Wisdom Is the Principal Thing; Therefore Get Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7)
Introduction:
1. The book of Proverbs has much to say about wisdom -- it is often referred to as "the book of wisdom." 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on 2 statements made in Proverbs 4:7. a. First, "Wisdom is the principal thing." b. Second, "get wisdom." 3. Let us begin by considering the fact that . . .
Discussion:
I. WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING
A. This is another way of saying that wisdom is a matter of great importance. B. Solomon also explained why wisdom is the principal thing. 1. Wisdom is valuable. a. It "is better than rubies" (Proverbs 8:11). b. It is also better than gold and silver (Proverbs 16:16). c. In addition to being valuable, . . . 2. Special blessings are associated with wisdom. a. Those who find wisdom are "happy" (Proverbs 3:13). b. Those who attain wisdom will be preserved and kept (Proverbs 2:10-11). c. Those who get wisdom love their own souls (Proverbs 19:8). 3. Now that we understand why wisdom is the principal thing, we can better appreciate why Proverbs 4:7 says, . . .
II. GET WISDOM
A. This is another way of saying that God's people are to attain wisdom. B. Solomon showed repeatedly how God's people are to get wisdom. 1. It is to be gotten and not forgotten (Proverbs 4:5). 2. It is to be bought and not sold (Proverbs 23:23). C. To get wisdom we must go to the Lord for it (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5).
III. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WISDOM LET US STUDY JAMES 3:13-18
A. According to vs.13-14, our actions demonstrate the kind of wisdom we possess. 1. To illustrate, in Matthew 7:20 Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." a. Jesus said this about false teachers [they can be detected by the fruit that they bear]. b. In a similar way we show by our actions the kind of wisdom we possess. 2. Vs.13 describes a child of God who is wise and endued with knowledge. a. His "conversation" [manner of life] will be in harmony with God's will. b. His works will demonstrate his wisdom. 3. Vs.14 shows how a person may have a heart filled with jealousy and strife. a. Such a person should not glory because he possesses these traits. b. Also, he should not lie against the truth by pretending to be a follower of Christ. 4. To help us better understand James' lesson, let us examine the disciples. a. They were concerned about who was the greatest (Luke 9:46; 22:24). b. Their problem was that they possessed the wrong kind of wisdom. B. James described the wrong kind of wisdom in vs.15-16. 1. This is the kind of wisdom mentioned in vs.14. 2. It does not come from above -- it is earthly [worldly], sensual, and devilish. 3. It produces confusion and every evil work. C. James described the right kind of wisdom in vs.17-18. 1. This is the kind of wisdom mentioned in vs.13. 2. It comes from above -- it is pure, peaceable, gentle, easily entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 3. It produces the fruit of righteousness.
Conclusion:
1. Solomon said, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom." 2. We have seen that there are different kinds of wisdom. 3. What kind are you endeavoring to attain?