What is it?

Wisdom, part 1 “What is it?” January 1, 2017
Speaker - Jim Ladd


The Big Idea: Let’s make 2017 the year of growing in Wisdom.

Proverbs 1:1-9, 22, 32-33

What is Wisdom? Look at the synonyms:
Insight: a Hebrew word that means “to NOTICE DIFFERENCES”
Prudence - a Hebrew word that means “PRACTICAL” or “STRATEGIC”
Instruction - “Depth of CHARACTER”

Wisdom is competence with regard to the REALITIES OF LIFE.

Why is wisdom important?
V32 The waywardness of the simple will kill them - foolishness of fools will destroy them.
Lack of wisdom isn’t just unfortunate - it will DESTROY you.
Wisdom is a problem because we are all FOOLS by nature

“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child” Proverbs 22:15

How do I find wisdom?
V7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction”
You find wisdom through positive FEAR and the freedom of GRACE.

“Because you have forgiven me, therefore I fear you.” Psalm 130:4


COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS

Proverbs Chapter 1

• What was one of the hardest choices you’ve ever had to make? How did you arrive at your decision?

• Is there someone who you admire for his or her wisdom? Explain or give an example.

• In verse 32 it says the waywardness of the simple will kill them. What does this mean to you? Do you have an example?

• Jim made the statement; “A simpleton cares too much what people think. A fool doesn't care enough about what people think.” Which way do you tend to lean? How can we help each other move more towards middle ground?

• Verse 7 states that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Jim says we find wisdom through positive Fear. How do you interpret “Positive Fear”?