Wisdom, by CindyGirl

This week’s lesson focuses on wisdom. We will learn what knowledge, wisdom and understanding are and the importance of them in our lives.

What is knowledge? What is wisdom? What about Understanding, what are the definitions of these words? What do they mean? I looked in the dictionary to get a definition of the words. They are as follows:

Knowledge : Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition:
Wisdom: The ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight.
Understanding: Superior power of discernment; enlightened intelligence:

There are many scriptures in the holy word of God that speak of wisdom. A lot of those are found in the Psalms and in the book of Proverbs. We know well that Solomon was granted much wisdom from God. God gave Solomon that wisdom because he prayed for it.

1Kings 4:30 and Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

1Kings 4:31-34 “For he was wiser than all men; And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five, and he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.”

Why do you suppose Solomon had so much wisdom? Why did God give Solomon more wisdom than others? Some believe that Solomon’s parents begin to teach him at a young age that wisdom, understanding, and knowledge were very important. We all know that Solomon’s father was King David. Solomon would be the next king after David, so he would need to have the tools to rule justly and according to the laws of God.

In Proverbs chapter 3, it has been said that Solomon’s writing is him repeating what he had been taught. Writing it down as a reminder for himself as well as for others to read and know in order to get it in his heart where it would stay. We see the chapter begins addressing “My Son” He has been taught the ways of God and of wisdom. Let us go to the 13th chapter of Proverbs 3.

Proverbs 3:13-19 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things that canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.”

We see just by these passages of scripture alone, that Solomon understood and knew the importance of Wisdom. So why did God give Solomon so much wisdom when there were other kings that loved the LORD as well? Let’s turn to the book of 1Kings.

1Kings 3:3-5 “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that alter. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.”

Reading on we see that Solomon did not ask for riches or any earthly things. Instead, Solomon, knowing he must judge Israel according to the ways of God, he wisely asks God for an understanding heart. Let’s read.

1Kings 3:9-13 “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

Behold, I have according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”

We see that Solomon asked of the LORD and God gave him great, exceeding wisdom and understanding. Parents, it is so important to teach your children to seek after wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that only comes from God. Solomon knew how profound and important it was to gain wisdom. Let’s see what the this wise man says about wisdom.

Proverbs 4:5 “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of thy mouth.”

Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and in all thy getting get understanding.”

Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

What does the Bible say about wisdom and how can we get it?

Job 28:28 “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.”

Proverbs 1:7 “ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 2:10 “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

Proverbs 2:11 “Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding will keep thee:”

How does one gain wisdom? We must pray and ask for wisdom from the LORD, then obey what He tells us to do!
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and Understanding.
Proverbs 2:7 “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”

James 3:13 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Proverbs 3:7 “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart evil.”
James 3:17 “ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

We know now that with wisdom comes knowledge and understanding. This comes from the LORD. We must respect the LORD, reverence him, and depart from evil. That is the beginning of wisdom. Teaching on Wisdom could take many more pages and hours but today know that God waits to give you the tools you need to live in your destiny that HE has planned for you. Ask for wisdom from the LORD. Seek it with all your heart and He will grant it to you. Remember wisdom takes knowledge and understanding and applies it to everyday life and lives it.

Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

Dear Heavenly Father…
We come before you yet another week. We praise you for who you are Almighty God. There has never been, isn’t and will never be one like You…You are worthy to be praised. We thank you for watching over us and our families this week and we praise you that you hold us in your hands and that you know what is best. We thank you that no matter what may happen, you will work it out for good for we that love you. We come to you today and we ask for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that only comes from you. LORD we seek you earnestly and ask that you would fill us with the wisdom to live everyday in the plan that you have for each of our lives. We pray for the ones that are lost and dying without you. Bring them into you kingdom before it’s too late. Thank you for your many blessings. Please protect us and our families as we live and serve you. We will forever praise and worship you, in the lovely name of JESUS we pray and ask…AMEN.