What is wisdom? The quality of having knowledge, experience, and good judgement. Wisdom is the ability to make the RIGHT choices based on the RIGHT information. As a parent, I pray that my kids will have this kind of wisdom. As they are getting older and making more choices on their own, I pray that wisdom will guide them.
In 1 Kings 3 Solomon asks for wisdom. He does not ask for long life or riches. He asks for an understanding heart for discernment. May we all long for the wisdom only God can give.
I. A person that displays wisdom FEARS GOD.
This is not a fear that is afraid of God but one that trusts God so much that we can live in submission to HIM no matter what happens in this life!
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. The opposite of this is found in Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator.
II. A person that displays wisdom SUBMITS to AUTHORITY.
This authority is not only God's authority in our lives but that of our parents and others who are positions of authority.
Prov. 13:1 A wise son ACCEPTS his father's discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Prov. 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commands
Rom. 13 :1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
The opposite of this is selfishness, deceitfulness, and rebellion.
III. A person that displays wisdom is a GOOD STUDENT.
Proverbs 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge. We need to be always learning! The opposite of this is a lazy student, one who is not teachable. Young people are not the only learners, we adults are students of God's word. Be teachable.
IV. A person that displays wisdom is HUMBLE.
Prov. 16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord.
Prov. 11:2 When pride comes then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.
1Pt. 5:5 Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.
V. A person that displays wisdom WINS SOULS.
Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.
Col. 4:5-6 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward others, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech ALWAYS be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
VI. A person that displays wisdom LISTENS.
Prov. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. Seek advice. We all need some accountability.
VII. A person that displays wisdom has wise FRIENDS.
Prov. 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise. But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Abraham Lincoln once said " I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday. " May we all seek the wisdom that comes only from God and may we teach these important character truths to our children!
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him. Let him ask in faith without doubting...
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