Wisdom Acts 6:1-15

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

Focus versers:

Acts 6:3 NKJV

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

Acts 6:10 NKJV

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Stephen, and the others were selected for an important reason: they were wise

Wisdom is a key to being promoted by God

Luke 12:42 NKJV

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

But what is wisdom?

Simply put, wisdom is having knoweldge, experience, and good judgement. That’s how Oxford’s dictionary defines it.

Different people will have special wisdom in different areas. For example, one may have wisdom in craftsmanship, another s wisdom in business, someone else wisdom in academics etc.

But God want us all to have wisdom for life, and the good news is that He is willing to give it to us.

But why should we want wisdom?

Proverbs 3:13–18 NKJV

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.

What does wisdom look like?

How can you recognise a wise person?

They are godly

Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Job 28:28 NKJV

28 And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”

True wisdom is not only mental, it is also moral.

You see, there are two types of wisdom: the wisdom of the world, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:6–7 NKJV

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,

The wisdom of God is not concerned with being morally pleasing to God. But those who walk in godly wisdom make it their business to depart from evil.

(James 4:13-18 if necessary)

They hear both sides of an argument before forming an opinion

Proverbs 18:13 NKJV

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 18:17 NET

17 The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.

James 1:19 NKJV

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

Swift to hear, slow to speak. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason!

They research before they act

Proverbs 19:2 NKJV

2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

Don’t act quickly, if you are without knowledge!

Proverbs 13:16 NKJV

16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly.

As a result, they are not gullable!

Proverbs 14:15 NKJV

15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.

They know what words or behaviour is fitting in different situations

Proverbs 25:11 NKJV

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

Proverbs 15:23 NKJV

23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Proverbs 15:1 NKJV

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Their words are few

Proverbs 10:19 NKJV

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 17:27 NLT

27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 29:11 KJV 1900

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: But a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

They are sensitive to the Holy Spirit

Acts 6:10 NIV

10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

Isaiah 11:2 NKJV

2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

They are humble

Proverbs 11:2 NKJV

2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

They understand the principle of moderation

The know when something is too much.

Proverbs 25:16–17 NIV

16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit. 17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.

Proverbs 25:17 NLT

17 Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.

How to obtain wisdom

We can all grow in wisdom

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Ask for it

2 Chronicles 1:7–12 NIV

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

James 1:5–6 NKJV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Expose yourself to other people’s wisdom

Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 24:6 NKJV

6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

Read and listen to those who are experts in their field!

Study the Bible

Be a reader, but the best thing to read is the word of God!

Proverbs 2:6 NKJV

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Psalm 119:99–100 NIV

99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

Deuteronomy 4:6 NKJV

6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

2 Timothy 3:15 NKJV

15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Summary

Wisdom is having knowledge, experience and good judgement

Characteristics of those who are wise include: