Lesson 1
Introduction to Class, Wisdom and the Bible
Focus of this class: Search for and find the Truth, Wisdom, Understanding, and Instruction and don’t let go of it!
Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Prov 23:23 (ESV)
Question #1 What should I invest my time/life in? Pursue Godly Wisdom
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; 8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalms 111:7-10 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Prov 1:7-10 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. 11 For by me [wisdom] your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it. Prov 9:10-12 (ESV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith James 1:5-6 (ESV)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:14-17 (ESV)
Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. Prov 23:12 (ESV)
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Prov 16:16 (ESV)
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Prov 8:10-13 (ESV)
A Personal Testimony:
I applied my heart to wisdom by reading a proverb every morning when I was 12 till now….and soon after I sought out godly men that I could be mentored by instead of seeking the advice of people my age who weren’t much smarter. The result, wisdom and favor and the blessing of God in many ways. Many of my closest friends are 40-50 years old. So what’s the point? I encourage you, Seek Wisdom
Question #2: What is the standard for truth for everybody and everything? The Bible
A Little History
No book has been banned, burned, censored or sought after more than the Bible. King’s and Emperors have tried to destroy it. Many men and women have given their lives to translate and smuggle it. When it was printed, it ended the Dark Ages and started the Reformation (back to the Bible movement). It was written over a period of 1,600 years by about 40 different authors in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek. It has been translated in more than 1,400 languages, is the best selling book every year, and has been credited with the transformation of individuals and even entire nations.
knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (ESV)
Side note: Eph 2:10 God has prepared specific works for you and me to do during our time on this earth to impact and influence others
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10 (ESV)
God takes His Word seriously, so should we
You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. Deut 4:2 (ESV)
“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. Deut 12:32 (ESV)
Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Prov 30:6 (ESV)
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. Rev 22:18-19 (ESV)
A Quote to Remember
Pascal’s (brilliant mathematician) wager:
“If I as a Christian am wrong about there being a God, then all I’ve done is live my life by a set of rules out of a book that has provided nothing but good and the benefit of mankind, and when I die, that’s all there is. But, if you as a non-Christian are wrong about there not being a God and you die, are you willing to suffer the consequences?”
--Your Notes for This Week—
What one or two things really stood out to you? Write this down—it is your takeaway:
What needs to change in your heart?
What small step can you take this week to align your life closer to God’s design?