Wisdom for Every Occasion

E-Mail This

Issue #134 March/April 2003

"Lord, Give Me Wisdom!" has been the theme of this special section. And here's the good news: He does. Throughout Scripture, we see that God gives His people wisdom to do all manner of things.

To Develop Gifts and Talents

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings. Prov 22:29

1. In Prov. 8:22–31, the personification of wisdom is speaking about creation. What part did wisdom play?

2. Just as God's wisdom infused creation, His wisdom infuses people with special skills regarding the natural world. For each of the following verses, note who was given wisdom and what that wisdom allowed the person to do. (Note: The Hebrew word for wisdom, chokmah, appears in all the verses listed. Some Bible versions may translate it as understanding, skill, knowledge, etc.)

3. Does anyone you know remind you of one or more of the people listed above? If so, describe how that person demonstrates wisdom through his or her skills.

To Lead, Judge, and Teach

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. —Prov. 21:3

4. God also gives wisdom to help us in our positions of leadership. Look up the following verses and record the kind of wisdom described or the task a wise person is suited for.

5. List your life roles. Examples might include: parent, carpool driver, friend, dentist, etc.

6. Now circle the roles that require you to make judgment calls, settle disputes, or instruct. Describe a time when an additional dose of wisdom would have made one of these tasks easier.

To Respond to the Moment

To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. —Prov. 16:1

7. In 2 Sam. 20:14–15, what danger was facing the city of Abel Beth Maacah?

8. Finish reading the story in vv. 16–22. How did the unnamed woman demonstrate wisdom?

9. Earlier, we saw that God had granted Daniel and his friends wisdom for all kinds of practical knowledge. Read Dan. 2:12–19. How did Daniel also show wisdom under duress?

10. What is your instinct in a tight situation? (Check all that apply.)

Clam up and don't say anything
Take a second to think before I talk
Blurt out what's on my mind
Talk my way out of it
Ask God for help
Other:

11. Why would God's wisdom be valuable in these moments?

To Obey God's Commands

The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. —Prov. 15:9

12. One characteristic of wisdom is that it prompts us to act in ways that are true to God's character. In Dt. 4:5–6, Moses admonishes the Israelites to obey all of God's commands. What does he say the result will be?

13. Read Mt. 7:24–28. Why is one builder labeled wise and one labeled foolish?

14. What is the link between wisdom and obedience to God? (See also Jas. 3:13.)

To Know the Times

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. —Prov. 18:15

15. What is the wise person doing in each of the following passages?

Mt. 24:42–47

Mt. 25:1–13

Eph. 5:15–17

16. Has wisdom ever prompted you to pull back and take in God's "bigger picture?" If so, describe what happened.

17. Wisdom is not myopic. It's aware of the times and what God is doing in them. How might this aspect of wisdom be helpful in your everyday life?

To Fathom God's Mysteries

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. —Prov. 25:2

18. The wisdom of God is, at times, unfathomable or even unrecognizable to us; we may require special revelation to understand what God is up to. For example, wise men for centuries had been searching out God's plan revealed in Jesus. Read 1 Pet. 1:10–12. What were ancient prophets trying to find out? How were they able to discern truth?

19. In 2 Pet. 3:15 and Eph. 3:7–10, what enabled Paul to understand the mystery of salvation?

20. God's ways have always had an element of mystery to them. Read Rev. 13:18 and 17:9. Why would wisdom be necessary to understand these visions?

21. What dangers might result if these revelations were approached without wisdom?

22. We have to be given a dose of God's wisdom even to begin to fathom His ways. But be encouraged: God does give wisdom. Read Eph. 1:17. What is Paul's prayer for the church at Ephesus?

23. In Col. 1:9, what does he ask for the church in Colosse?

24. As you look back at the list of things God gives us wisdom to do, in which of these areas do you currently feel the greatest need or desire for wisdom?

To develop gifts and talents
To lead, judge, and teach
To respond to the moment
To obey God's commands
To know the times
To fathom God's mysteries

25. What is the promise in Jas. 1:5?

26. Pray that God will increase your wisdom in the area where you feel a need. If you like, "borrow" one of Paul's prayers for wisdom from Eph. 1:17 or Col. 1:9.

27. Wisdom is a magnificent attribute of God. After God had revealed His wisdom, Daniel wrote a prayer of praise to God for His wisdom. Use this prayer to join Daniel in praising God:

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.

—Dan. 2:20–23