The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. -Proverbs 9:10

• Wisdom: the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

What am I asking for?

James 1:5-8 5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Wisdom of the world outcome:

James 3:13-16 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Wisdom from above outcome:

James 3:17-18 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Wisdom: Walking with the Wise

1 Corinthians 1:26-30 26Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Questions to discuss in Life Groups or with your family and friends:

1. Share something from the sermon that caught your attention.

2. What are you coming to understand about wisdom from God’s perspective?

3. What earthly wisdom do you hear often that does not match up to God’s way of wisdom?

4. Talk about the “wise” people in your life. a. How do you recognize them? b. How could you walk with them?

5. Where do you need wisdom in your life? 6. How can you make time to intentionally pursue wisdom?