God Gives Wisdom

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OPENING

Bring one student up to the front and say you are going to show them four items, but they can only pick one. You can choose to show the items all at once or one at a time, but the student must be decisive and receive no help from other people. Once the item has been chosen, ask the student to tell the group why they chose that specific item.

Ask the group see if they thought the student made the right choice and if they would have chosen differently or the same.

Just like the choice [student’s name] had to make, today we are going to talk about a king who had some choices given to him by God.

2 Chronicles 1:7–10 NIV

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 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. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

God asked young King Solomon, “What do you want?” and told Solomon He would give it to him.

Out of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asked for wisdom and knowledge to rule and govern the people.

Why do you think he chose wisdom?

What was it about wisdom that he homed in on, and why did he not ask for wealth or power?

Today, we are going to discuss the meaning of wisdom, how we get wisdom, and the value of wisdom.

What Is Wisdom?

Wisdom can be defined as having the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight.

It’s using that experience and knowledge to help you make a good decision and then acting on it.

Wisdom, however, can be a hard concept to explain. Many times, wisdom is attained through life experiences and encounters.

The average life span is 78 years old, so although you may feel like you have lived a lot of life, most of you haven’t even lived a quarter of your life yet.

One aspect of wisdom is acquired the longer you live, so it’s probably safe to say teenagers don’t have a lot of experiential wisdom. I can relate.

Tell story about when I blew up an axe can

This would be an easy conversation if teenagers weren’t required to make hard life decisions because then wisdom wouldn’t be necessary.

But many of you are making decisions right now that will affect the rest of your life. Decisions like, “What college should I attend? Should I get a job or focus on sports? Should I wait for marriage to have sex? Do I need to see a therapist for my anxiety? Which parent should I live with after their divorce is final? Homeschool or public school? Should I save money for a car? Do I tell my parents I’m being bullied? Should I smoke weed?

Wisdom is vital in all your decision-making, but how do you acquire it when you are so young and have little life experience?

The good news is that God is ready to give you His wisdom. But how?

Simply Ask

James 1:5 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

No matter if you are 12 years old or 18 years old, God wants and desires to give you wisdom, because frankly we all need it!

Over the years many political, military, religious, and businessmen and women have recognized their need for God’s wisdom in their life.

William McKinley was our twenty-fifth president. He served as a soldier in the Civil War and then as a congressman. When he became president, many would see him pacing throughout the night contemplating America’s role in the world. He is quoted as saying to a group of ministers, “I am not ashamed to tell you, gentlemen, that I went down on my knees and prayed Almighty God for light and guidance more than one night.”

Wisdom is necessary in life and God is just waiting to give it to you! Proverbs 2:6 The Lord desires for you to walk in confidence and understanding and what’s more, He offers it to everyone!

Proverbs 2:6 NIV

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 8:1–5 NIV

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

Wisdom is for all people. From presidents to entrepreneurs and pastors to students, God’s wisdom is for all.

Solomon understood that when he didn’t ask for wealth, fame, or power but for the wisdom to lead God’s people well.

Not only does God give wisdom to anyone who asks for it, but James says He gives it generously and without reproach.

Without reproach simply means that you don’t have to be perfect before God will give you His wisdom.

God does not have some sort of Christian scorecard that says you must score enough points before He releases His wisdom to you.

He simply states that when you ask, He will give it. So, you might say, “I’ll ask, but what can wisdom really do for me?”

The Value of Wisdom

Proverbs 16:16 NIV

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!

Let’s look at Proverbs 8:33–35

Proverbs 8:33–35 NIV

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.

Money and popularity provide only temporary happiness, but wisdom brings lasting effects. Looking closer at Proverbs 8 in the NLT translation, verse 34 says, “Joyful are those who listen to me.”

Wisdom produces joy in a person. Joy is awesome because even when life is hard and stressful, joy is the long-lasting happiness that rises above any circumstance.

Not only does wisdom bring joy, but it brings life and favor from the Lord.

After Solomon asked God for wisdom, in 2 Chronicles 1:11–12

2 Chronicles 1:11–12 NIV

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, 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.”

When someone asks for wisdom with a sincere heart, they will find life and receive the Lord’s favor. Solomon was the wealthiest and most powerful king Israel had ever known!

Finding life is living a life that has purpose, meaning, and value to the Father as well as to others.

CLOSING

Wisdom is given to us all if we will simply ask the Father.

He promises to give us joy, life, and favor, but that wisdom must be applied.

Wisdom given but unused is like a table filled with every meat, sandwich, appetizer, and dessert you can imagine. The host calls out to you, “Dinner is served.” You walk in, sit down in your favorite chair, and spread the napkin out over your lap. The smells that reach your nose are so good that your mouth begins to water. You look up and the host says, “Bon Appetit!” Waiters line the side of the table ready to serve, simply waiting for you to ask. You pick up your fork, ready to dive in, but instead of eating, you just sit there. You sit there for hours. The host comes back in the room with a confused look on his face, wondering if the food is not up to your standards. He picks up your favorite dish from the table and brings it to you. Excited, you motion for him to set it back on the table, indicating that you will eat it soon. And yet, still you sit, not eating the amazing food prepared for you. The food is so delicious, ready to be consumed, but it gets cold and stale on the table as you just sit there. What a waste!

Wisdom is that food—given to you by your Father, ready for you to use to find joy, life, and favor. You just have to ask.

ALTAR RESPONSE:

No matter your age or what you are currently facing—middle school issues, dating, friendships, college—God desires to give you His wisdom. You can trust Him with your every decision.

The altars are open. Find a place of prayer and simply ask for His wisdom. You can say something like, “God, You said if I lack wisdom all I have to do is ask and You will give it generously. I need help in (the situation or decision you need wisdom for). Thank You that Your wisdom replaces my anxiety with joy, helps me find a purposeful life, and gives me favor from You. Amen.” Pray that prayer, and then remain still and wait for the Lord to begin to give you His wisdom and instructions.