God's Exquisite Garden

WISDOM

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The word wisdom means knowing what is true or right coupled with just judgment; discernment. A second definition is scholarly knowledge or learning; insight. Another definition is precepts, wise sayings or teachings.

We read in James 1:5," If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask it of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

For many people, when they hear the word wisdom, they think of the example of King Solomon. There are other examples, but he comes to mind, King Solomon prayed for wisdom. He wanted an understanding mind to rule well. The Lord granted him riches and a long life as well as wisdom.

We see his wisdom in the decision he made when two women came before him, each claiming to be the mother of the living child they brought. One child had died. After listening to him he said,"Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother."

" And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. "
I Kings 3:27-28


The beginning of wisdom starts when we ask God. We need the wisdom to know how to make life's hard decisions and the inner strength to follow through. Proverbs 2:6," For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.. "


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Our ability to act with wisdom is our implementation of knowledge to daily life. True wisdom will come from applying the Word of God. We read in Proverbs 1:7," The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. "

With the information age, wisdom is scarce, but knowledge is abundant. The fear of the Lord is the base of knowledge. The principal " wisdom " comes from experience. When we evolve into wiser individuals we are inclined to be more like Christ Jesus. As Jesus, we're able to grow in wisdom while we walk with God.

Psalm 119: 97," Oh, how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. "

Wisdom can easily be compared to a compass. When we are hiking, we use a compass to aid us in finding the right path. It can also be compared to a map, to help us make certain we are going in the right direction.

Proverbs 3: 5-6," Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. "

We are to ask God for wisdom to guide us in making our choices. Christians do not need to fumble around, with the hope of staggering onto the answers. James 3:17," But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. "

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:1-6(NKJV)

I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
Psalm 119:15(NKJV)

God will grant us wisdom, but we are not able to receive it if our ambitions are self-centered and not centered on God. Our wisdom will begin with respect for the Lord God. This will lead us to live fitting lives in His service. An individual's salvation cannot stand in any human knowledge or wisdom of men.

We see in the Scriptures there is a definite contrast drawn between intelligence and wisdom. If a person takes the Word of God and applies it to one's daily life, that person will be known as wise . Many a knowledgeable person will make wrong moral choices.

In this world, you will see many different values that compete with the Bible. Many situations may originate from the world, but we need Biblical wisdom to make right choices. With Biblical wisdom, we will lead productive lives in the Lord's service. To attain this wisdom we must ask God for it. Children should be brought up looking for the wisdom only obtained from God. This will solve many disciplinary situations.

We read of the boyhood of Jesus in Luke 2:40," And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. "

This wisdom will guide us in all aspects of our lives, if we live for God. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 1: 2-3 , 7" ...To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment and equity; ... The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

We are told in II Peter 3:18," ...but grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS
(1) What is wisdom?
(2) If we are to become wise, what do we need to do?
(3) Where is wisdom found?
(4) Why do people so frequently ask what they need to do?

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Copyright 2007 Linda Lawrence

Lessons in this Series

About The Author

Print Version of All Lessons


Lesson 1
Attitude


Lesson 2
The Mind of Christ


Lesson 3
Imitate Christ


Lesson 4
Communication


Lesson 5
Taming the Tongue


Lesson 6
Our Legacy


Lesson 7
Compassion


Lesson 8
Confidence


Lesson 9
Courage


Lesson 10
Gossip


Lesson 11
Honesty


Lesson 12
Profanity


Lesson 13
Improper Language

. .

Lesson 14
Faith


Lesson 15
Encouragement


Lesson 16
Humility


Lesson 17
Assurance


Lesson 18
Perseverance


Lesson 19
Strength to
Endure Suffering


Lesson 20
Grieve Not
The Spirit


Lesson 21
Understanding


Lesson 22
Knowledge


Lesson 23
Wisdom


Lesson 24
Purity in Heart


Lesson 25
Trust


Lesson 26
Obedience

. .

Lesson 27
Happiness


Lesson 28
Contentment


Lesson 29
Optimism


Lesson 30
Inner Peace


Lesson 31
Self-Control


Lesson 32
Our Example


Lesson 33
Patience


Lesson 34
Concern


Lesson 35
Testing Of Our Faith


Lesson 36
Mercy


Lesson 37
Grace


Lesson 38
Problems Concerning
Failure


Lesson 39
Practical Results

. .

Lesson 40
Good Works


Lesson 41
Women Teachers
in Bible Times


Lesson 42
Women Teachers
Today


Lesson 43
Having
Good Friends


Lesson 44
Choosing a Husband


Lesson 45
Choosing a Wife


Lesson 46
The Exemplary Daughter
Part 1


Lesson 47
The Exemplary Daughter
Part 2


Lesson 48
The Ideal Mother
Part 1


Lesson 49
The Ideal Mother
Part 2


Lesson 50
The Home As God
Would Have It
Part 1


Lesson 51
The Home As God
Would Have It
Part 2


Lesson 52
Impurity,
. .

Lesson 53
Marriage As God
Would Have It
Part 1


Lesson 54
Marriage As God
Would Have It
Part 2


Lesson 55
The Virtuous Woman
Part 1


Lesson 56
The Virtuous Woman
Part 2


Lesson 57
The Virtuous Woman
Part 3


Lesson 58
Love


Lesson 59
Morality


Lesson 60
Pride & Haughtiness


Lesson 61
Kindness


Lesson 62
Respect


Lesson 63
Modesty


Lesson 64
Lying


Lesson 65
Lewdness

. .

Lesson 66
Incomprehensible
God


Lesson 67
Unsearchable
Riches


Lesson 68
Infinite God


Lesson 69
Holiness of God


Lesson 70
Righteousness
of God


Lesson 71
Attendance


Lesson 72
Omnipresence
of God


Lesson 73
Omniscience
of God

. .












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