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The Lord gives wisdom

Text: Proverbs 2:1-9
13 January 2008

(I) DESCRIPTION OF THE WISDOM THAT GOD GIVES

Four aspects highlighted:-

1. The Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 2:5a)

2. The Knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5b)

3. Knowledge and Understanding (Proverbs 2:6b)

4. Sound Wisdom (Proverbs 2:7)

(II) RECOGNISING THE SOURCE OF WISDOM

1. The Giver of Wisdom

“The LORD gives wisdom…” Proverbs 2:6a

2. The Teacher of Wisdom

“…From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding” Proverbs 2:6b

(III) SUCCESS IN THE ACQUISITION OF GOD’S STORE OF WISDOM

1. Only if we truly treasure the Word of God

“My son, if you receive my words,And treasure my commands within you” Proverbs 2:1

2. Only if we apply ourselves

“So that you incline your ear to wisdom,And apply your heart to understanding” Proverbs 2:2

3. Only if we put in determined effort

“Yes, if you cry out for discernment,And lift up your voice for understanding” Proverbs 2:3

4. Only if we show a relentless searching spirit

“If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures” Proverbs 2:4

(IV) SPECIAL BLESSINGS TO THE UPRIGHT WISE

1. God’s store of wisdom will be opened

“Then you will understand…and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:5

“Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path” Proverbs 2:9

2. God offers special protection

“He is a shield to those who walk uprightly” Proverbs 2:7b

3. God offers special preservation

“He guards the paths of justice,And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:8

(V) A NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE OF THE WISDOM OF GOD

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

1. The wisdom of this age

a) The wisdom of God not in the rulers of this age

b) They could not discern that Jesus was the Lord of glory

c) They crucified Him instead

2. The wisdom of God

a) It is originally hidden

b) It is then revealed (“mystery”)

c) Appreciated and understood by the mature

(VI) WISDOM OBTAINED THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“But God revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10

1. The vital ministry of the Spirit of God

2. He is the Revealer of the deep wisdom of God