CENTRAL THOUGHT
Wisdom is of more value than Gold, Silver or anything money can buy.
| HYMN: Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah. |
TEXT: PROVERBS 3:13-18; 8:6-36.
INTRODUCTION:
In our world today; anyone who demonstrates wisdom in any sphere of life usually receives fame and recognition. All scientific and sociological developments in the world are said to be a manifestation of wisdom. Hence the world spends enormous resources in search of wisdom which, they say are needed in politics, education, families and in every area of human endeavor. Sadly, the wisdom that is promoted by the world is earthly, sensual, and devilish as they glorify self and man. Because people seek for wisdom through the occult, “prayer houses”, books written by unholy writers and such activities that are devoid of the presence of God, they do not find true wisdom whose source is God.
The scriptures teach that the value of wisdom is far above that of precious metals any anything money can buy, (Prov.3:13-15). Above all, true wisdom comes only from God. (James 1:5). In our text for this study, wisdom is personified and is presented as a person speaking. Wisdom is the greatest; speaks plain truth and deserves to be heard. The characteristics and activities of this wisdom is similar to those of the Holy Spirit. Let us seek wisdom and hold on to her and all other things will find their proper place.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To know wisdom personified.
- To know the value of wisdom.
- To know the message of wisdom.
- To know the gifts of wisdom.
- To know the relationship between wisdom and the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. HOW IS WISDOM DESCRIBED IN THE TEXT?
Wisdom is introduced here as being very precious. Its price is measureless and the man who finds it is full of joy and happiness. This is the type of happiness or joy that comes after a long and fruitful search and effort in trying to get something.
A lot of effort is required in finding wisdom. Job describes the search for wisdom as being more difficult than digging for gold and stones in deep, dark mines. The price of this wisdom cannot be compared to any precious metals such as gold, silver, onyx, or sapphire or such substances like coral, pearls, rubies or topaz, (Job 28:12-19).
Wisdom has it’s source in God and not in mere strenuous mental effort. In James 1:5, we are enjoined to ask for wisdom from God who gives generously. God’s wisdom is not earthly, sensual or devilish. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, easy to please, ready to do good to others, always fair and honest, (Jam.3:13-18). Solomon, when he became King asked for this wisdom so that he would rule the people of God right. God in response did not only give him wisdom but riches and honor as well, (1 Kings 3:3-18). What then is wisdom?
Job describes God’s wisdom, “Behold , the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom: and depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). Wisdom brings to the possessor qualities and value beyond material wealth.
The scriptures makes us to understand that Jesus grew in wisdom and statue and in favor with God and man Luke 2:52. In similar manner we must learn to grow in wisdom as we mature as Christians.
Q2. WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WISDOM?
In the times of old, wisdom was said to be expressed in prudent skill and management that lead to success in business. Wisdom is said to bring long life, a large family, abundant wealth and honor among one’s fellows. Wisdom is seen as the provider of all good things of life and therefore more valuable than any single blessing. It is therefore not surprising that Solomon asked for wisdom from God rather than any other thing such as power, riches and fame. Here wisdom is personified as the giver of all blessings.
In the New Testament, we are introduced to the wisdom of God, (Jam.1:5). This wisdom leads in a course of conduct or ways that are very different from the violent, quarrelsome conducts of the wicked, (Prov.10:6). It is not sensual, selfish, or devilish. Rather, as stated earlier, this wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, easy to please, ready to do good to others, always fair and honest, (Jam.3:13-18). Peace marks the way of he that finds this wisdom and will find peace at the end of the journey that wealth cannot buy.
When God created man, He placed him the garden of Eden, and situated in that garden was the tree of life that was capable of giving man knowledge of good and evil, (Gen.2:9). After the fall of man, God took steps to prevent man from reaching and touching this tree, (Gen.3:22-24). Thus, sin caused man to be denied access to this tree that is able to give wisdom and knowledge. However, we now have access to this wisdom in Christ. “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”, (1 Cor.1:24). Thus, in Christ we are restored to that glory God has for us. And in heaven we will have again access to this tree of life, (Rev.22:2, 14). Thus man regains, through wisdom, that which he lost through sin.
Q3. WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF THIS WISDOM?. PROV.8:5-9.
Wisdom has a message which all people on earth must hear. “O ye simple understand wisdom; and ye fools, be ye of understanding heart, hear, for I will speak…” (vs.5-6a). We must be willing to receive this message of wisdom. This message is received by listening and praying and giving attention to written and spoken words. The message deals truthfully with all spiritual, practical, and moral matter. Wisdom gives an open invitation to all who may listen. So Christ, the Wisdom of God says “I am the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me”, (John 14:6).
This wisdom will only speak truth, excellent things, she will open up her mouth to utter right things, as the words of her mouth are in righteousness. It follows straight lines; no twisting, wavering, wandering, and changing of direction as these are characteristics of the folly and wicked. Wisdom will not utter any immoral speech or sow seed of discord. A willing listener finds nothing difficult in understanding the utterances of wisdom.
Q4. HOW SHOULD WE RECEIVE WISDOM? VS. 10-13.
In this passage we are encouraged to take hold of what is offered. We are also to retain it, Prov.3:18. It is like the response of those who believed Peter’s preaching on the great day of Pentecost. “They that gladly received his word were baptized”, Acts 2:14. Thus we must allow wisdom to generate a response in our heart, thereby affecting us for good. Receiving wisdom is a choice which only we can make. But we must remember that we have to prefer it above all material wealth for it will bring benefits that wealth cannot buy. Wisdom if carefully applied will provide material blessings as bonus just as Solomon had, 1 Kings 3:12-14.
Knowledge is more than accumulation of information. It has to be part of us. Instruction and knowledge are two elements that formed wisdom. Verse 11 seems to be a repetition of Prov.3:15. However, wisdom is declared to be superior to any desirable worldly thing. There is no comparison to its superiority. We must like Paul make a definite choice to value wisdom more than all traditional legal and educational values. He counted everything else as a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, (Phil.3:7-9).
Q5. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WISDOM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT? PROV. 8:12-36.
In the above passage wisdom is personified with characteristic of living being. Wisdom hates evil, such as pride, arrogancy and forward mouth, (vs 13). The Holy Spirit is gentle and referred to as the Spirit of Truth, ( John 15:26).
One of the activities of the Holy Spirit is to guide and counsel believers into all truth, (John 16:13; Isa.11:2).
Wisdom has feelings and responds to love, (vs 17) so also is the Holy Spirit who can be grieved by sin (Eph.4:30). Wisdom was possessed by God in the beginning, (vs.23). The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, (Gen.1:2). This verse also indicates that the Holy Spirit was present at creation which is also the description of wisdom in vs. 24-30.
The above passage of scripture reveals that wisdom is eternal (vs.23). Heb.9:14 refers to the Holy Spirit as the eternal Spirit. Wisdom is also described as the source of life, (vs.35). The Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of life, (Rom.8:2). Wisdom can be sinned against and such a person wrongs his soul. This is also the description of the Holy Spirit, “But they rebelled, and vexed His
Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy,..”(Isa.63:10). Finally one of the titles of the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of wisdom, (Isa.11:2).
Thus, there is a close relationship between the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Wisdom is an attribute of the Holy Spirit and wisdom personified is the Holy Spirit.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
Wisdom is defined as the fear of God and understanding is to depart from iniquity. There is strong relationship between wisdom and the Godhead. Consequently, one who is filled with the Holy Spirit possesses this wisdom. We need this wisdom to live a victorious Christian life. Every believer should be yielded to wisdom, receive guidance/ direction for daily living from Him. Wisdom is the principal thing in life. All creation should seek and yearn wisdom.
MEMORY VERSE:
PROVERBS 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: but fools despise wisdom and instruction”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
Monday: She is the greatest. Prov.3:13-15.
Tuesday: She bestows gifts. Prov.3:16-18.
Wednesday: She speaks plain truth. Prov.8: 6-14; Jam.3:13-18.
Thursday: She deserves to be heard. Prov.8:10-11.
Friday: She was with God at creation. Proverbs 8:24-30
Saturday: She is one and the same with the Holy Spirit. Gen.2:9; Isa.11:2.