Nature of Wisdom: Proverbs Intro
Speakers: Pastor Pierre and Anaji
Read: Proverbs 1: 1-7, Proverbs 1: 32-33. Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 9:1, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 119: 89-96, Colossians 3:16, Mathew 7:24
The book of Proverbs was written over the course of many centuries by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings.) King Solomon asked God for wisdom and was granted it and prospered greatly. However, although he was wise, he disobeyed God which eventually lead to his downfall. Proverbs includes many of his teachings on wisdom, instruction for how to apply wisdom to our every day lives and discernment (how to distinguish right from wrong.) Topics found in proverbs include but are not limited to relationships, wealth, success, justice, child rearing, debt, alcohol, character, business, etc. The book of proverbs reminds us that without wisdom there is nothing to gain.
Thanks to technology, today we live in a world overflowing with knowledge. However, knowledge is not necessarily wisdom. True wisdom comes from God and without seeking God for wisdom, we can be knowledgable and foolish. The book of Proverbs explains that wisdom is both moral instruction or cause and effect that cannot be broken. It also explains that wisdom is an attribute of God. Wisdom keeps us in harmony with the principles of God. There are seven pillars of wisdom:
Fear of the Lord
Instruction
Knowledge
Understanding
Discrection
Counsel
Reproof
Discussion Questions:
1. Where or who do you typically look too for wisdom?
2. Which areas in your life are you in need of wisdom?
3. It was said that knowledge doesn’t always equate to wisdom. What do you think about this? Do you have an example from your own life?
4. Which part of the sermon challenged you?
5. It was said that the fear of the lord is about relationship more that repercussions. What do you think about this?
6. It was said that the fear of the lord is to hate evil which was defined as twisted truth, pride and arrogance. Is this definition helpful for you? Why or why not?
