Lesson 7

Today I would like to do a totally different thing . . . I would like for us to take a look at the way in which Proverbs has laid out the story of Wisdom and It's importance in our lives. If you have a NIV Translation, it may be easier for you to follow along, as I'm going by the titles and sub-titles used in that particular translation.What we're going to do, is take a look at certain sections, read through them, possibly answer some questions about that section and/or re-write it in our own words based upon the last 6 lessons we've completed by our "Word Studies". Don't forget to utilize your Bible Study Tools!!!! 


Note: I'm using The Full Life Study Bible, NIV, published by Zondervan © 1992 by Life Publishers International

Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
• Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
  • Proverbs 1:20-33
    • List out some of the things that can happen to us if we reject Wisdom:
  
  
  
• Moral Benefits of Wisdom
  • Proverbs 2
    • List out some of the benefits you can obtain from Wisdom mentioned in this section:
  
  
  
• Further Benefits of Wisdom
  • Proverbs 3
    • List out some of the ways in which you can obtain the benefits of Wisdom, listed in this Proverb
  • some of my own personal comments are below
  
  
  
• Wisdom is Supreme
  • Proverbs 4
    • List out which ways Wisdom is and / or should be supreme in your own life:
  
  
  
• Wisdom's Call
  • Proverbs 8
    • Set aside at least two pages in your notebooks for this section, as we will be using it for our final "wrap up" lesson next week.
    • To prepare for this, why not read it in two - three different translations, and write out the different points the Lord speaks to your heart from Wisdom's own words
  
  
  
• Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly
  • Proverbs 9
    • What are the similarities between the invitations given here:
      
      
    • What are the differences:
  Please Note: The following notes are author's personal reflections, thoughts, and opinions on these passages, please, do not take them as absolute gospel . . . this is just how I "see" and "feel" the Lord speaking them into my own heart.
  I truly believe that God's Truth just IS, but that He does, however, reveal different aspects to us in different ways at different times. When sitting under the teaching of anyone, please, always remember to pray it through, research the Scriptures for yourself, and allow the Lord to place within your heart what He has for you.
  
  As a whole, my understanding of Wisdom is being totally connected to The Vine (see John 15). By being in constant communion with Him, through prayer and the study and meditation of His Word, allowing His Holy Spirit to speak to my heart, and applying what He reveals to me . . . I trust that, for me, that is walking in Wisdom. Perhaps I can explain more clearly, what I mean.
  
  In Proverbs 3, it clearly states that if we do not forget the teachings, and if we apply them to our lives, leaning upon His direction, not our own, that favor, grace, a good name, straight paths, discipline, peace, blessing, and life will be ours. To me this means that I will be able to have confidence, and know that I can walk in safety - not by anything I "do", but by just remaining in Him, and applying His Word (the Wisdom of His Word) to my life.
  
  Take another look at Proverbs 4:6-7 (NIV) "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
  
  These two verses speak to my heart that no matter what I achieve, or strive to obtain in my life, I should make knowing God's Word, and the Wisdom He speaks into my heart through my time with Him in prayer and study, the highest priority! No matter what it may cost me (relationships, ridicule, cost of time in study, etc.) I should press forward to know God more and more and more! And, in verse 22 it gives me an awesome motivation! "for they are life to those who find them, and health to a man's whole body." That is God's Word, it is the "Wisdom" that is revealed to our hearts through the Holy Spirit as we truly "seek after God" with our heart! But, not only "seeking", but remaining . . . let's take a look here at verse 27 (still in Proverbs 4), "do not swerve to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil." (You may wish to once again reference John 15, too.)
  
  Next time, our final lesson in this study series, we will do a "wrap up" by taking a deep look inside Proverbs 8 "Wisdom's Call". Along side that, we will reference a few New Testament charges to help us put it all into perspective. Until then, dear ones, continue in prayer and in study, and do not hesitate to share your thoughts with us through the 'comments'. Blessings!