REALLIFE STUDY GROUP
“Be
Wise”
ICEBREAKER: Besides your salvation and your choice of a
mate what is the wisest and the dumbest decision you have ever made?
DEFINITIONS: Wisdom: The ability to discern what is true or right.
Wisdom is the ability to see
the reaping before the sowing
Wisdom is the ability to
distinguish similarities and differences
*
The difference between right and wrong
*
The difference between times and seasons
*
The difference between wants and needs
*
The difference between principles and preferences
Wisdom is the standard by
which we measure life
Wisdom is the ability to
recognize the value and the proper use of people, places or things.
Wisdom has the ability to
test the motives of a situation.
OUTLINE:
22 Insights About Wisdom
1) Wisdom is the master key to all the treasures of life.
2 Chronicles 1:7-12 (King
James Version)
7In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him,
Ask what I shall give thee.
8And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto
David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be
established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the
earth in multitude.
10Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come
in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
11And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and
thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies,
neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for
thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give
thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have
had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the
like.
Colossians 2:3 (King James
Version)
3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
2) Wisdom is a gift from God
to you
Proverbs 2:6 (King James
Version)
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his
mouth cometh knowledge and understanding
Daniel 2:21 (King James
Version)
21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings,
and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them
that know understanding:
1 Corinthians 12:8 (King James
Version)
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to
another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Ephesians 1:17 (King James Version)
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may
give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of him:
3) The fear of God is the
beginning of wisdom
Job 28:28 (King James Version)
28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD,
that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Psalm 111:10 (King James
Version)
10The 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 (King James
Version)
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the
knowledge of the holy is understanding.
4) The wisdom of man is
foolishness to God
1 Corinthians 1:20-26 (King
James Version)
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer
of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew
not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe.
22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a
stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ
the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the
weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men
after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1 Corinthians 3:19 (King James
Version)
19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is
written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
5) The wisdom of the world
is a false substitute for the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4,13 (King
James Version)
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of
man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:13Which things
also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy
Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
James 3:13-17 (King James
Version)
13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him
shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory
not, and lie not against the truth.
15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly,
sensual, devilish.
16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every
evil work.
17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then
peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
6) Relationships increase or
decrease your wisdom.
Proverbs 13:20 (King James
Version)
20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a
companion of fools shall be destroyed.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (King
James Version)
33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 (King
James Version)
6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly,
and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7) The wisdom of God is
foolishness to the natural mind
Proverbs 18:2 (King James
Version)
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may
discover itself.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (King James
Version)
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways, saith the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways
higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (King
James Version)
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of
man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in
the power of God.
8) Your conversation reveals
how much wisdom you have.
1 Kings 10:24 (King James
Version)
24And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God
had put in his heart.
Proverbs 18:21 (King James
Version)
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they
that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 29:11 (King James
Version)
11A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in
till afterwards.
James 3:2 (King James Version)
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in
word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
9) Jesus is wisdom and wisdom is Jesus
1 Corinthians 1:30 (King James
Version)
30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption:
Ephesians 1:8 (King James
Version)
8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Ephesians 1:17 (King James
Version)
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
10) The Word of God makes us wiser.
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 (King James
Version)
5Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the
LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to
possess it.
6Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your
understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes,
and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
Psalm 119:98-100 (King James
Version)
98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for
they are ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy
testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy
precepts.
11) Wisdom comes to those who pursue the Lord.
James 1:5 (King James Version)
5If 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.
12) A person of wisdom will always be a person of mercy.
James 3:17 (King James
Version)
17But the wisdom that is from above is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of
mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
13) Wisdom is more important than jewels or money.
Job 28:18 (King James Version)
18... for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
Proverbs 3:13-15 (King James
Version)
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth
understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of
silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou
canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Proverbs 8:11 (King James
Version)
11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the
things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 16:16 (King James
Version)
16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get
understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
14) Wisdom is more powerful
than weapons of war.
Ecclesiastes 9:18 (King James
Version)
18Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one
sinner destroyeth much good.
Isaiah 33:6 (King James
Version)
6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times,
and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
15) People that win others
to the Lord are wise
Proverbs 11:30 (King James
Version)
30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he
that winneth souls is wise.
Daniel 12:3 (King James
Version)
3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and
ever.
16) The wise hate evil and
the evil hate the wise
Proverbs 1:7 (King James
Version)
7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools
despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:22 (King James
Version)
22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the
scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 8:13 (King James
Version)
13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and
arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 9:8 (King James
Version)
8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man,
and he will love thee.
Proverbs 18:2 (King James
Version)
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may
discover itself
17) The proof of wisdom is
the presence of joy and peace.
Psalm 119:165 (King James
Version)
165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall
offend them.
Proverbs 3:13 (King James
Version)
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man
that getteth understanding.
Ecclesiastes 7:12 (King James
Version)
12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the
excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
18) Wisdom brings favor
toward you.
Proverbs 4:8 (King James
Version)
8Exalt her(wisdom), and she shall promote thee: she shall bring
thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
Proverbs 8:34-35 (King James
Version)
34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates,
waiting at the posts of my doors.
35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of
the LORD.
19) The wise welcome
correction.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (King James
Version)
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be
weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the
son in whom he delighteth.
Proverbs 9:8-9 (King James
Version)
8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a
wise man, and he will love thee.
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach
a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Proverbs 15:31-32 (King James
Version)
31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the
wise.
32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that
heareth reproof getteth understanding.
20) With wisdom comes
wealth.
Psalm 112:1-3 (King James
Version)
1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD,
that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the
upright shall be blessed.
3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his
righteousness endureth for ever.
Proverbs 3:16 (King James
Version)
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left
hand riches and honour.
Proverbs 14:24 (King James
Version)
24The crown of the wise is their riches: but the
foolishness of fools is folly.
21) Wisdom can be imparted
by the laying on of hands.
Deuteronomy 34:9 (King James
Version)
9And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom;
for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel
hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
Acts 6:6-10 (King James
Version)
6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed,
they laid their hands on them.
7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were
obedient to the faith.
8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and
miracles among the people.
9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the
synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of
Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by
which he spake.
22) Wisdom makes you 10
times better than your enemy.
Psalm 91:7 (King James
Version)
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy
right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Ecclesiastes 7:19 (King James
Version)
19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty
men which are in the city
Daniel 1:17-20 (King James
Version)
17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill
in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and
dreams.
18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should
bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before
Nebuchadnezzar.
19And the king communed with them; and among them all was found
none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before
the king.
20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king
enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the
magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
TEXT:
Proverbs 8:33, Proverbs 23:19, 1 Corinthians 3:18
STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:
1.
Describe a time when you asked God for
wisdom because your situation was too big for you to handle?
2.
Why do you think that the fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom?
3.
What are some choices that will change
when you truly fear the Lord with a healthy reverence?
4.
Identify a quality that would characterize
someone who is wise.
5.
There are people who specialize in wisdom
for different topics. It was said of the sons of Issachar in the old testament,
that they had understanding of the times and seasons and knew what Israel
should do. Try to identify people either in the Bible or past or present people
that would have wisdom in the following categories.
A.
Money Problems;_________________________
B.
Relationship Problems:__________________________
C.
War
Problems:_________________________________
D.
Health
Problems:_______________________________
E.
Computer
Problems:____________________________
F.
Construction
Problems:__________________________
G.
Transportation
Problems:________________________
H.
Animal
Problems:_______________________________
I.
Emotional
Problems:____________________________
6.
In what area of your life right now do you
most need the wisdom of God?