Memory Verse: … “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding... Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV).
Text: Proverbs 3:13-35.
Spiritual Emphasis: The subject of wisdom is a theme that is woven throughout the fabric of the Scripture. Wisdom is found from the pages of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and everywhere in between. Wisdom is essential to God, and the Bible tells us wisdom is the principal thing, and we should get wisdom. Wisdom is not merely knowledge or intelligence, but the ability to discern God’s will and apply it to life, characterized by fear of the Lord, humility, and righteous living. In this series, we will look at wisdom, and how to get godly wisdom.
Growing In Godly Wisdom
- Handling feedback: When we are criticized, there is no point in replying to those who are merely mocking us. If we do, they will hate us even more. But is it worth replying to the “wise”. Our response to criticism should never be to “insult”, “abuse”, “hate” or try and justify ourselves. Rather, we must learn from it in order to become “wise” and to ‘add to our learning’- Prov. 9:1-12.
- Responding to suffering: One question that burns in our heart most times is “why does God allows suffering?” or “was their suffering the result of their sin?” Jesus showed extraordinary wisdom in His response. Yes, so much suffering in the world is caused by human sin, and we are all guilty. Yet Jesus makes it clear that there is no automatic link between sin and suffering. Jesus also made it clear that natural disasters are not necessary a form of punishment from God. It is appropriate for us all to examine our hearts when we are suffering, and be careful about making judgement about why others are suffering. Jesus is more interested in our response to suffering, not so much on the philosophical explanations for suffering –Luke 13:1-5.
Question(s): What should our response be as Christians in the midst of suffering and challenges?
Conclusion:
Wisdom is a choice, one that begins with the decision to trust Christ as Savior and increases as we follow the teachings of God’s Word. If we want to be wise, we must have a passion for the Lord’s guidance because there are many ideas, people, and situations that will tempt us to ignore scriptural principles.
Shalom!
Self-Study: Colossians 4:5-6; Prov. 28:26; Eph. 5:15-21; Prov. 2:10; Prov. 4:7; Prov. 2:1-9; Eph. 4:17; Prov. 3:5-7; 2 Tim. 3:15’ Prov. 3:5-6.
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