Godly Wisdom

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Prov.

3:7

Godly Wisdom• Prov. 3:7 (CEV) Don’t ever think

that youare wise enough, but respect the LORDand stay away from evil.

• Does our definitions of wisdom match what God wants from us?

• Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have preferred to talk. Doug Larson.

Godly Wisdom• Realize the value of wisdom. –

Proverbs 3:13-15 give insight to the value of wisdom. “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her”.

Godly Wisdom• This Scripture places a higher

value on wisdom than precious metals, one of which is the financial backing for U.S. currency.

• It also states that wisdom is more precious than one of the most beautiful gems in the world. Wisdom is such a commodity that its value is exalted over money. It is priceless; yet it is an absolutely free gift from God.

Godly Wisdom

• “If wisdom is the most important thing, “How does one get wisdom?”

Godly Wisdom

Need 3 GroupsGroup 1: define the word “wisdom” like it would be in the dictionaryGroup 2: define worldly wisdomGroup 3: define Godly wisdom

Godly WisdomGroup #1: Define Wisdom (dictionary)

• The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight.

• Common sense; good judgment

• The sum of learning through the ages; knowledge

• Wise teachings of the ancient sages.

Godly WisdomGroup #2: Worldly/Earthly Wisdom

• James sums up in James 1:13 that wisdom is shown by the way we act in our lives

• But he also says that so-called wisdom for selfish purposes is not wisdom at all

• In fact worldly wisdom, it comes from hell

• It is “demonic”. It creates confusion and lies

Godly WisdomWorldly/Earthly Wisdom:

• You can’t live in an ungodly manner and expect to have peace in your life. It just does not work that way.

• The lack of Godly wisdom causes all kinds of problems. The lack of Godly wisdom causes chaos and confusion.

Godly WisdomWorldly/Earthly Wisdom

• Do you have confusion in your home?

• Do you have chaos at work?

• Is your life a mess?

• If there is not order and peace – There may be a lack Godly wisdom when dealing with your situation.

Godly WisdomGodly Wisdom:

• “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (NKJV)

• Godly Wisdom creates order and peace

• When there is Godly wisdom – there is truth/purity, there is peace, there is order, there is mercy, there is compassion.

Godly WisdomGodly Wisdom

Truth-Pure: Authentic – A person who is “pure” will not compromise their integrity.

• I will not lie to you

• I will not cheat you

• I will not manipulate you.

• I will be honest with you.

Godly Wisdom

Godly WisdomPeace: Gentleness, Peace loving • “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh

word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NASV) • Have you ever known someone who is always

looking for a fight – always looking for an argument? Example, I heard of one guy who liked to argue so much that he would only eat food that disagreed with him so he could start a fight.

• But if you’re going to walk in Godly wisdom – you should strive to be peace loving – and gentle.

Godly WisdomGodly Wisdom

Willing to Yield: a person is open to suggestions • Be willing to listen – they are open to ideas • Be willing to try new things – Be willing to see

what works and adjust to it . Be willing to take another person’s advice. • Most of us are too oversensitive. If someone gives

us a suggestion – many times we take it as criticism.• Don’t criticize. Don’t get defensive. Listen – try new

things and see if they work. If it doesn’t work – it’s not a failure – it was a test

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Merciful: Do you jump on somebody every time that they make a mistake?

• Do you have a “scapegoat” in your family? A scapegoat, is someone you can blame if something goes wrong.

• Do you find others to blame when things fall apart?

• Do you remember the mistakes that people make and hold them over a person’s head – not willing to forgive and forget? You lack mercy.

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Good Fruit: kind actions we show to others.

• Show kindness

• Show compassion

• Don’t emphasize a person’s mistakes.

• Give them what they need – not what they deserve.

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Impartial & Not a Hypocrite: A fake/Wearing A Mask

• Don’t change your character (who you are) in different situations or environments.

• If you are wise – you will not be a fake – you will not be a phony.

• You are not to be an actor – pretending – as you go through life. We are to be the real deal.

• If we say we are a Christian – then we need to act like Christians.

Godly Wisdom• We are humans saved by the grace of God.

We all sin – we all fall short – we all miss the mark.

• But if we are going to get along with one another we need to show Godly wisdom in how we deal with one another.

• If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NASV)

• We want to live in Godly wisdom – don’t you? Let us ask God together for His wisdom. We want the lifestyle that displays Godly wisdom in our lives.

Godly Wisdom

Resources:

Living in Godly Wisdom: Tom Shepard