12.2 Wisdom Part 2

Main Thought

We discussed a few weeks ago, the key to wisdom. We said it was “asking God” for it.

James 1:5 KJV 1900

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.

We were reminded that the main barrier to asking was pride. If we are going to go to God asking for wisdom we must admit that we don't posses what we need. In other words we lack!

We were reminded that God hates pride - it’s an abomination!

Proverbs 6 reminds us there are some things God hates:

Proverbs 6:17 KJV 1900

A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

What is Wisdom?

Def: Wisdom is the right use of knowledge- Wisdom is knowledge in action!

Exodus 31 Bezaleel was given wisdom and craftsmanship to carry out the instruction for building the Tabernacle furniture

Illustration: You could spend your whole life collecting information about how to be a craftsman but if you never did anything with the information it would be useless head knowledge.

Another important aspect of wisdom is that it begins with something. Now that we have humbled ourselves and are willing to ask we must understand what we are asking for.

Wisdom Begins with the Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7 KJV 1900

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 KJV 1900

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 15:33 KJV 1900

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; And before honour is humility.

Job 28:28 KJV 1900

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.

If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, then what exactly is “the fear of the Lord”?

I. It is a serious understanding of Consequences

When Saul was anointed king over Israel he immediately faced a battle. The Ammonites had come for the men of Jabesh Giliad and they were so scared that they almost made a covenant agreement with them to serve them.

Saul was angry and slices up some oxen and has the pieces delivered to the men and lets them know there will be consequences if they do not “man up” and fight to defend Israel.

1 Samuel 11:7 KJV 1900

And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

People want to act like in the Church age there is grace so there are no consequences for sin in our lives. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Illustration: Ananias & Sapphira Acts 5

II. It is a serious understanding of Separation - from the ungodly and to the Lord

2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV 1900

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

What are the promises?

vs 16 says “I will dwell in them” - we have the promise of his presence

vs 17 says “I will receive you” - we have the promise of parental protection

A wise man is a clean man!

Psalm 119:9 KJV 1900

BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.

III. It is a serious understanding of Obedience -

Deuteronomy 6:1–2 KJV 1900

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

Deuteronomy 6:24 KJV 1900

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

Conclusion:

The Fear of the Lord is a choice

Proverbs 1:29 KJV 1900

For that they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the LORD:

The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom

Job 28:28 KJV 1900

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.