Wisdom From God

Wisdom from God

Proverbs 2:1-11

(August 19, 2001)

Introduction

Jack was a big man who always seemed to have a smile on his face. In fact, joy and happiness seemed to bubble in his life. His happiness was so genuine that others discovered that joy and happiness increased in their lives when they were around him.

But, why shouldn’t he be happy? He had a good family. He had a lovely wife and two college-age daughters. He had a large home in the country. He was active in his church. He was the vice-president of a large defense-oriented company and it paid him a six-figure salary. He seemed to have it made.

One day, without warning, he was called into the boss’ office and fired. He was devastated. He had invested his life in the company. He had worked his

tail off. He had helped the company grow and now, they were letting him go.

Financially, he was set for life. But he was devastated that his company would let him go in the prime of life. For weeks he was lost and didn’t know what to do.

His self-confidence was replaced with frustration. His friendly attitude changed to one of bitterness. The anger and emptiness he felt even made him consider suicide.

After weeks of feeling helpless and not knowing what to do, Jack began to

take an inventory of his life. His wife, who had been his high-school sweetheart, still loved him. His children were in college and their grades were excellent. He was still a respected member of the community. His only real problem had been that he had allowed the anger and bitterness and

rejection to wage a war within his soul.

Once he stopped dwelling on what was wrong in his life and started looking at what was right, once he understood that his only real problem centered on the way he looked at himself, once he stopped waging war within himself, Jack was wise enough to realize that he was on his way to living an

effective life.

And what is the secret of effective living?

The writer of Proverbs paints a beautiful panoramic view of wisdom being the secret of effective living. Wisdom is depicted an essential characteristic for every man or woman if they are going to experience any

joy in living. The writer of Proverbs expressed this very clearly when he

wrote:

Happy is the man who listens to me (wisdom) watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.(Proverbs 8:34-35)

This tantalizing glimpse at wisdom is clearly portrayed as an appeal for men

and women to discover her secrets. Wisdom offers a high reward to those who

follow her way and the reward is not just in money and wealth. The reward of

wisdom is the secret of effective living.

It’s been said that “nobody likes a wise guy.” And I suppose that’s true.

But being a wise man or woman and being a wise guy are two very different things. Wisdom is to be valued, and it is, whether it is in business, spiritual life, or whatever context it is necessary.

Wisdom is valuable not only for the sake of making smart decisions, but also for making the most of life in general. We will look at one important aspect of that later, but I think you will find very few people who discount wisdom.

I’d like to point out a couple definitions of wisdom that are printed in your bulletin.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary defines wisdom this way: “to be wise is to be skilled in godly living.”

And J.I. Packer, in his book, Knowing God, says this about wisdom: Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.

Let’s turn to today’s Scripture passage, Proverbs 2:1-11. If you are using the Bibles in the seats, you can find our passage on page 450.

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path.