The Need of Wisdom

The Need of Wisdom

January 30, 2005

Introduction

On our survey questionnaire, some have asked that we deal with the subject of wisdom. What is wisdom? Why do we need it? And how can we get it? I think these are important question for which we will seek to find answers this morning.

Body

I. What is wisdom?

Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1 a : accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : KNOWLEDGE b : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : INSIGHT c : good sense : JUDGMENT d : generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians -- Robert Darnton>
2 : a wise attitude or course of action
3 : the teachings of the ancient wise men
synonym see SENSE

B. The American Heritage Dictionary:

1) wisdom. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
...The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. 2. Common sense; good judgment: It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things...

II. How do we get it?

There is the school of “hard knocks.”

1. The tuition is free “up front,”

2. But as the name implies, it can be very tough.

3. Those who attend this school speak of “hind sight being 20/20”

There is the better way.

1. Accept the fact that we do not know how to order our steps.

(Jer 10:23-24 NKJV) O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. {24} O LORD, correct me, but with justice; Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.

2. When we acknowledge that we need help, then we can ask for it.

(Psa 119:133 NKJV) Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

3. We are told to pray for wisdom.

(James 1:5-6 NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. {6} But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

4. We get some wisdom by instruction.

(Prov 4:7-15 NKJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. {8} Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. {9} She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you." {10} Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. {11} I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. {12} When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. {13} Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. {14} Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. {15} Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.

5. We must be willing to walk in “the old paths.”

(Jer 6:16 NKJV) Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'

6. We must remember what Paul said about the company we keep.

(1 Cor 15:33 NKJV) Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

(1 Cor 15:33 NASB) Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

(1 Cor 15:33 NIV) Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

7. One of the great recognized influences in the lives of young people is referred to as peer pressure.

III. Why do we need wisdom?

How many times have you heard someone say, “What a dumb thing to do?” Many times the act referred to was probably a foolish thing. People make many foolish mistakes, and some of these affect people for the rest of their lives.

A. In the selection of a companion.

Our son Jonathan isn’t married. My heart goes out to him, because I know it has to be a lonely life, but he has said numerous times, “I’d rather be single than married to the wrong woman.” There is much wisdom in that statement.

B. In living a life of purity.

(1 Tim 5:22 KJV) Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

(1 Cor 6:18-20 NKJV) Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. {19} Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? {20} For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

1. The Bible doesn’t always give us all the commentary.

2. God intended this to be something that was special. To be shared by one man and one woman.

3. Children are born as a result of this special relationship

a. We’ve seen the heartache of “natural parents” reclaiming their children from those who adopted the unwanted children.

b. We hear of the horror of aborted babies.

c. There is the horror of aids which is having devastating consequences in other parts of the world.

You only have one life.

Several months ago, my cardiologist sent me to the surgeon who repaired my aorta to have fix a flap that resulted when my aorta dissected. It was blocking the blood supply to my right kidney. Dr. Whiddon listened carefully, and then shock his head. He said, “You have two kidneys, but only one life!” He would not put my life in danger to save a kidney. You know I have the greatest respect for Doctor Lonnie Whiddon.

My sister gave my mother a plaque. It read: Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Conclusion

Are you walking in wisdom?

Do you know the counsel of the Word of God?

Is your life right with God?

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