Seeking the Source of Wisdom

King James Version Chapter 1

13 And uI gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done vunder heaven: wthis sore xtravail hath God given to the sons of man ||to be exercised therewith.

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

LESSON TEXT:

13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

16 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

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5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

. . . . .

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.

Culture Connection

First Responders

First responders are those who are likely to arrive quickly at the scene of an emergency and who act to preserve life and protect property. They include police officers, firefighters, and ambulance medics who have been trained in urgent care and other critical procedures.

A highway overpass in Fort McMurray, located in northern Alberta, has been renamed Responders Way. This is a tribute to the bravery of those police officers and firefighters who remained behind to help evacuate 88,000 residents from a devastating wildfire that swept through the community in early May 2016. The fire destroyed some 2,400 homes and buildings and was the costliest disaster in Canadian history. Thankfully everyone was evacuated safely without loss of life.

When we think of disasters, who can forget the events of September 11, 2001, when nearly three thousand people were killed? In New York City, among those who perished were 343 firefighters, 23 police officers, and 37 officers at the Port Authority. Heroic efforts by the city’s fire and police departments helped save 25,000 lives.

In these last days, the church needs those who will hear the urgent call of the Almighty to be first responders. There is nothing of greater importance than winning souls. “And 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” ().

Contemplating the Topic

Though not particularly young, he was still likely a rather inexperienced man. He had lived a life of luxury and ease in the palace of his father, King David. For the most part, he had been waited on, catered to, and cared for. Real life, as experienced by the common man, had been a distant, abstract idea for him.

But now he was the king. There were abundant counselors in the palace. He had the law of Moses. And still it was not enough. Still he needed something more. He needed something more profound than could be found in this earthly realm. Solomon needed wisdom, so Solomon needed God.

In similar fashion, we are on a journey with which we have no experience. We are making our one and only passage from temporal life to eternity. We have the guidance of the Scriptures. We have the influence of His indwelling Spirit. We have the blessing of wise counsel from spiritual leadership and fellow believers. And still, to navigate this path best, we need something more. We need wisdom, so we need God.

Searching the Scriptures

I. GOD IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE WISDOM

The good thing about searching for wisdom is there are not multiple viable options to consider. With only a modicum (the limiting of a statement) of observation, we can quite readily discern that there is truly only one place to find the wisdom we need for life. God, and God alone, is the ultimate source of wisdom.

Yet today human opinions abound and can be accessed for free with nothing more than a few mouse clicks on social media. One can easily find someone to express nearly any perspective desired. But the challenge is that unless the counsel aligns with the Word of God, its source is not heavenly. And what comes from this world rarely does align.

But true wisdom is with God. He is the only source from which we can draw the needed wisdom to traverse this life well. “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly” ().

Fee and Stuart in How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth state, “Wisdom is the ability to make godly choices in life” YOU ACHIEVE THIS GOAL BY MAKING GODLY CHOICES IN YOUR LIFE

We need to stop looking to everyone or everything else for wisdom. As Solomon states is , “there is no new thing under the sun.” -

The only thing that I know to be new and fresh like a river of living water is God’s word.

And God is the Word; which we know he became the word made flesh, which is Jesus

» What are some other sources people look to in order to find wisdom?

A. Life under the Sun Is Vanity of Vanities

Because we are surrounded by the world, there is a natural tendency to seek for answers and fulfillment in life down here. We are prone to search out the avenues we see others pursuing by some misguided assumption that they must know something we do not. Solomon was no different.

With the riches of the throne and nearly unlimited manpower at his disposal, the newly crowned king sought for purpose in all manner of venues. One need only read the chapters of Ecclesiastes to see him recount with painful honesty his pursuits along those lines.

He amassed wealth. He built buildings. He enjoyed music and entertainment. He pursued laughter. He accumulated education. He set his life toward anything and everything his heart thought to desire. And having seen it all, had it all, and experienced it all, Solomon could testify to this truth: life under the sun is devoid of purpose without God.

Vanity is what Solomon called it:

“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit” ()

The Hebrew word is hebel which means “vapor, breath, or nothingness.”

» What do you find significant about the word vanity meaning “vapor, breath, or nothingness”?

Vapor is a form of water; similar to God being a living water, life without God removes it’s soluble nature and makes an airy gas

e.i. humidity

Life without God is nothing; thus, I have no idea how atheist live day to day but in deep dark depression.

B. Life above the Sun Is Where True Wisdom Is Found

Having searched out every venue below the sun and having found them all a collection of “nothingness,” Solomon came to this obvious conclusion. If true wisdom cannot be found under the sun, it must originate above it. True wisdom must have as its fount a well that springs from another sphere. We know it exists, and we know it does not come from the Earth; therefore, if one would find wisdom, he must seek a higher place.

Wisdom is in that higher place, because God abides there.

“Is not God in the height of heaven?” ().

I love how our text states, “wisdom is God personified.” You see in the OT, they only had wisdom as personification of God, they didn’t have a Jesus to look too.

II. SOLOMON SOUGHT FOR WISDOM

It is interesting how certain individuals in the Bible will forever be associated with one character trait, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Mention the name of Abraham, and faith is the first thought that comes to mind. Samson? Strength. Thomas? Doubt. But mention the name Solomon, and nearly everyone who is familiar with his life would offer wisdom as his principal characteristic.

But it should be noted that this did not happen by accident. He was not simply the fortunate winner of some spiritual lottery. He is known as “wise old Solomon” for one reason above all others: he desired it and sought for it.

As Brother Jeff would say, “My.. to the my my my...”

What a powerful statement! You mean I have to seek after those precious things of God? Yes!!! states, “blessed are those who seek righteousness; for they shall be filled!”

I don’t know about you but I desire to be filled with my God’s righteousness and not this worlds.

Great spiritual development does not just happen. The same is true for Solomon. He did not become wise through no effort of his own. Instead, an examination of his life in the Scriptures reveals a man who pursued wisdom in one very significant moment of conversation with God, and who also did so in countless seemingly insignificant moments in daily life.

“Seeking” is generally an unseen act. What are some practical, unseen things you can start doing to seek wisdom?

Praying for it

Reading the word: The Gospels (Jesus); Proverbs; Job; Ecclesiastes (keep in mind it foils how we should truly see life…i.e. it is a life without God)

Understanding what godly wisdom is:

Godly wisdom has little to do with IQ but rather is a matter with orientating one’s self with God. The outcome of this orientation is that one can please God. (Fee and Stuart)

A. Solomon Asked the Lord for an Understanding Heart

Few people have ever had a moment quite like it. Solomon was in Gibeon offering one thousand burnt offerings to the Lord. That night God appeared to him in a dream and made a startling statement. “In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee” (). What an incredible moment! God had offered Solomon a signed check drawn on Heaven’s account. There were no qualifiers. No stipulations. Just the staggering privilege of asking God for anything.

As a young man newly ascended to power, how easy it would have been to ask for fathomless riches, military might, or a lengthy reign. Instead, it would appear in that moment, Solomon hearkened back to the teachings of his late father, David. He recorded these recollections in Proverbs. “For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” ().

Drawing on that instruction of his father, Solomon made his request to God at this pivotal moment in his life. “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” ().

Given the open door to ask for anything he might desire, Solomon did, in fact, make wisdom “the principal thing” and chose that as his petition of God. God was so pleased with this request, He granted it in abundant fashion. “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee” ().

Solomon’s priority should speak to each child of God. Most will never have a moment quite like Solomon had in Gibeon, but we will demonstrate how much we desire wisdom by how earnestly we seek it in any high and holy moments that occur.

-> Our desire should be to be in line with God and we can do this through wisdom

» What life lessons have you drawn on in a moment of decision? What are some key life lessons you would like to pass on to others to help them in such seasons?

» What life lessons have you drawn on in a moment of decision? What are some key life lessons you would like to pass on to others to help them in such seasons?

Our heart does not always lead us to godly places. In other words, I may think where I’m going or what I’m about ready to do is of God, but really it is not because it does not line up with God’s word or his will for my life. May I also add, his will is found in prayer which begs the question how much have I prayed about the subject at hand.

Jeremiah 7:19 KJV 1900

Do they provoke me to anger? saith the Lord: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?

New Living Translation "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?

The question at hand, who really knows how bad your heart is?

Jesus and he can mold and make more like his!

B. Solomon Gave His Heart to Know Wisdom

Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom was not limited to moments like Gibeon. Certainly that was a miraculous occurrence when God answered Solomon’s prayer and put an understanding heart within him. But after that moment was completed, Solomon did something significant with that heart God had given him. He gave it to know wisdom. (See .)

17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. ()

Solomon recognized a valuable set of truths:

eternal truth: a man’s heart will be shaped over time by what he pursues

Temporal things will equate to temporal values

If a man sets his heart after pleasure it will become controlled by emotions. But if he chooses to set his heart toward wisdom, then it will be ruled by godly principles.

Solomon’s heart had been changed in Gibeon, but that change was maintained by how Solomon chose to live his life thereafter. Perhaps he found himself often singing these words from the Old Testament “hymnal”: “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding” (). So wisdom is both the gift of God and the product of a heart growing in relationship with God.

One can see this twofold depiction in Solomon’s own words in . He did not discount that wisdom comes from God. “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (). But Solomon also made plain that wisdom must be sought for by a man who would have it. “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding” ().

» Why do you think it is easier to ask God for wisdom than to apply one’s heart after wisdom?

III. THE LORD WILL GIVE WISDOM TO THOSE WHO ASK

Not all prayers are answered just as they are asked. Every child of God knows what it is to present heartfelt requests to God only to learn over time that the request was outside God’s will. But there are those matters about which we can pray knowing we are in harmony with His will. We can pray for laborers in the harvest, for He instructed us to do so. (See .) We can pray for the lost to be saved, as it is His will that all would repent. (See .)

In similar fashion, we can pray for wisdom with a quiet assurance that it is His will to grant that petition. “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” (). This verse not only clearly defines the source to which we should go, but it assures us God will answer this prayer. He will grant the blessing of wisdom to those who go to Him for it.

» Think of a time when you asked God for wisdom, and it came. Share that testimony with someone.

As a young man I read proverbs and prayed that God would lead me to wisdom. He indeed allowed wisdom to play out in my life: I prayed that he lead me to the woman discussed of in , but first he led me to a women of folly. After learning a difficult lesson and how deceitful the heart is, I began to pray even more for a woman and lo’ and behold He answered.

A. We Must Seek to Know the Lord, the True Source of Wisdom

Seeking wisdom is not some separate quest. It is part and parcel of seeking the Lord, since, as has already been established, He is the source of wisdom. Wisdom has been defined as the ability to see life from God’s point of view. As we get closer to Him, it is only natural that we would gain that divine perspective, which is largely the essence of wisdom.

Any desire to know wisdom apart from knowing the Lord is misguided. It smacks of humanism at best, and idolatry at worst. Wisdom is not an end unto itself; it is the logical product in those who actively and consistently seek the Lord. God calls to us to do so; our response must be immediate. “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek” ().

B. We Must Keep Our Hearts Set on Him

To engage with wisdom fully, we must view the pursuit to know Christ as an ongoing effort. We must purpose to keep our hearts set on Christ on a daily basis. This is a conscious act of the will.

People will often say, “Follow your heart.” This is terrible advice, as the Bible has described to us just how untrustworthy our hearts can be. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (). The heart is not to be followed; the heart is to be controlled. It is to be managed. It is to be set on God and thus growing in His wisdom.

When we do so, there is an immediate response from Heaven. When Daniel found himself in need of wisdom from Heaven, he began to seek the Lord. For twenty-one days he earnestly sought God for understanding. Though the powers of darkness fought against it, the answer finally came. When it did, note what the angel told Daniel: “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words” (). God noted Daniel’s passion after Him from the first day it was demonstrated, and He heard Daniel’s cry. The demonstrated desires of Daniel’s heart produced an answer. If a child of God would know wisdom, his heart must be consistently pointed passionately toward God.

» What are some keys to keeping one’s heart pointed in the right direction?

If we point our hearts in the right direction of God, He will hear our prayers and provide divine response in our lives!

INTERNALIZING THE MESSAGE

Wisdom is practical. It allows us to make good choices. It addresses real situations in life. G. K. Chesterton and several other literary figures were asked one evening what book they would prefer to have with them if stranded on a desert isle. One writer said without hesitation, “The Complete Works of Shakespeare.” Another said, “I’d choose the Bible.” They turned to Chesterton. “How about you?” Chesterton replied, “I would choose Thomas’s Guide to Practical Ship Building.”

The humor of that account aside, the simple fact is that the Bible and the wisdom of God contained therein and lived out in a life committed to Christ are all that is needed for true success here and in the world to come. And another fact is that, without wisdom, no amount of human ingenuity or creative thinking is sufficient. We must have wisdom.

To access godly wisdom, we must actively and purposefully seek the source of wisdom, namely God Himself. In divinely ordered, miraculous moments of prayer or at an altar at the close of a dynamic service, ask for wisdom. God may not grace you in the same fashion He did Solomon, but He most assuredly will give you your request as James promised.

Wisdom is not some prize that is given to the lucky man or woman whose number is drawn from a mythical hat. Wisdom is the answer to prayers prayed and lives lived with the same focus as Solomon. “Wisdom is the principal thing. I’m going to get wisdom.”