Understanding Wisdom: The Divine Gift Beyond Knowledge

 

Summary

In the Book of Job, chapter 28, we find profound questions about the nature of wisdom and understanding. Job, one of the oldest books in the Bible, addresses the timeless problem of human suffering and the quest for wisdom. Despite the vast knowledge accumulated over centuries, humanity still grapples with the same fundamental issues. The modern world, with its technological advancements and scientific discoveries, often confuses knowledge with wisdom. While knowledge is the accumulation of facts, wisdom is the ability to use that knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

The world today is filled with tension, division, and moral decay, not because of a lack of knowledge, but due to a lack of wisdom. People have become so enamored with their achievements and technological prowess that they have forgotten the true essence of life. Wisdom is not found in the depths of the earth or the heights of the heavens; it is not something that can be bought with gold or silver. True wisdom comes from God and is a gift that cannot be attained through human effort alone.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not a craven fear but a reverent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a submission to His will. It is a recognition of our own limitations and the need for divine guidance. To depart from evil is understanding, as it aligns us with God's purpose and leads to a life of peace and contentment. In a world obsessed with material wealth and superficial achievements, the true value of wisdom is often overlooked. Yet, it is wisdom that prepares us for the life to come and gives us the strength to face the challenges of this world.

Key Takeaways:

- The distinction between knowledge and wisdom is crucial. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, while wisdom is the ability to use that knowledge for the betterment of humanity. Wisdom involves understanding the significance of facts and using them to promote the highest interests of mankind. [10:12]

- The modern world is filled with tension and moral decay because it lacks wisdom, not knowledge. Despite technological advancements, humanity still grapples with the same fundamental issues. True wisdom comes from God and is a gift that cannot be attained through human effort alone. [17:51]

- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not a craven fear but a reverent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a submission to His will. It is a recognition of our own limitations and the need for divine guidance. [48:38]

- To depart from evil is understanding. Aligning ourselves with God's purpose leads to a life of peace and contentment. In a world obsessed with material wealth and superficial achievements, the true value of wisdom is often overlooked. [53:34]

- True wisdom prepares us for the life to come and gives us the strength to face the challenges of this world. It is not found in the depths of the earth or the heights of the heavens; it is not something that can be bought with gold or silver. [37:01]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Job 28
[00:54] - The Timelessness of Job
[02:27] - The Problem of Suffering
[03:40] - Ancient Knowledge
[05:43] - The Real Problem of Mankind
[07:28] - Modern Man's Misconceptions
[09:35] - Knowledge vs. Wisdom
[11:31] - The Quest for Knowledge
[16:30] - The Limitations of Knowledge
[18:19] - Defining Wisdom
[22:29] - The Essence of Life
[25:06] - The Value of Wisdom
[37:33] - The Inaccessibility of Wisdom
[47:23] - The Source of True Wisdom
[49:43] - The Fear of the Lord
[54:34] - Invitation to Wisdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Job 28:12, 20, 28: "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? ... And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the two questions posed in Job 28, and what is the answer provided? [00:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between knowledge and wisdom? [18:19]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the modern world's confusion between knowledge and wisdom? [17:51]
4. According to the sermon, what is the beginning of wisdom, and how is it described? [48:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon suggest that the modern world is filled with tension and moral decay despite technological advancements? [17:51]
2. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"? What does this fear entail? [49:43]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true wisdom prepares us for the life to come? [37:01]
4. How does the sermon explain the value of wisdom compared to material wealth? [34:58]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you rely more on knowledge or wisdom? How might the outcome have differed if you had prioritized wisdom? [18:19]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our limitations and seeking divine guidance. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life? [49:43]
3. Consider a situation where you were tempted to prioritize material wealth over wisdom. How can you realign your priorities to reflect the true value of wisdom? [34:58]
4. The sermon suggests that wisdom involves departing from evil. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with this. What steps can you take to align more closely with God's purpose? [53:34]
5. How can you cultivate a "fear of the Lord" in your life that leads to wisdom? What practical steps can you take to submit to God's will more fully? [48:38]
6. Think of a challenge you are currently facing. How can the wisdom described in the sermon help you approach this challenge differently? [37:01]
7. Identify one way you can seek wisdom from God this week. What specific action will you take to pursue this wisdom? [49:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Distinguishing Knowledge from Wisdom
Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts; it is the ability to use knowledge for the betterment of humanity. In today's world, people often confuse knowledge with wisdom, believing that having more information equates to being wise. However, wisdom involves understanding the significance of facts and using them to promote the highest interests of mankind. It requires discernment and the ability to apply knowledge in a way that aligns with moral and ethical principles. True wisdom is a gift that transcends human effort and is rooted in a deeper understanding of life and purpose. [10:12]

"For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you." (Proverbs 2:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you use your knowledge today to positively impact someone else's life, and how can you seek God's guidance in doing so?


Day 2: The Modern World's Wisdom Deficit
Despite technological advancements, the modern world is filled with tension and moral decay because it lacks wisdom, not knowledge. Humanity continues to grapple with fundamental issues that have persisted throughout history. True wisdom, which comes from God, cannot be attained through human effort alone. It is a divine gift that provides insight and understanding beyond what is visible or tangible. In a society that often prioritizes material success and superficial achievements, the pursuit of wisdom is often overlooked, yet it is essential for addressing the deeper issues of life. [17:51]

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." (James 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you have relied solely on your own understanding. How can you invite God's wisdom into that situation today?


Day 3: Reverent Fear as the Foundation of Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not a craven fear but a reverent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a submission to His will. It involves recognizing our own limitations and the need for divine guidance. By acknowledging God's authority and aligning ourselves with His purpose, we open ourselves to true wisdom. This reverent fear leads to a deeper understanding of life and a more profound sense of peace and contentment. [48:38]

"The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, and what steps can you take to submit more fully to His will?


Day 4: Understanding Through Departing from Evil
To depart from evil is understanding. Aligning ourselves with God's purpose leads to a life of peace and contentment. In a world obsessed with material wealth and superficial achievements, the true value of wisdom is often overlooked. Yet, it is wisdom that prepares us for the life to come and gives us the strength to face the challenges of this world. By turning away from evil and seeking God's guidance, we gain a clearer understanding of our purpose and the path to true fulfillment. [53:34]

"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific behavior or habit that you need to turn away from. How can you actively pursue peace and align yourself with God's purpose today?


Day 5: The Invaluable Gift of True Wisdom
True wisdom prepares us for the life to come and gives us the strength to face the challenges of this world. It is not found in the depths of the earth or the heights of the heavens; it is not something that can be bought with gold or silver. Instead, it is a divine gift that provides insight and understanding beyond what is visible or tangible. In a society that often prioritizes material success and superficial achievements, the pursuit of wisdom is often overlooked, yet it is essential for addressing the deeper issues of life. [37:01]

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can you seek God's wisdom to gain a deeper understanding and find strength in similar situations in the future?

Quotes


The Bible is the manual of the Soul; it's the handbook of life and everywhere always it is to be found dealing with life. Now here I say we come to look at one of the oldest of the books that's in this old book and we shall find that it is full of instruction and full of light for us. [00:01:44]

The real problem confronting mankind is always the same. Oh, I know the world has changed a great deal since the time of Job. We needn't waste our time in talking about that, need we? But you know the problem in the day of Job was the greatest problem of today, the same problem. [00:05:51]

The first answer is that man doesn't recognize the difference between wisdom and knowledge. That man, if you like, is not aware of the difference between understanding and the possession of information. Now there, that is really the whole thing. There is your problem in a nutshell: the difference between learning and wisdom, knowledge and understanding. [00:09:43]

Wisdom is the ability to use and to harness the knowledge of facts which you've arrived at in such a way and in such a manner as to promote men's best and highest interests. That's wisdom. Wisdom is the capacity and the power to know what to do with your effects and with your knowledge and information. [00:18:22]

The tragedy of the modern man is he knows many things about himself and about life and living, but he doesn't understand. What doesn't he understand? Well, he doesn't understand himself. He's almost turning himself into a machine. All he's thinking is in terms of this knowledge and information and all the gadgets and all the things that make life easy and pleasant. [00:19:56]

The world is as it is tonight because the modern man doesn't know the value of wisdom. He's raving about things that are finally useless, and he is rejecting with scorn and with sarcasm the wisdom that is above rubies in value. But come, I've got a third charge to bring against him. [00:37:33]

The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. Wisdom is alone with God, nowhere else. Whence then cometh wisdom? Where is the place of understanding, seeing it is hid from all the eyes of all living and kept close from the fouls of the earth? [00:47:23]

The fear of the Lord doesn't mean a craven fear. It doesn't mean that you go cowering into a corner. It means that you just recognize that God is God and you bow before him. Now here it is, why is the world as it is? Well, because man, who'd been made in the image of God and made perfectly and was put by God in a perfect world, ceased to fear God. [00:49:43]

The fear of the Lord, submission to his Revelation, to his Plan of Salvation. But you say, I don't understand how Christ could receive my punishment. Don't try to understand it, believe it, and then you'll soon begin to understand it, and you'll rejoice in it as the greatest and the most wonderful thing that's ever happened. [00:53:34]

The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. You see, the moment you submit to this and believe it, you say, you ask for forgiveness, you acknowledge your sin and all your arrogance and failure. You say, I want to leave all that and all that it belongs to. [00:54:34]

The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil, that is understanding. And oh, my friend, if you but believe this, believe me, you'll begin to understand life. You'll understand yourself. You'll begin to live truly. You'll have contentment. You'll have satisfaction. You'll have peace. You will have joy. [00:55:33]

Have you the wisdom? You can have it as a gift freely from God at this very moment if you but acknowledge your lack of it, your need of it, and take it and accept it as the free gift of God in his way. Oh, go in for wisdom, the wisdom of God in Jesus Christ Our Lord. [00:59:20]

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Transcript
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