Wisdom
(Becoming Wise)
Open Your Bible
These verses and any linked articles/stories are intended to help jumpstart you in your own studies. MOST VERSES ARE BEST UNDERSTOOD WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE WHOLE LETTER in which it was written. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have your own bible and seek on your own. no one or any resource can replace one-on-one time with the king.
We're told to "get wisdom." How does one do that? What's the process for becoming wise? Sure, wisdom is gained through time and the lessons acquired from the ups and downs of life. But pursuing wisdom or becoming wise is much more than that. We're going to focus deeply on the book of Proverbs (but will also include other books) to learn HOW to gain wisdom - and what wisdom looks like
Bible versions used will vary and some may be paraphrased.
I suggest using BibleGateway.com to look up the verse in your favorite version. This is an ongoing project. Check back often.
PROVERBS 1:33 [ESV] Whoever listens to me (wisdom) will dwell securely and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.
Related Articles & Resources…
PROVERBS 1:33 [TPT] But the one who always listens to me (Wisdom) will..
- live undisturbed in a heavenly peace.
- free from fear
- confident and courageous
- you will rest unafraid
- and sheltered from the storms of life.
Prov 1:33 is one of those verses to pray over and over so that it gets down into your DNA. Think of it as a daily checklist. When I'm feeling stressed or worried, it is a sign that I have stepped away from wisdom which means I've taken my thoughts off of the commandments and encouragement of my Lord's Word. Good news! We can do something about it. I pick up my Bible and start meditating(thinking deeply) on the words of life to chase away any foolishness or fear that clings to my soul. This verse in The Passion Translation is a an ideal checklist or plumbline (as I listed above) to see if we are listening to Wisdom.
PROVERBS 1: Characteristics & Benefits Of Wisdom
- Enables us to understand the insight of others.
- Learn how to have or recognize wise dealings/interactions
- Acquire skill to teach those more immature/younger
- Learn what is righteousness
- Learn to be just
- Live in equity
- Increase in learning
- Understand deep meanings
- Receive strategies for leadership [vs. 5]
- Wisdom starts with obedient devotion to God
- Opposite of foolishness
- Honors parents [vs. 8]
On the contrary, fools: disrespect parents (i.e. think they’re “stupid”; mock wisdom, take advantage of the innocent; manipulate with empty promises; focus on what they get out of something – i.e. they want the benefits without the work & responsibility. (verses 10-19) - Is readily available [vs 20]
- it’s common to all, i.e. “in the streets”
- Found in business and everyday life
- In contrast, fools are: simple-minded; scoff & mock; immature; don’t want to hear wisdom; can’t tolerate being corrected; will eventually be overcome with terror; will cry out to God but He won’t answer [22-28]
- Wisdom is eager to be found and poured out. [vs. 23]
- Provides security, ease, and eliminates fear. [vs 33]
PROVERBS 2: If…Then of Wisdom
Wisdom is not guaranteed. It is a "if-then" promise. If we seek for it as silver, if we learn from others, if we obey God's commands, if we receive discipline, etc...THEN we are positioned to become wise. Let's look at some of the "if" verses: [italics are mine]
PROVERBS 2:1 [TPT] My child, will you treasure my wisdom?
Then and only then will you acquire it.
And only if you accept my advice
and hide it within will you succeed.
PROVERBS 2:2 [TPT] So train your heart to listen when I speak
and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment-
then pass it on to your sons and daughters.
PROVERBS 2:3 [TPT] Yes, cry out for comprehension and intercede for insight.
For if you keep seeking it
like a man would see for sterling silver,
searching in hidden places for cherished treasure,
then you will discover the fear of the Lord
and find the true knowledge of God.
PROVERBS 1:7 [ESV] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
PROVERBS 2:7,9 [TPT] For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom
made accessible to the righteous…
then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair, and be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny.
PROVERBS 2:10 [TPT] When wisdom wins your heart and revelation breaks in, true pleasure enters your soul.
PROVERBS 2:11 [ TPT] If you choose to follow good counsel…
[then] divine design will watch over you
and understanding will protect you from making poor choices.
PROVERBS 2:12 [TPT] [If you choose to follow good counsel…]
[then] it will rescue you from evil in disguise
and from those who speak duplicities (deliberate deceptiveness).