Walking in Wisdom: A Guide for Life
Summary
As we embark on a new year, we begin a series on wisdom, focusing on the book of Proverbs. This book is a treasure trove of practical guidance for life, addressing areas such as friendship, family, speech, work, and wealth. Wisdom, as defined here, is not merely knowledge but the skill needed to construct a successful life. Proverbs, along with other wisdom books like Psalms and Ecclesiastes, offers insights into the practicalities of life, emphasizing the skills necessary for a fulfilling existence.
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that describe the normal patterns of life. It is crucial to understand that these are not promises but observations of how life generally unfolds. For instance, while good parenting often leads to godly children, it is not a guaranteed outcome. Recognizing this distinction helps us approach Proverbs with the right mindset.
Proverbs assumes a relationship, often depicted as a father speaking to his son. This reflects God's relationship with us, His children, urging us to walk in wisdom. Moreover, Proverbs points to Jesus, who is described in the New Testament as the wisdom of God. Thus, following wisdom is synonymous with following Jesus, making Proverbs a guide for discipleship.
The journey of wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which is not about being afraid but about having a deep reverence and love for God. This fear is the foundation of wisdom, strength, and life. It is birthed at the cross, where we encounter God's forgiveness and grace, leading us to a life of discipleship.
As we delve into Proverbs, we will explore how wisdom manifests in practical areas of life. Jesus, as our wisdom, guides us in being better friends, parents, communicators, workers, and stewards of wealth. Let us commit to walking in the way of wisdom, acknowledging Jesus in all aspects of our lives, and allowing His love to guide us.
Key Takeaways:
- Wisdom as Life Skills: Wisdom is not just knowledge but the skill to live a successful life. It involves practical skills for building relationships, managing resources, and communicating effectively. This understanding helps us approach life with a focus on practical application rather than mere theoretical knowledge. [00:55]
- Proverbs as Observations, Not Promises: The book of Proverbs offers insights into the normal patterns of life, not guarantees. Recognizing this distinction prevents misinterpretation and helps us apply these insights wisely, understanding that they describe general truths rather than absolute outcomes. [03:32]
- The Relationship Assumed in Proverbs: Proverbs is framed as a father speaking to his son, symbolizing God's relationship with us. This perspective transforms the book from a set of moral instructions to a loving guide from our Heavenly Father, encouraging us to walk in wisdom as His children. [06:44]
- Jesus as the Embodiment of Wisdom: In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the wisdom of God. Following wisdom is synonymous with following Jesus, making Proverbs a guide for discipleship. This connection emphasizes that true wisdom is found in a relationship with Christ. [09:32]
- The Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom: The fear of the Lord is foundational for wisdom, strength, and life. It is not about fear of punishment but a deep reverence and love for God, birthed at the cross where we encounter His forgiveness and grace. This fear leads us to a life of discipleship and blessing. [27:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Wisdom for Life
- [00:40] - Definition of Wisdom
- [01:38] - Wisdom in the Bible
- [02:46] - Understanding Proverbs
- [03:32] - Proverbs as Observations
- [05:58] - Relationship in Proverbs
- [08:25] - Proverbs Point to Jesus
- [10:47] - Wisdom in Everyday Life
- [12:14] - Wisdom as a Person
- [13:39] - Wisdom for Disciples
- [15:03] - Motivation for the Journey
- [16:41] - Blessings of Wisdom
- [26:41] - Beginning of Wisdom
- [27:14] - Fear of the Lord
- [32:50] - Definition of Fear of the Lord
- [36:36] - Practical Wisdom in Life
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Proverbs 9:10
- Proverbs 3:13-18
- 1 Corinthians 1:24
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Proverbs 9:10, what is described as the beginning of wisdom? How does this concept relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the fear of the Lord? [27:14]
2. In Proverbs 3:13-18, what are some of the benefits of finding wisdom? How do these benefits align with the sermon’s discussion on the blessings of wisdom? [18:42]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between wisdom and Jesus, particularly in light of 1 Corinthians 1:24? [09:32]
4. What is the significance of understanding Proverbs as observations rather than promises, as highlighted in the sermon? [03:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom challenge or affirm your understanding of wisdom? What implications does this have for a believer’s life? [27:14]
2. The sermon mentions that wisdom is not just knowledge but involves life skills. How does this understanding of wisdom influence the way one might approach decision-making in daily life? [00:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that following wisdom is synonymous with following Jesus? How does this perspective shape the way one might read and apply the book of Proverbs? [09:32]
4. How does the sermon’s explanation of Proverbs as observations rather than promises affect the way one might interpret and apply these sayings in real-life situations? [03:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the fear of the Lord. How might this understanding influence your approach to wisdom and decision-making in your life? [27:14]
2. Consider the areas of friendship, family, speech, work, and wealth mentioned in the sermon. Which area do you feel most challenged to apply wisdom, and what practical steps can you take to grow in that area? [00:25]
3. The sermon emphasizes that wisdom is a skill for living a successful life. Identify a specific life skill you want to develop this year. What resources or actions will you pursue to cultivate this skill? [00:55]
4. How can you actively seek to hear and follow the voice of wisdom, as described in the sermon, in your daily routines and decisions? [10:47]
5. Reflect on the idea that wisdom is more valuable than material wealth. How does this perspective challenge your current priorities, and what changes might you consider making? [18:10]
6. The sermon suggests that wisdom leads to blessings in this life and the life to come. How can you intentionally pursue wisdom in a way that aligns with this promise? [16:56]
7. In what ways can you acknowledge Jesus in all aspects of your life, as encouraged in the sermon, and how might this acknowledgment impact your journey of discipleship? [38:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom as Practical Life Skills
Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is the practical skill needed to live a successful and fulfilling life. This understanding of wisdom emphasizes the importance of applying knowledge to real-life situations, such as building relationships, managing resources, and communicating effectively. The book of Proverbs offers a wealth of guidance on these topics, encouraging us to focus on practical application rather than mere theoretical understanding. By approaching life with this mindset, we can navigate its complexities with greater ease and purpose. [00:55]
"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." (Hosea 14:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can apply wisdom practically today. How can you take a step towards improving this area with the skills you have?
Day 2: Proverbs as Observations, Not Promises
The book of Proverbs provides insights into the normal patterns of life, but it is crucial to understand that these are not guarantees. Proverbs offers general truths rather than absolute outcomes, helping us to navigate life with wisdom and discernment. For example, while good parenting often leads to godly children, it is not a guaranteed result. Recognizing this distinction prevents misinterpretation and allows us to apply these insights wisely, understanding that they describe how life generally unfolds. [03:32]
"Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you expected a specific outcome based on your actions. How can you adjust your expectations to align with the understanding that life’s outcomes are not always guaranteed?
Day 3: The Relationship Assumed in Proverbs
Proverbs is framed as a father speaking to his son, symbolizing God's relationship with us. This perspective transforms the book from a set of moral instructions to a loving guide from our Heavenly Father, encouraging us to walk in wisdom as His children. By viewing Proverbs through this lens, we can better appreciate the relational aspect of wisdom, which is rooted in love and guidance from God. This relationship invites us to trust in His wisdom and follow His path for our lives. [06:44]
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God as your Heavenly Father. How can you embrace His guidance and wisdom in your daily life, especially in areas where you feel uncertain?
Day 4: Jesus as the Embodiment of Wisdom
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the wisdom of God. Following wisdom is synonymous with following Jesus, making Proverbs a guide for discipleship. This connection emphasizes that true wisdom is found in a relationship with Christ, who embodies the principles of wisdom in His life and teachings. By aligning our lives with Jesus, we can grow in wisdom and become better friends, parents, communicators, workers, and stewards of wealth. [09:32]
"And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how you can follow Jesus more closely in your daily life. What specific actions can you take to embody His wisdom in your interactions with others?
Day 5: The Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is foundational for wisdom, strength, and life. It is not about fear of punishment but a deep reverence and love for God, birthed at the cross where we encounter His forgiveness and grace. This fear leads us to a life of discipleship and blessing, as we acknowledge God's sovereignty and seek to align our lives with His will. By cultivating this reverence, we can grow in wisdom and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [27:14]
"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 and love for God in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to remind yourself of His presence and guidance?
Quotes
Wisdom is essentially the skills that you need for putting together life we sometimes might refer to it this way, life skills. That's what this book is really all about and so we're going to be talking very practically from the bible about the skills that are involved in putting together good and lasting friendships in raising children in managing money in learning to speak in a way that builds other people up and what it takes to be effective in your work. [00:01:02]
The book of proverbs gets its name from the fact that it is a collection of wise sayings or proverbs and these proverbs describe the normal pattern that prevails in this world. That's what they do they describe the normal pattern that prevails in this world so the proverbs are not promises and that is a very important distinction to make they're observations about the normal pattern in this world. [00:03:00]
The proverbs are proverbs they describe the normal pattern that prevails in this world that's the first thing second observation the proverbs assume a relationship if you look back at chapter two in verse one for example notice these words my son if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments uh with you and so forth and so on or chapter three and verse one the same pattern my son do not forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commandments. [00:05:52]
What we have as we hear again and again my son my son my son listen to my teaching what we should hear in this scripture is god himself speaking to his own children a relationship is assumed here is god our loving heavenly father and he's calling us his children in jesus christ redeemed children to walk in the path and in the way of wisdom. [00:07:54]
Our lord jesus christ is described for us repeatedly as the wisdom of god christ jesus became for us wisdom from god in christ jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge we preach christ crucified and to those who are called christ is the power of god and he is the wisdom of god. [00:09:29]
Wisdom as the bible describes it is for disciples only in fact walking the way of wisdom is actually another way of describing what the new testament would say is a life of discipleship it's following jesus who is wisdom in the flesh so to walk in the way of wisdom is to be a disciple of jesus christ. [00:13:36]
The bible makes it very clear that the path of following jesus or as we've seen the path of following following in the way of wisdom same thing that the path of following jesus is often costly the lord jesus himself tells us quite clearly that the gate is narrow the way is hard and there are only a few people who find it. [00:15:23]
The book of proverbs makes very wonderfully clear that there is another truth that we also need to grasp and it's this that those who walk the path of wisdom will be blessed in this life as well as in the life to come and you find this again and again in the teaching of our lord jesus christ. [00:16:47]
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom chapter 3 verse 15 and the one who gets understanding why for the gain the gain from her is better than gold the gain from silver and the profit from her is better than the profit from gold she is more precious than jewels better than diamonds and nothing you desire can compare with her. [00:17:48]
The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom a very important statement that is repeated several times in the scriptures now i wonder what your reaction to the phrase the fear of the lord is and i'm very aware that for some of us your first reaction might very understandably be i don't want anything to do with fear. [00:27:08]
To fear the lord is so to love him that his frown would be your greatest dread and to smile your greatest delight that's what the fear of the lord is it's what captivates the heart of someone who's really come to love the lord that as in a human relationship you would tremble to hurt someone you loved more than you could ever put into words. [00:32:50]
The fear of the lord that is the beginning of wisdom it is birthed at the cross when as a forgiven sinner you come knowing the grace and mercy that is yours in the lord jesus christ and you say how could i ever resist a love like this and i hope that is how we will all be coming around the lord's table in this first weekend of the year. [00:36:00]
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