In this new series of Wisdom, Pastor Bruce takes us through a thought provoking journey of getting wisdom and how we can use it to navigate our daily lives.
The truth is we all need wisdom. We need wisdom in every sphere of our lives - whether it be to navigate this world or just going through daily challenges - we need wisdom for today.
Imagine if everyone had a say in your life, if everyone was constantly in your ear interrupting you, what would that be like? What would it sound like if your life was regulated by all the people in it, social media and the media? You would not be able to hear anything, you would not be able to process anything and you would not be able to hear God.
That is what happens when our lives are dictated by public opinion. We lose focus on what's important and miss the voice and instruction of God because we are focused on what the world is saying. So in order to not be trapped by what’s going on around us, we need wisdom. We need wisdom to discern what to take in and keep out.
Hebrews 12 verse 1 tells us to run our race with endurance and focus on Jesus. However, we can only do this if we have wisdom. If we are focused on all the noise around us then we won’t be able to endure the race.
As human beings, sometimes we worry about the wrong things and impose our own insecurities on ourselves, but if we focus on God and choose wisdom then life will be easy to navigate.
Proverbs 2 and 4 teach us the importance of wisdom in our lives. Wisdom helps us make correct decisions. As scripture says, we need to GET WISDOM and hold on to instruction.
With knowledge being so easy to access these days, It's not only about gaining understanding and knowledge but it's about gaining understanding and knowledge of the fear of God and being scared to live without Him. That is the difference between the world’s definition of wisdom and scripture’s definition of wisdom.
The book of Proverbs tells us that the beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom because outside of God, all wisdom is just knowledge.
So what does it mean to have wisdom for today:
- Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. It means having discipline, discernment and discretion.
- Wisdom is generational, it is passed down through legacy, and passed forward generously. It will build you, encourage you, direct you, counsel you, correct you and humble you. It serves you.
Wisdom can be divided into two: Wisdom in Thought and Wisdom in Action.
WISDOM IN THOUGHT
- Through Understanding
o Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known.
- Through Discerning
o Proverbs 14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
- Through Reflecting
o Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
o Proverbs 15:31
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
WISDOM IN ACTION
- Through Discretion
o Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
o Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
o Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
- Through Humility
o Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom
o Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
- Through Forgiveness
o Proverbs 19:11
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
Scripture says that the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all. So, the question is, are you seeking wisdom?
