Wisdom, importance of human (2)

The supreme value of true wisdom

It is priceless

Proverbs 4:7 NASB95

“The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

See also Pr 3:13; Pr 8:10–11

It leads to life

Proverbs 15:24 NASB95

The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below.

See also Pr 11:30; Pr 13:14; Pr 16:22; Pr 24:14; Da 12:3

It brings prosperity

Pr 8:18 The benefits of wisdom may include material prosperity, but more important is the moral and spiritual prosperity which it brings.

See also Pr 3:1–2; Pr 19:8; Pr 19:8; Pr 21:20–21; Pr 24:3; Je 10:21

It gives security

Proverbs 4:6 NASB95

“Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.

See also Pr 1:33; Pr 2:6–11; Pr 14:3; Pr 28:26; Ec 8:5

The application of wisdom

It touches the whole person

1 Ki 3:12 In Hebrew, the “heart” represents the centre of human personality.

See also Job 38:36; Ps 51:6; Pr 2:2; Pr 16:23; Pr 22:17

It results in right action

Col 4:5; Jas 3:13

See also Ps 119:34; Pr 1:3; Pr 4:11; Pr 15:21; Pr 23:19; Je 4:22; Ho 14:9; Ro 16:19; Eph 5:15; Col 1:9–10; Jas 3:14–17

It results in watchfulness

Matthew 25:1–10 NASB95

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. “Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. “But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ “Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. “The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ “But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ “And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.

See also Pr 14:8; Pr 22:3

Wisdom is necessary for leaders

Wisdom to govern

Pr 8:15–16; Ac 6:3

See also Dt 1:13; 1 Ki 5:7; 1 Ch 22:12; Ps 2:10; Ps 105:22; Pr 28:2; Ec 1:16; Is 56:11; Je 3:15

Wisdom to administer justice

1 Kings 3:28 NASB95

When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

See also 1 Ki 3:9; Ps 37:30; Pr 20:26; Pr 24:23; Mt 24:45; 1 Co 6:5

The teaching of wisdom

The wise give instruction

Ecclesiastes 12:9 NASB95

In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs.

See also Ps 37:30; Ps 49:3; Pr 1:20–21; Pr 5:1; Pr 8:1; Pr 16:21; Pr 31:26; Da 11:33; 1 Co 2:6–7; Col 1:28; Col 3:16

The wise listen to instruction

Pr 1:5; Pr 15:31

See also Pr 4:1; Pr 9:9; Pr 10:8; Pr 13:20; Pr 15:12; Pr 19:20

Examples of those endowed with wisdom

Ac 7:10 Joseph; Dt 1:15 the elders of Israel; Dt 34:9 Joshua

David:

2 Sa 14:20; Ps 78:72

Solomon:

1 Ki 3:16–28; 1 Ki 4:29–34; 1 Ki 10:4–8; 1 Ch 22:12–13; Mt 12:42

Ezr 7:25 Ezra; Is 11:2 the Messiah; Da 1:17 Daniel and his three friends

Daniel:

Da 2:19–23; Da 2:27–28; Da 5:11–12

2 Pe 3:15 Paul