Where does Godly wisdom come from? Is it found in the many books we read, or the things we watch on tv, or some other electronic gaget? This morning I want to speak to the treasure that is hidden in the Father and in Christ, “wisdom.” We know that God had given Solomon great wisdom, for sure more than any other of his time. God used him to declare and show the wisdom of God to God’s people. We know that the book of Proverbs was written for the purpose of imparting wisdom to those who don’t have it. It is, therefore, a treasure trove of wisdom – containing answers for every part of life (Proverbs 1:1-6) (If you can, take some time and read chapters 1-8 of Proverbs).
What is wisdom? It is the practical application of knowledge, in difficult, demanding, or delicate situations. What does the Bible have to say about wisdom?
- We Need Wisdom
- Why do we need wisdom? – One reason is so that we won’t be foolish
- Reading through the book of Proverbs – the fool is repeatedly condemned
- Read: (Proverbs 9:6) (Proverbs 26:3)
- Beyond that – we need wisdom to get along in the world
- Read: (Colossians 4:5) (Matthew 10:16) (Psalm 90:12) (Proverbs 8:12-21)
- Wisdom should be desired above all earthly things
- God Is The Source Of Wisdom
- God is the source of all wisdom – (Job 38:36)
- Solomon was given wisdom miraculously – (1 Kings 4:29)
- James discusses asking God for wisdom – (James 1:5)
- Perhaps the greatest source of wisdom we have today is God’s word
- Read: (Proverbs 1:1-2) (2 Timothy 3:15) (2 Peter 3:15-16) (1 Corinthians 2:6-7)
- The Character Of Wisdom
- We ought to be wise in things that are good – (Romans 16:19)
- We ought to be wise in our conduct – (James 3:13)
- Read: (James 3:17) (Proverbs 8:32-36)
d. For it is wisdom that…….
- Gives us happiness – (Proverbs 3:15)
- Keeps us from evil – (Proverbs 5:1-6)
- Has great value – (Proverbs 8:11) (Proverbs 16:16) (Proverbs 4:7)
- Should be acquired – (Proverbs 23:23)
Man, left alone, without Christ, will produce his own philosophy of who God is, and his own philosophy about eternal things (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) (Romans 1:20-23). But as (1 Corinthians 1:20) tells us, God has destroyed the wisdom of, the wise, the scribe, and the disputer (philosopher) of this age, making them look foolish. How? God in His wisdom established that men/women would never find God through worldly wisdom (human intellect) no matter how hard they tried. Instead, it pleased God to make Himself known through the preaching of the gospel, saving those who believe. Are you grateful that the Lord has made Himself known to you? I can’t imagine for one minute what it would be like without Him.
The cross is a stumbling block to the Jew because they want a sign from God that the message is true, and the cross is foolishness to the Gentile because it does not fit into their philosophy of who God is, or what they have made Him to be in their thinking. I wonder how many people today think the cross is foolishness, and that Christ’s teachings are absurd because it does not fit into their imagination of who God is. However, to those who are called, God’s power and wisdom are seen in the cross. If you understand the cross, God has given you a great treasure.
Wisdom Hidden – (1 Corinthians 2:1-16)
God’s wisdom to sacrifice His only begotten Son for our sin was wisdom not known by the rulers of this age (2:6). That was really shown by their crucifixion of the Christ (2:8), illustrating why we can not place all our trust in human wisdom. God’s wisdom that was ordained before the ages was hidden from man until He revealed it in His gospel. Why? Notice, He hid it “for our glory” (2:7). It is proof of God’s intention, to save us and glorify us through His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8-12). Before God’s mystery was revealed, no man had ever seen, or ever heard, or entered into the heart (what one could imagine) what His hidden wisdom involved. Why could they not have known it? Because it was prepared to be known by those who love Him, and revealed to us through His Spirit (2:9-10).