, we are products of wisdom, or we're products of the lack of wisdom. We're products of wisdom, or we're products of the lack of wisdom. Someone else has said, the lack of wisdom will eventually catch up with you. If you've lived any time at all, you know that to be true. The lack of wisdom will eventually catch up with you. [00:04:05]

This collection of writings that we call Proverbs offers practical wisdom and guidance for godly living. The general theme emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom and knowledge. The collection of Proverbs covers the themes such as wisdom, morality, discipline, justice, integrity, providing insight through short, memorable sayings. So, basically, everything we need to know about life is covered in the book of Proverbs. [00:04:31]

People traveled from the ends of the earth to go sit under the teaching of Solomon, and we have his teachings right here, the book of Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, and some other. But we're talking about Proverbs. We need to spend time. And we don't have to travel across the world to sit under the teaching of Solomon. We have them right here in the Word of God. [00:07:13]

Knowledge is nothing more than accumulation of raw facts. Okay, I know a lot of people that know a lot of facts. And that doesn't make them wise. They know a lot about a lot, but they're not very wise. There's so many people that I know that know about so many more things than I do. But I look at them and I go, your life's a wreck. And it's because they're not wise. [00:07:45]

Wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge to see people, events, and situations as God sees them. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. [00:08:15]

If I know that what God says about something and I apply it to my life, then the Bible says I'm wise. But the opposite is true. Right? To live a foolish life is to not apply the wisdom of God to our life. The Bible calls us fools. [00:12:08]

A biblical definition of a fool is knowing the truth and choosing not to apply it to our life. Then the Bible says we're a fool. Then God says we're a fool. When we know the truth and we don't apply it, then we're a fool. If we refuse to apply what we know. [00:12:34]

As we work through the Proverbs, there's some areas in your life, in my life, that we're believing some lies about. That we know God says, and we say, but, did he really? Well, I know God's word says this, but I've gotten away with it for a while. Well, it's coming. It's 120 years for Noah's day. It's coming. You may think you're getting away with that sin. You may think you're getting away with living that foolish lifestyle of not, of ignoring God's truths. But I promise you this, the day of reckoning is coming. So be not deceived. God is not mocked. Whatever you sow, you will reap. [00:13:49]

Proverbs 1 tells us that all the Proverbs are meant to educate both the unlearned and the learned. We're never, the Proverbs can help us no matter what our education level is, our life experience level is, and the Proverbs can help us no matter how many degrees we have behind our name. The Proverbs can help us. We're never too wise to learn from Proverbs and we're never too unlearned to learn from Proverbs. [00:18:15]

Here's part of the problem of why we make foolish decisions many times. Here's why: it's because we listen to the wrong things, it's because we read the wrong things, it's because we listen to the wrong advice, it's because we ignore godly wisdom in our life, it's because we listen to 99 other podcasts and maybe throw a spiritual one in there during the week, it's because our focus is so on a getting and attaining and being who the world says we should be instead of sitting back and saying, God, what do you want from me and how are you going to grow me in this life? [00:19:09]

We're believing the lies, we're believing that we don't have time or we don't have enough understanding or will it make that big a difference, or we spend us so much time gaining knowledge about things that don't really matter instead of knowledge applied from the word of God. [00:21:01]

To understand that the fear of the Lord begins the journey of knowledge is key to being wise. It's key to this whole series. To fear the Lord is the foundation of being who God wants us to be. To fear the Lord doesn't mean being afraid of him but rather having a reverence for God, aligning your actions with his will. [00:21:35]

We have a heavenly Father that we should fear letting him down more than pleasing other people. We have a heavenly Father that we should have a fear of, a reverential godly love, fear of our Father saying, God, whatever you want, Father, whatever you want me to do and who you want me to be and how you want me to live, that's what I will do because I want to please you before I please anybody else, including myself. That's the battle. [00:22:34]

If you say, well, I know what God's word says here and I'm not doing it, you don't fear the Lord properly. Well, I know what God's word says about this aspect of life and I don't think it's that bad and I don't really agree with it and it's not that I don't understand it, I'm just not doing it, then you don't have a proper fear of God. [00:23:15]

Here's the problem, parents: we want to tell our kids that they need to listen to us when we're not listening to our Father. We're not doing what the Father's saying, but we expect our kids to do what we say when the truth is they're just mimicking us. Their rebellion is our rebellion. [00:25:08]

Here Solomon warns against being lured by sinners into their destructive path of greed and violence. He portrays the dangerous allure of ungodly gain and the severe consequences that follow. [00:27:28]

Any way we try to get ahead, we try to cheat on God, we try to cheat other people, any way we try to abuse money, we try to hoard it for ourselves, God says you're a fool. See, we think we're being wise but not following God's teachings, but God says we're fools. [00:28:03]

Wisdom is calling every one of us wherever we are in life, whatever we think to be true or untrue. Wisdom is calling us to examine it through the book of Proverbs and seek wisdom this morning. Wisdom is calling us to make wise decisions. Wisdom protects us from harm. [00:30:47]

Many of the bad choices we make, it's because we ignore wisdom. We can blame it on other people, we can blame it on whatever we want, but the truth is we ignore what we know to be true. We ignore the teaching of parents, we ignore the teaching of the word of God, we ignore the teaching of good godly counsel. [00:31:10]

We are products of wisdom or we're products of the lack of wisdom. I wonder who we are today. Again, I want to encourage you to read a proverb a day next 31 days, seek wisdom and you'll find her. [00:32:52]

Chatbot

What does the Bible define as true wisdom?

How does fearing the Lord influence decision-making?

Why is applying knowledge more important than acquiring facts?