The Wisdom of God

Proverbs 1:1-7
     The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
     To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
     To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
     To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
     A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
     To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
     The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

There are two kinds of wisdom in the world. There is wisdom that comes from studying the works and knowledge of man; and there is wisdom that comes from a knowledge of God and His Word. To gain the wisdom of God, His Word declares that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. This does not mean to be afraid of God. Fear of the Lord is having AWE or RESPECT for God. It is having LOVE for God. It means elevating God above man (yourself). Putting God first. Having love, respect, and awe for God is the first step in gaining the wisdom of God.

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

The wisdom of the world, man's wisdom, is self-centered and denies God. It elevates man rather than God. The Word of God also tells us about this wisdom.

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [the Word of God] is wise.

Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Romans 1:22
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

I Corinthians 3:20
And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise [worldly wisdom], that they are vain.

The wisdom of God elevates God. The wisdom of the world elevates man. To receive the wisdom of God, you must put God first and seek His wisdom by studying His Word. The wisdom of God is valuable. We must learn to value His Word and the knowledge & wisdom that comes from His Word. Proverbs also tells us of the value of the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 2:1-6
     My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
     So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
     Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
     If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
     THEN shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

We need to go on a treasure hunt for the wisdom of God in His Word. We need to value it as we would silver or hid treasures. Then we will understand how to love, respect, and have awe for God.

Proverbs 3:13
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Do you want to be happy? Find the wisdom of God and get an understanding of His Word and you will be happy.

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

How valuable is the wisdom of God? It is the most important, the principal, thing!

Proverbs 16:16
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

The wisdom of God is more valuable than gold! If you had a choice between a pile of silver and the wisdom that comes from the Word of God which would you honestly choose? The Word of God declares that the wisdom of God is a better choice than gold or silver! How much do we really value God's Word. When you have an opportunity to learn the Word or choose an activity that might gain you wealth which do you choose? Which do you value the most? God declares that the wisdom of His Word is the more valuable.

Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

When the Word of God is spoken, taught, and displayed in your home; when you are wise because of your love for God and His Word, your home becomes a place where others can find treasure! The treasure of the wisdom of God. Oil represents the presence of God. Others find the presence of God and the treasure of His Word when they visit our homes.

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

What is the value of God's Word? Well, if God is your stock broker, here is His stock report: Buy truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Hold these stocks. Do NOT sell! The gains will be beyond your greatest expectation!

Proverbs 24:13-14
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

The wisdom of God is sweet as honey! When you find it you have a reward! It is valuable! You will not be disappointed in your expectations.

Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

How valuable is the wisdom of God's Word? It is better than silver, gold or rubies! ALL THINGS THAT MAY BE DESIRED ARE NOT TO BE COMPARED TO IT!

June, 1998 URL http://www.cortright.org/godwise.htm Michael Cortright