The Lord Giveth Wisdom

Background Scripture: Proverbs 1-2
Lesson Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-9; 2:1-9

Introduction

Wisdom and understanding are precious commodities in our day. Is God’s treasure house of wisdom running low on supplies? “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Clearly, it is not God’s fault. Are there Christians who do not want wisdom? Do we surrender our hearts and minds to our omniscient God, or do we reserve a zone for selfish thoughts and desires?

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding” (Isa. 40:28). Why would any of God’s children lack wisdom? The wisdom of God is boundless, his understanding is so deep, and its depths will never be fully searched out! This tremendous resource is always available for those who humbly ask for his counsel and direction.

Key Verse

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 (Ps. 111:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Solomon was a very young man when he was anointed king of Israel at the command of David his father. He may have been around twenty years of age when he was given the throne of his father’s kingdom. What a tremendous responsibility for such a young man! Solomon felt the weight of this kingship and took it willingly, but he also felt the need for something more than his own understanding to direct him. He honored his mother at one point by giving her a place beside his throne. Tradition says that she may have been an early adviser to him as king. After the death of his father, Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice to the Lord. Maybe he wanted an assurance of God’s presence in his life since his father was gone. Possibly he was feeling the loss of his father and missing the presence of an experienced elder.

During the night after he had offered many burnt offerings, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon praised God and humbled himself before the Lord. He answered, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in” (v. 7). Then Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge the people and to discern between good and bad. What an example of a young man seeking wisdom! Although this happened in a dream, it must have been the desire of Solomon’s heart. God gave to Solomon according to his request, and his reign was a glorious time in Israel’s history.

Most of the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon. Sometime during his forty-year reign over Israel, he recorded these words of wisdom for following generations. Could it be that he compiled this book day by day as he ruled the land? As God gave him inspiration for the work to be done and questions he faced, he wrote the answers and direction he received. Being the king of Israel and having the people’s good at heart, it must have grieved him to see them living with the results of selfish thinking and foolish striving with one another. Laziness and greediness came before his eyes as the people sought help with their troubles. He gave wise counsel as God spoke to him concerning his people’s needs.

It seems that Solomon was also thinking of the young men who would follow him. He wanted them to have some of the wisdom God had given him and to pass it on to the following generations.

As we read the book of Proverbs, we can sense Solomon’s deeply held belief on the value of wisdom. Clearly, he was convinced that God is the source of true wisdom.

Practical Truths for Today

The wisdom that is from above (James 3:17) is of eternal value. That which comes from God’s throne draws us to Him. The Christian’s goal is to be at peace with God and man. We desire peaceful relationships with our acquaintances and are to love all people. Sometimes we ask the newly converted, “Do you love everyone?” How our hearts are blessed when they answer in the affirmative! When we sense the peaceful spirit of Christ abiding in a new convert, it is a quiet testimony of God’s work. No matter how many years we live on this earth, it does not change. When we visit with a faithful, elderly Christian, we feel that same spirit. Sharing godly wisdom with each other draws us toward eternal life together.

In contrast, what the Bible names as foolishness connects us with the earth. It draws us downward and separates us from our heavenly Father. We need to seriously consider our goals in life. Do they include becoming rich? Do we desire people’s admiration? Do we seek recognition for our magnificent house and yard? Are the many new things that are available attractive to us? We could attain all of these and many more without godly wisdom. If we allow what people think of us to become too important, we will find that we are no longer able to freely love everyone. Instead, unhappy feelings, negative thoughts about other people, tension, and strife come into our lives. This is not the wisdom from above.

Young men, what are your goals in life? Do you desire a new vehicle that will make you look good? Are you willing to seek advice from your elders before making a major purchase? Do you, like young Solomon, place your father or mother’s wisdom above your own? More importantly, do you earnestly seek heavenly wisdom? When we are young, we are susceptible to making bad choices. Even when we are older, we are often tempted to let immediate gratification outweigh future consequences. One of the hallmarks of wisdom and maturity is to forego immediate pleasure for future good.

Humanistic thinking says that if you do not keep up with society, you will be despised. It says, “You are missing out on something that others are enjoying.” When we see others getting ahead financially, we feel pressure to do the same. It is all around us; advertisements tell us that we must buy and enjoy. News articles capture our interest and drag us into the web of drama, fear, or anger. Tourism and recreation have attractive plans for our spare time and money. Where is the quiet, powerful wisdom of God in all of this? Surely God’s wisdom points to a separate life—apart from the driving force of the world. It points to a life of quiet, peaceful friendships. It points to gathering with God’s people on Sunday to worship Him and fellowship together. When we give God the first place in our hearts, we open the door to wisdom. Most of the time when we are in trouble and do not know what to do, it is because we have not given God his rightful place in our lives. We rather follow our own thinking like Balaam did, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. Even though he was a prophet, he did not give God the first place in his heart. Humanistic thinking led Balaam astray, and his end was not good. He pretended and imagined as though he were faithful to God, but in truth he was seeking his own way.

Young parents, pray earnestly to God for direction on how to train your little ones. As a father and mother come before God’s throne to seek his counsel together, God answers with wisdom. It might be just a little thought of what to try, but it answers the need and brings hearts together. This is God’s way of parenting and child nurture, and there is no better way.

Sometimes life hands us things that seem impossible to cope with. When a child or friend goes astray from the fold of God, we grieve. When we have a deep longing for something and it seems God does not hear our prayer, we may doubt his love. When decisions need to be made and we do not know what to do, we cry to Him in prayer. However desperate our situation may be, it is in the most difficult times of life that our wonderful and loving Savior is the nearest to our side. We have only to rely completely on Him; He is capable of solving our issues and filling every need. It is in the deepest, darkest valleys of life that Jesus’s love is felt the warmest and often where we learn more of his wisdom.

When we are in one of the valleys of life, let us not strike out in anger or cast a stone of blame at another one of God’s children. Let us rather use patience and humility, for God will send us his grace through the door of these virtues, and our lives will be blessed with a deeper appreciation for his love and wisdom. Wisdom accepts the circumstances of life and makes the best of them. Inasmuch as God chooses, He is in control of everything on the earth; nothing escapes his all-seeing eye. Isaiah prophesied of Christ: “And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). He is always able to help us with the questions of life and guide us in the right way.

Illustration

A sixty-year-old father, who had led a quiet, Christian life, passed away of cancer. His son was used to going to his father for advice and to discuss life and how to handle circumstances. Now, not having his father to lean on for direction caused the son to miss him many times, and he felt the loss very keenly.

By their continuing example, quiet, stable fathers lead their sons into a deeper Christian experience of trusting in God.

Questions

1. How can we keep from becoming conceited when we recognize that God has given us a certain amount of his wisdom?
2. What key unlocks the door to godly wisdom?
3. Are the middle-aged Christians of today leaving enough of a clear example of wisdom for young people?
4. How much time can be spent surfing the internet before godly wisdom comes under attack by humanistic thinking?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).