Week 14: Wisdom

• Key verses: Proverbs 1:7; James 1:5
• What is the fear of God?
• What kind of wisdom comes from God?
• Parting thoughts

Key verses

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

James 1:5 (NLT)

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

What is the fear of God?

The fear of God is foundation of the wisdom of God. What does that mean? It does not mean to be scared of him like in horror movies. It is more like a healthy fear of law enforcement and like a responsible fear of the edge of the Grand Canyon. Fearing God properly is following his commands. He knows what is best for you. But he also fills us with awe and wonder. He is awesome and dangerous.

Here are some thoughts on the fear of God from others.

John MacArthur

“The fear of the Lord is not a cowering, servile terror — it is a reverential awe that flows from recognizing who God is: His infinite holiness, His absolute authority, and His perfect righteousness.”

— The MacArthur Bible Commentary (2005), notes on Proverbs 1:7.

Watchman Nee

“The man who truly fears God is not the man who is afraid to come to Him — it is the man who is afraid to live apart from Him.”

— Sit, Walk, Stand (1957), Chapter 1.

Timothy Keller

“We must distinguish between the fear of God as enemy and the fear of God as Father. The first drives us away from Him; the second — which is the biblical fear — draws us closer while keeping us on our knees.”

— The Reason for God (2008), Chapter 10, “The Problem of Sin.”

What kind of wisdom comes from God?

Is God’s wisdom just pithy sayings? Do we have to be old to be wise? I have often heard wisdom defined as knowledge plus experience. But we can be wise without our own experience. How? By God. He will give us guidance to use what we know AND what he knows. This is an incredible thought!

The Bible

Where can we get this wisdom? Start with the Bible. King Solomon gives a lot of practical advice in Proverbs. We also go back to the fear of God. God provides guidance throughout the Bible. Wisdom from God is grounded in obedience. Don’t expect additional insight from God if you don’t obey him.

Think of wisdom like this. You learn about fire. It’s beautiful, warm, helpful and dangerous. Wisdom is following the instructions from your parents not to put your hand in the fire. You don’t need personal experience to gain that wisdom. To learn is knowledge, to obey is wisdom.

Other people

Not only does God provide wisdom in his Word, but he also uses people in our lives. Have you ever prayed for wisdom and then proceeded to ignore advice from someone shortly thereafter? God uses people in our lives to give us guidance. Be sure to listen after you ask.

One note of caution. God NEVER gives guidance that is contrary to the Bible!

The Holy Spirit

God also gives us wisdom through the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we seek wisdom from him, he always delivers. Keep in mind he may not give us a sign. If you are unsure, have you looked in the Bible? What of the counsel of others? God may have given you guidance already. Pay attention!

Parting thoughts

Wisdom from God is grounded in the fear of God. It is available to us when we ask. We need to remember that God uses the Bible and other people to give us wisdom. Not liking what he is saying doesn’t mean he didn’t answer your prayer for wisdom. He has given us much wisdom already. Maybe we should also pray that he would open our eyes to what he has already given us?