Wise Ones Win

In this short series we will look at the wisdom of God provided through Solomon. Solomon is the man who longed to be wise.

1. God offered to give Solomon whatever he wanted (1 Kings 3:5)

1 Kings 3:5 NKJV

5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

2. How would we respond to such a gracious offer?

3. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead his people.

B. God answered Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 3:12-14)

1 Kings 3:12–14 NKJV

12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

1. Solomon was given a wise and understanding heart.

2. He was also promised riches, honor, and a long life.

C. The Book of Proverbs reveals the Wisdom of Solomon

1. Here is a guidebook for gaining and using wisdom.

2. We need the wisdom of God to lead winning lives.

The Purpose of Proverbs is to Teach the Wisdom of God (vv. 1-4)

Proverbs 1:1–4 NKJV

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion—

1. Proverbs imparts wisdom

a. The human mind has great potential.

b. We have been created with the ability to receive wisdom.

c. Our capacity to reason separates us from the animals.

2. Proverbs instructs us in understanding God and His plan for people.

3. Proverbs enables us to grasp the meanings of justice and fairness.

4. How are these purposes being demonstrated in our lives?

The Profit from Proverbs is Understanding (vv. 5-6)

Proverbs 1:5–6 NKJV

5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles.

1. This book instructs us in the priority of wisdom.

2. Wise ones give priority to learning.

a. They listen to wise counsel.

b. They gain understanding.

3. Those who are wise find the key to life’s mysteries.

a. They know how to interpret the counsel of teachers.

b. Prophecies are opened to their understanding.

c. They live in light of the signs of the times.

The Person in Proverbs is God (v. 7)

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1. We gain wisdom through a relationship with God.

2. Knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord.

a. We become wise through a relationship with God.

b. “The fear of the Lord” means a reverential trust in Him.

3. Christ is wisdom personified.

a. You see this explained in Proverbs 8.

b. Let’s look at Paul’s declaration of this truth. (Col. 2:2-3)

Colossians 2:2–3 NKJV

2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4. Those who will be wise must receive the Wise One by faith.

Conclusion:

The Wise Man built his house on a rock (Matt. 7:24-27)

Christ is the Rock: Build your life on Him.