The Gift of Wisdom - Proverbs 2:1-15

by David Woods

As we begin this lesson, I would like for us to define what wisdom is. Maybe we could best do that by asking a couple of questions:

Discussion: Who are or were some of the wisest people you have known? What made them so wise?

When discussing what wisdom is, often people will point to those who are very perceptive or smart. But there is a difference between secular wisdom and biblical or Godly wisdom.

As the comments for verse ten of our lesson text state: "Head knowledge is not enough. Heart wisdom and understanding fulfills the work of holiness within the believer." (p. 7)

The writer of the "Doctrinal Discussion" comments:

Solomon's wisdom is not only an understanding enlightened by the Spirit of God; it is also the ability to implement the will of God in the situations of life… God has the skill we need to apply His truth to every situation of life… The primary dynamic of applying wisdom to our lives, however, will flow from our relationship with Him. It is not enough to know about God - we must know God. (pp. 8-9)

The writer of "Working With the Word!" states:

Wisdom in Proverbs may be regarded not as a mere personification of the attribute of wisdom, but as a divine person - "Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God"… When you see things through the eyes of God, have an inward inclination to do what you have perceived, and then carry this into practice, you can say that you are exercising true wisdom. Thus, to carefully exercise godly wisdom is to pattern our lives after that of Jesus Christ who is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God."

As you can see, there is a very close connection between godly wisdom and entire sanctification for if wisdom includes an inner inclination to live as God would have us live, a person whose nature is corrupted with an inclination to live for self as well as an inclination to serve God could not truly function as God would have him or her to do.

I like to call the book of James "The Holiness Handbook". James teaches that trials develop Christian maturity, but if we are lacking we should seek wisdom from God. The lack of faith for wisdom reveals a double-minded person.

James's description of the tongue is a powerful illustration of the destructiveness of the carnal nature. Furthermore, James' contrast of earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom are a fitting description of a life run by the carnal nature as opposed to being run by the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, I would like to suggest that:

Big Idea: Wisdom is living life from God's perspective.

In stating this thesis, I am making at least three assumptions. First, in order to live life from God's perspective, one must first know God's perspective on life. Secondly, in order to live this life, one must be able to live this life (and truly have this power one must be entirely sanctified). Thirdly, the person will live life from God's perspective. In other words, if you do not practice wisdom, you are not truly wise.

With those assumptions in place, I would like us to now look at what our text teaches us about wisdom. If we desire to live life from God's perspective:

1. We should engage in a passionate search for wisdom, vv. 1-5.

Discussion: In a practical sense, how does one "hide" God's commandments within them?

Discussion: The word "apply" in verse two means to "stretch." What does it mean to stretch one's heart to understanding?

Discussion: What is your motivation for having a daily time of reading God's Word and praying? Do you regard this time as merely a habit or something that is expected of Christians? How might your daily devotional times be changed if you were to "[cry] after knowledge, and [lift] up thy voice for understanding?"

2. We can expect a philanthropic Source of wisdom, vv. 6-9.

Verse six says the LORD "giveth" or "bestows" or "designates" wisdom to the one who passionately searches for wisdom. The verb in verse seven "layeth up" is talking about storing up treasure.

Discussion: When you think of God storing treasures of wisdom for you, what does that mean, practically?

God is a "buckler" or shield to those who walk uprightly. Both verbs in verse eight are referring to God guarding the way of righteousness, which the saints follow.

Discussion: The Bible teaches in various places that God watches over and protects His people. Is there a further implication in the connection here between the person who passionately seeks God's wisdom and God's protection? If so, what is that implication?

I have heard Christians numerous times speaking of relatives or friends whose sinful living has entangled them in the web of sin. These Christians will say, "I just don't know what to say to them about their predicament." Often, such a person will just offer a generic encouragement to the unbeliever to seek God. I do not wish to be pretentious nor do I desire to over-simplify the problems caused by sin. However,

Discussion: In light of verse nine, should not the Christian be able to give specific instructions to the unbeliever who is trapped in sin's web?

Discussion: If the Christian can give specific instructions to unbeliever, why do Christians often fail to give those instructions?

3. We will experience the protective service of wisdom, vv. 10-15.

Discussion: What are some of the ways wisdom has protected you from evil?

Discussion: Does the Christian have an excuse for falling into sin?