WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.560 If you were given a choice of being known as a wise person or a foolish person, which would you choose? 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:20.300 Now obviously, no one in here, surely no one in here would say, I want to be known as a fool. 00:00:22.440 --> 00:00:29.740 Have you ever thought, and I know many people in this room, you have read through the book of Proverbs probably many times. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:34.240 Have you ever thought about how the book of Proverbs is written? 00:00:37.439 --> 00:00:47.240 Time after time, we are giving the readers a choice of which kind of person we will be. 00:00:47.939 --> 00:00:52.000 Either a wise person or a foolish person. 00:00:53.439 --> 00:00:58.000 God's purpose in giving us the book of Proverbs is to make us wise. 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:03.259 That's what He wants to do as we do our study in this book. 00:01:04.260 --> 00:01:14.420 But if we reject the Lord's wisdom, that's the same thing as choosing to be known as a fool. 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:20.879 Because as Proverbs goes, those are the only two choices. 00:01:20.879 --> 00:01:31.379 The person who listens to the Lord, who seeks to honor Him and obey Him, that's the wise man or woman or young person. 00:01:32.239 --> 00:01:36.619 But the person who doesn't care about listening to the Lord. 00:01:36.679 --> 00:01:37.799 You don't have to hate God. 00:01:38.819 --> 00:01:39.899 Just be indifferent. 00:01:41.199 --> 00:01:41.939 Ignore Him. 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:43.259 Ignore His Word. 00:01:43.260 --> 00:01:44.260 Ignore Him. 00:01:44.260 --> 00:01:47.740 And that's the kind of person Proverbs calls a fool. 00:01:48.740 --> 00:02:06.400 This morning, I want you to turn with me to Proverbs chapter 2, which very plainly tells us how anyone can acquire godly wisdom and be known as a wise person. 00:02:06.400 --> 00:02:07.560 It's going to be here. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:10.520 Very obvious as we read through it. 00:02:11.480 --> 00:02:17.920 But as you turn to chapter 2, I want to do a quick review of what we looked at in chapter 1, 00:02:18.700 --> 00:02:23.960 which really introduced us to the concept of biblical wisdom or godly wisdom. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:27.860 Either way is accurate. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:30.480 It's been three weeks since we did that. 00:02:30.479 --> 00:02:38.139 But instead of me just sort of reviewing quickly some of the things that we looked at, my notes from last time, 00:02:38.899 --> 00:02:48.579 I want to use something that Dwayne Garrett, in his New American Commentary on Proverbs, pointed out about biblical wisdom. 00:02:49.179 --> 00:02:52.439 Three characteristics that will be on the screen. 00:02:53.000 --> 00:02:55.179 Number one, biblical wisdom is practical. 00:02:55.180 --> 00:03:04.719 He's talking about, as he introduced the topic of wisdom, in chapter 1, specifically verses 3 through 7, 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:08.060 biblical wisdom is practical. 00:03:09.080 --> 00:03:11.260 It includes the idea of common sense. 00:03:11.680 --> 00:03:18.659 Someone who is wise, as Proverbs teaches us to be wise, will be someone who demonstrates good common sense. 00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:23.000 The ability also to cope with daily problems. 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:25.620 And that's what Proverbs is filled with. 00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:30.199 Guidance on how to deal with the people you live with. 00:03:31.479 --> 00:03:33.840 Guidance on how to manage your money. 00:03:35.520 --> 00:03:38.919 Proverbs gives us wisdom about our words. 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:47.400 Things that we shouldn't say, as well as the kind of things we should say to avoid problems, 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:52.000 to make life better in our home or just around people. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:55.400 Biblical wisdom is very practical. 00:03:55.819 --> 00:03:58.259 Number two, biblical wisdom is intellectual. 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:01.199 We've got to think. 00:04:02.300 --> 00:04:09.740 God gave us a mind that he intends us to use it in studying his word, studying life, 00:04:10.460 --> 00:04:14.860 and developing good biblical wisdom. 00:04:14.860 --> 00:04:24.800 This has implied, the fact that it's intellectual, in words like understanding, in knowledge, in insight. 00:04:26.280 --> 00:04:31.720 Solomon's own fascination with natural history, for example, 00:04:32.580 --> 00:04:38.100 gives us a good example that God expects us to observe, to learn, to study. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:40.600 Look in 1 Kings chapter 4. 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:45.960 It says, he described plant life, talking about Solomon now, 00:04:46.960 --> 00:04:50.300 from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. 00:04:50.780 --> 00:04:54.240 He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 00:04:54.820 --> 00:04:57.980 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, 00:04:58.560 --> 00:05:02.120 sent by all the kings of the world who had heard of his wisdom. 00:05:02.120 --> 00:05:06.720 Solomon was a man who was given wisdom by God, as we'll see in a moment. 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:10.720 But Solomon had a keen mind. 00:05:11.480 --> 00:05:14.639 He was just interested in life, how life worked. 00:05:15.360 --> 00:05:18.240 And he studied, he observed, and he wrote about it. 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:21.180 Biblical wisdom is practical. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:22.699 It's intellectual. 00:05:23.939 --> 00:05:25.840 Biblical wisdom is also moral. 00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:29.060 And it involves self-control. 00:05:29.939 --> 00:05:33.560 Back in chapter 1, this is a summary of chapter 1, sort of. 00:05:34.539 --> 00:05:44.239 This is indicated by words like righteousness, doing what's right, justice, equity, or fairness. 00:05:45.839 --> 00:05:50.239 A person who is wise, as God teaches us about wisdom here, 00:05:50.240 --> 00:05:56.360 is someone who seeks to put into practice what they learn from God's Word. 00:05:57.259 --> 00:06:00.579 Someone who seeks to do what's right because it is right, 00:06:00.660 --> 00:06:02.800 and because that's what pleases God. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:09.780 We can summarize how wisdom is described in the beginning of Proverbs chapter 1 like this. 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:14.960 A wise person has correct knowledge, that's intellectual wisdom, 00:06:15.439 --> 00:06:19.900 understands how to apply that knowledge to life, that's practical wisdom, 00:06:19.899 --> 00:06:24.299 and demonstrates godly character in all things. 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:26.000 Moral wisdom. 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:32.419 A wise person, according to Proverbs 1, 00:06:33.439 --> 00:06:37.779 acknowledges God as the source of his or her wisdom 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:42.259 and seeks to honor God in the way they use it. 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:44.539 Honor God in all things. 00:06:45.719 --> 00:06:49.459 A wise person also, and we're going to see this throughout, 00:06:49.459 --> 00:06:51.939 we're going to see it some in chapter 2 later on, 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:58.139 a wise person also recognizes that he or she will always be surrounded by people 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:00.959 who reject this wisdom, 00:07:01.959 --> 00:07:04.599 who do not care about God, 00:07:05.139 --> 00:07:08.419 who actually reject God and His truth. 00:07:09.240 --> 00:07:13.000 And such people, they're not just in our lives, 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:14.779 they're trying to influence our lives. 00:07:14.779 --> 00:07:20.679 They're tempting us to look at life and live life their way, 00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:25.959 their way that rejects God and His wisdom and His ways. 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:29.319 Now, let's look in chapter 2. 00:07:30.459 --> 00:07:33.259 Let's read first verses 1 through 5 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:36.279 and think about what he is telling us here. 00:07:36.899 --> 00:07:40.500 Solomon is telling us here the way to acquire wisdom. 00:07:40.500 --> 00:07:41.240 Look at it. 00:07:41.240 --> 00:07:41.300 Look at it. 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:42.800 My son. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:46.480 A lot of Proverbs is written like this. 00:07:47.300 --> 00:07:52.819 It's like a wise father instructing his son or his children. 00:07:53.680 --> 00:07:56.819 That's how this chapter starts. 00:07:57.060 --> 00:07:59.759 And you'll see it throughout the study, throughout the book. 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:04.660 My son, a wise father who cares about his children. 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:09.379 A wise father who wants what's best for their child. 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:14.379 We need to think about it as God speaking through this author. 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:17.219 God, our Heavenly Father, speaking to us. 00:08:17.719 --> 00:08:18.420 He loves us. 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:19.540 He cares about us. 00:08:19.920 --> 00:08:22.819 He wants us to live life in the best possible way. 00:08:23.659 --> 00:08:25.259 And in this book of Proverbs, 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:30.879 we're going to find a lot of the very practical ways to live such a life. 00:08:31.399 --> 00:08:34.759 My son, if you receive my words 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:37.639 and treasure up my commandments with you, 00:08:37.639 --> 00:08:40.480 making your ear attentive to wisdom 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:43.279 and inclining your heart to understanding, 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:47.240 yes, if you call out for insight 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:49.939 and raise your voice for understanding, 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:52.679 if you seek it like silver 00:08:52.679 --> 00:08:57.120 and search for it as hidden treasures, 00:08:57.679 --> 00:09:00.639 then you will understand the fear of the Lord 00:09:00.639 --> 00:09:03.279 and find the knowledge of God. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:06.000 We'll come back and read more in just a little bit. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:11.700 These verses describe the attitudes that we must have 00:09:11.700 --> 00:09:15.460 if we're interested in becoming wise. 00:09:15.980 --> 00:09:18.019 Look again in verses 1 and 2. 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:21.159 We acquire wisdom by being teachable 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:24.220 and listening to wise teachers. 00:09:25.059 --> 00:09:27.480 My son, if you receive my words 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:30.200 and treasure up my commandments with you, 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:33.000 making your ear attentive to wisdom 00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:36.259 and inclining your heart to understanding, 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:41.620 we acquire wisdom by wanting to be taught, 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:43.980 by being willing to be taught. 00:09:44.600 --> 00:09:47.639 We acquire wisdom, let's think it first here, 00:09:47.860 --> 00:09:49.279 by listening to God's Word. 00:09:50.620 --> 00:09:53.379 God is speaking through this author, 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:59.259 this gracious, loving, caring Father. 00:09:59.259 --> 00:10:01.319 If you receive my words, 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:03.980 we need to think about it as receiving God's words, 00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:08.220 as treasuring up His commandments ourselves. 00:10:09.419 --> 00:10:12.179 You know, in Psalms chapter 19 and verse 7, 00:10:12.939 --> 00:10:15.080 we read this about God's Word. 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:18.139 The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, 00:10:19.039 --> 00:10:20.720 making wise the simple. 00:10:20.720 --> 00:10:23.580 I don't know if you ever just stop and think about 00:10:23.580 --> 00:10:25.440 why did God give us His Word. 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:27.820 God gave us His Word to reveal Himself, 00:10:28.460 --> 00:10:29.820 who He is, how He is, 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:32.220 and how we can have a right relationship with Him. 00:10:33.040 --> 00:10:35.540 He also gave it to us to inform us 00:10:35.540 --> 00:10:37.460 how we can have a right relationship with other people. 00:10:38.700 --> 00:10:41.660 God's Word, if we'll read it, 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:43.879 if we'll listen to it, if we'll apply it, 00:10:43.940 --> 00:10:45.300 seek to do it with His help, 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:48.300 God's Word will make us wise. 00:10:48.299 --> 00:10:52.199 Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, 00:10:53.199 --> 00:10:57.019 and the whole point of that long psalm 00:10:57.019 --> 00:11:01.439 is to help us understand the importance of, 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:04.059 the value of God's Word, 00:11:05.159 --> 00:11:06.240 and studying it, 00:11:06.939 --> 00:11:08.399 seeking to understand it, 00:11:08.839 --> 00:11:11.199 so that we can live the way that God tells us to live. 00:11:12.039 --> 00:11:14.939 Now, this idea of seeking to acquire wisdom 00:11:14.940 --> 00:11:16.020 by being teachable, 00:11:16.760 --> 00:11:18.620 by listening to wise teachers, 00:11:19.380 --> 00:11:21.020 we need to listen to wise teachers 00:11:21.020 --> 00:11:22.800 in every realm of life. 00:11:25.140 --> 00:11:27.080 I'm going to guess that everybody in this room, 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:29.780 you've got people in your life 00:11:29.780 --> 00:11:31.460 that you know, 00:11:31.640 --> 00:11:33.240 you consider them to be very wise. 00:11:33.900 --> 00:11:35.240 I mean, there may be a family member, 00:11:35.340 --> 00:11:36.580 may be a family friend, 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:38.320 may be a teacher, a coach. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:40.660 There's someone in your life 00:11:40.659 --> 00:11:42.139 that they're just, 00:11:42.339 --> 00:11:43.959 they're just wise. 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:46.600 They've got a good understanding, 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:47.879 good common sense. 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:50.079 They've got good experience. 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.199 And when they talk, 00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:53.600 you listen. 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:56.519 Well, that's an indication 00:11:56.519 --> 00:11:57.959 that you are a wise person 00:11:57.959 --> 00:12:00.139 to recognize wisdom wherever it's found. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:03.120 Even in maybe some bad examples, 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:04.819 there are some good lessons to be learned 00:12:04.819 --> 00:12:05.659 from bad examples. 00:12:05.659 --> 00:12:08.299 And if we're going to be wise, 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:10.360 we've got to learn to be teachable. 00:12:10.779 --> 00:12:11.659 We've got to learn to listen, 00:12:12.519 --> 00:12:13.819 whether it comes from God's Word 00:12:13.819 --> 00:12:15.799 or whether God brings us His truth 00:12:15.799 --> 00:12:17.419 in other forms. 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:19.519 We need to learn to listen 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:22.219 and learn from everyone and everything. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:23.500 Number two, 00:12:23.860 --> 00:12:26.219 we acquire wisdom by asking for it. 00:12:26.519 --> 00:12:27.379 Look in verse three. 00:12:28.379 --> 00:12:30.600 Yes, if you call out for insight 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:32.639 and raise your voice 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.459 for understanding, 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:37.000 that's what Solomon did. 00:12:37.900 --> 00:12:40.379 He asked God to give him wisdom. 00:12:41.019 --> 00:12:43.080 Look at it in 1 Kings chapter three. 00:12:44.300 --> 00:12:44.680 He said, 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:46.259 Give your servant, therefore, 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:48.300 an understanding mind 00:12:48.300 --> 00:12:50.000 to govern your people 00:12:50.000 --> 00:12:52.519 that I may discern between good and evil. 00:12:53.060 --> 00:12:54.379 For who is able to govern 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:55.500 this your great people? 00:12:56.720 --> 00:12:58.460 When Solomon succeeded David 00:12:58.460 --> 00:13:00.000 as king over Israel, 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:02.259 he asked God. 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:02.720 God said, 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:03.780 What do you want? 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:05.360 I'll give you whatever you want. 00:13:06.100 --> 00:13:07.579 And Solomon's response was, 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:09.179 I want to have understanding. 00:13:09.339 --> 00:13:10.299 I want to have knowledge. 00:13:10.419 --> 00:13:11.419 I want to have insight. 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:12.819 I want to have the wisdom 00:13:12.819 --> 00:13:14.139 to be the best king 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:15.199 I can possibly be 00:13:15.199 --> 00:13:16.679 for these people, 00:13:16.939 --> 00:13:18.139 for this nation, 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:20.059 for your glory, 00:13:20.799 --> 00:13:22.980 for your people. 00:13:23.980 --> 00:13:25.799 He asked God for wisdom. 00:13:25.799 --> 00:13:27.759 And then look at how God responded. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:31.199 Chapter three, verse 12. 00:13:31.859 --> 00:13:32.379 Behold, 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:35.240 I now do according to your word. 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:36.139 Behold, 00:13:36.579 --> 00:13:38.500 I give you a wise 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:40.479 and discerning mind 00:13:40.479 --> 00:13:42.479 so that none like you 00:13:42.479 --> 00:13:43.919 has been before you 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:45.659 and none like you 00:13:45.659 --> 00:13:48.000 shall rise after you. 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:50.319 Solomon asked for wisdom 00:13:50.320 --> 00:13:52.200 and it pleased God 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:54.240 to give him wisdom. 00:13:55.240 --> 00:13:57.320 God desires to give us wisdom. 00:13:57.960 --> 00:13:59.300 But I want you to look again 00:13:59.300 --> 00:14:00.020 at verse three 00:14:00.020 --> 00:14:01.680 very carefully. 00:14:03.260 --> 00:14:04.900 Asking God for wisdom 00:14:04.900 --> 00:14:07.860 is not just a part 00:14:07.860 --> 00:14:10.160 of a routine prayer 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:12.299 or just some kind of, 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:13.059 you know, 00:14:13.079 --> 00:14:14.000 sort of laid back, 00:14:14.079 --> 00:14:15.299 Lord, I'd like to have 00:14:15.299 --> 00:14:15.919 kind of thing. 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:17.559 Note how verse three 00:14:17.559 --> 00:14:18.620 describes this request. 00:14:19.219 --> 00:14:20.659 Call out for insight. 00:14:21.399 --> 00:14:22.719 Raise your voice 00:14:22.719 --> 00:14:24.439 for understanding. 00:14:25.480 --> 00:14:28.019 This is an intense desire. 00:14:28.799 --> 00:14:30.939 A desperate cry for wisdom. 00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:34.679 Most people in this room, 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:37.600 you pray before a meal. 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:38.579 You ask a blessing. 00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:41.039 Now I know 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:41.819 I'm not going to question 00:14:41.819 --> 00:14:43.579 anybody's commitment, 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:44.379 sincerity. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:45.879 I know sometimes 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:46.939 when you bow your head 00:14:46.939 --> 00:14:47.659 and you pray, 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:49.199 you're very sincere. 00:14:49.959 --> 00:14:51.120 You're acknowledging God 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.279 is giving you what you've got 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:52.980 and you're thankful. 00:14:53.459 --> 00:14:55.500 But let's just be real honest. 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:58.000 Sometimes some of our blessings 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:59.039 we're just going through the motions. 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:01.319 I mean, 00:15:01.379 --> 00:15:02.679 you're looking at what's on the table. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.139 You're concerned. 00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:04.699 You're hungry. 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:05.240 You want to eat. 00:15:05.319 --> 00:15:06.039 Let's just get through 00:15:06.039 --> 00:15:07.620 this blessing and eat. 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.000 We've all been there. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:09.720 We've all done that. 00:15:09.720 --> 00:15:11.100 We know what that kind of prayer is. 00:15:11.320 --> 00:15:12.480 Or maybe you want to pray 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:13.500 before you go to bed at night. 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:15.800 And so you lay down 00:15:15.800 --> 00:15:16.860 and you say your prayer 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.860 there in the bed. 00:15:18.420 --> 00:15:19.920 You'll never remember ending it 00:15:19.920 --> 00:15:20.700 because you went to sleep. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:24.040 We all know what it's like to pray, 00:15:25.040 --> 00:15:27.399 but we don't really mean it. 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:30.019 We're just going through the motions. 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:31.820 We're just saying words. 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:38.960 That's not how we pray. 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:40.400 Really anything from God. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:41.280 Let's don't kid ourselves. 00:15:42.160 --> 00:15:44.379 But especially wisdom. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:48.960 This is an intense, serious cry. 00:15:50.340 --> 00:15:51.980 God, give me wisdom. 00:15:52.780 --> 00:15:54.200 Imagine how you would respond 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:57.340 if you were on the deep end 00:15:57.340 --> 00:15:58.120 of a swimming pool. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.680 12 feet of water. 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:02.720 And all of a sudden, 00:16:02.860 --> 00:16:04.759 you got a cramp in your leg. 00:16:05.540 --> 00:16:06.200 I don't know if you've ever 00:16:06.200 --> 00:16:07.060 had that happen to you, 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:07.820 but many years ago, 00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:08.620 I had a youth group. 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:10.259 And we were in a pool. 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:12.780 And there were people around, 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:13.200 thankfully. 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:14.960 I was young. 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:17.139 I was 21 or so years old. 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:19.240 Never had a cramp in my life 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:20.040 in the water. 00:16:20.039 --> 00:16:22.000 I've always heard that. 00:16:22.079 --> 00:16:22.480 And I thought, 00:16:22.819 --> 00:16:23.519 you know, 00:16:23.559 --> 00:16:25.039 if you're old and decrepit, 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:25.399 you know, 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:26.839 you may have a problem, 00:16:27.079 --> 00:16:28.279 but the old cramp, 00:16:28.980 --> 00:16:30.639 you can make do 00:16:30.639 --> 00:16:31.500 if you're strong, 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.139 young, and healthy. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:33.879 I had a cramp that just, 00:16:34.199 --> 00:16:35.719 my leg just locked down 00:16:35.719 --> 00:16:38.039 in that deep water. 00:16:38.959 --> 00:16:40.379 The guy next to me, 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:41.039 his name was Joe. 00:16:41.199 --> 00:16:41.860 I said, 00:16:42.019 --> 00:16:42.319 screamed, 00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:42.980 Joe, 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:43.939 help. 00:16:44.699 --> 00:16:46.179 And I was struggling, 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:46.759 scrambling. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:47.679 I reached over there. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:48.980 I never have hugged a man 00:16:48.980 --> 00:16:49.899 like I hugged that man. 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:53.620 And I didn't apologize. 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:56.120 I was desperate. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:57.339 I was panicking. 00:16:57.579 --> 00:16:58.959 I needed help, 00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:00.120 and I let him know, 00:17:00.279 --> 00:17:02.159 and everybody in that pool knew. 00:17:02.719 --> 00:17:03.719 I was serious. 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:05.200 It was intense. 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:11.099 If we really want something, 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:12.079 need something, 00:17:12.359 --> 00:17:13.700 and are desperate for something, 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:17.399 we will cry out for it 00:17:17.400 --> 00:17:20.940 within our very soul. 00:17:22.120 --> 00:17:23.840 We will cry out for it, 00:17:24.380 --> 00:17:26.000 and God will know, 00:17:26.100 --> 00:17:27.019 we will know, 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:29.120 we mean business. 00:17:30.120 --> 00:17:31.980 That's what Solomon is saying here. 00:17:32.060 --> 00:17:33.440 If you really want wisdom, 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:38.840 then show God, 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:40.640 express yourself to God, 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.800 inwardly, 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:43.180 outwardly, 00:17:43.180 --> 00:17:46.519 as if you want him to really rescue 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:48.879 and save you from your foolishness 00:17:48.879 --> 00:17:50.859 and your ignorance. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:52.240 You know, 00:17:52.279 --> 00:17:53.859 we're told in James chapter 1 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:54.940 that if we ask, 00:17:55.119 --> 00:17:56.000 if we lack wisdom, 00:17:56.059 --> 00:17:56.980 we should ask God. 00:17:58.859 --> 00:18:00.099 But even in that passage, 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.819 we're told we've got to be serious about it. 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:03.460 It's not some ho-hum prayer. 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:04.240 Look at it. 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:05.259 In James chapter 1, 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.339 beginning in verse 5, 00:18:07.019 --> 00:18:08.279 if any of you lacks wisdom, 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:09.160 let him ask God, 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:10.220 who gives generously 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:11.859 to all without reproach, 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:13.000 and it'll be given to him. 00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:15.120 But let him ask in faith, 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:17.140 without doubting, 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:18.019 with no doubting. 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.900 For the one who doubts 00:18:19.900 --> 00:18:21.339 is like a wave of the sea 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.839 that is driven and tossed by the wind. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:25.099 For that person must not suppose 00:18:25.099 --> 00:18:26.539 that he will receive anything 00:18:26.539 --> 00:18:27.480 from the Lord. 00:18:29.180 --> 00:18:30.900 James is basically telling us here, 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:34.220 if you're not going to pray sincerely, 00:18:34.540 --> 00:18:34.900 wholeheartedly, 00:18:35.840 --> 00:18:37.240 if your heart and soul and mind 00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:37.800 is not in it, 00:18:37.840 --> 00:18:38.740 just don't pray. 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:41.640 Because it's a waste of breath. 00:18:42.920 --> 00:18:43.880 And that includes 00:18:43.880 --> 00:18:45.860 the prayer for wisdom. 00:18:46.680 --> 00:18:48.380 We've got to truly want it. 00:18:49.100 --> 00:18:50.420 And let God know 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.700 we mean business 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:54.340 in the way that we ask Him. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:55.880 But that's not all Solomon says 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:56.480 along this line. 00:18:56.900 --> 00:18:58.080 He goes on in verse 4 00:18:58.080 --> 00:18:59.120 to stress this point 00:18:59.120 --> 00:19:00.160 by pointing out 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:01.500 that we must pursue wisdom 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:02.900 wholeheartedly 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:05.400 because we actually value it. 00:19:05.540 --> 00:19:06.580 Look at verse 4 again. 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:08.860 If you seek it like silver 00:19:08.860 --> 00:19:10.660 and search for it 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:12.740 as for hidden treasures, 00:19:13.860 --> 00:19:14.880 then you'll understand. 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:17.680 Think of people 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:21.019 who are just money crazy 00:19:21.019 --> 00:19:25.080 or just materialistic to the core. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.660 It just seems that they just 00:19:27.660 --> 00:19:28.820 eat, 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:29.400 drink, 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:30.100 sleep, 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:31.660 it's all about money, 00:19:31.720 --> 00:19:32.640 it's all about things, 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:34.360 inquiring things. 00:19:35.560 --> 00:19:36.720 Do whatever it takes, 00:19:36.800 --> 00:19:37.519 break their health 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:39.140 to get more. 00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:40.600 And there's never enough. 00:19:41.600 --> 00:19:42.759 Think about how some people 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:44.160 will go to great extremes 00:19:44.160 --> 00:19:46.540 to get a football ticket 00:19:46.540 --> 00:19:47.860 or a basketball ticket 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:49.640 or a concert ticket 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:51.980 by camping out 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:53.020 in the rain, 00:19:53.020 --> 00:19:54.600 in the cold 00:19:54.600 --> 00:19:56.320 so they'll be in line 00:19:56.320 --> 00:19:56.940 and be sure 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.060 that they get one. 00:19:59.600 --> 00:20:00.759 We know 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:03.920 what it looks like. 00:20:04.560 --> 00:20:05.840 There's things in our life 00:20:05.840 --> 00:20:06.940 that we truly 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:08.380 go all out 00:20:08.380 --> 00:20:09.300 to pursue. 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:12.579 The question is, 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:15.579 do you pursue wisdom 00:20:15.579 --> 00:20:16.119 like that? 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:20.019 Or will you pursue wisdom? 00:20:20.579 --> 00:20:21.960 Will you so value 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:25.960 having God's insight, 00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:27.579 having discernment 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:28.519 that comes from Him 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:30.819 that you will do 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:31.779 whatever it takes 00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:33.819 to pursue it, 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:34.980 to seek it? 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:37.319 You value it that highly. 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:39.519 You know, 00:20:39.740 --> 00:20:40.579 in thinking about 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:42.220 what is being said here, 00:20:43.419 --> 00:20:45.159 we need to not only 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:47.099 just want it this badly 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:47.939 and put forth 00:20:47.939 --> 00:20:48.519 such an effort, 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:49.980 but we need to learn 00:20:49.980 --> 00:20:51.139 to seek wisdom, 00:20:51.399 --> 00:20:52.319 acquire wisdom 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:54.159 wherever it is, 00:20:54.879 --> 00:20:56.359 wherever we are in life. 00:20:57.019 --> 00:20:57.859 Solomon and the other 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:58.939 writers of Proverbs, 00:20:59.139 --> 00:21:00.000 as I said earlier, 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:02.279 they studied life. 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:04.099 They observed things 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:04.799 in nature, 00:21:04.939 --> 00:21:05.799 in this world. 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.279 They were able 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:08.799 to teach on many subjects. 00:21:09.399 --> 00:21:09.720 They were able 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.399 to teach about 00:21:10.399 --> 00:21:11.639 having a work ethic. 00:21:12.159 --> 00:21:12.639 They were able 00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.940 to warn about debt. 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:15.240 They were able 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.279 to talk about 00:21:16.279 --> 00:21:17.299 things like 00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:18.680 our words, 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:19.539 our character, 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.639 our relationships. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:22.440 That's because 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:23.319 they studied life. 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.279 They studied people. 00:21:24.399 --> 00:21:25.220 They understood 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:28.039 as well as what 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.980 God had given them 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.159 wisdom-wise. 00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:31.620 If we want 00:21:31.620 --> 00:21:32.420 to be wise people, 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:32.880 we need to learn 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:33.840 to open our eyes, 00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:35.820 have a teachable spirit, 00:21:36.460 --> 00:21:37.220 and learn from 00:21:37.220 --> 00:21:38.200 all kinds of people 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:38.960 and all kinds 00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:39.779 of experiences. 00:21:41.360 --> 00:21:42.160 Let's not forget, 00:21:42.300 --> 00:21:42.779 as we saw 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.740 three weeks ago, 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.660 and we see again 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:45.320 in verse 5, 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:46.200 the key to acquiring 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:47.880 wisdom is to fear God. 00:21:48.380 --> 00:21:49.660 Look here in verse 5 again. 00:21:49.660 --> 00:21:51.620 When we pursue 00:21:51.620 --> 00:21:52.660 wisdom this way, 00:21:53.600 --> 00:21:55.220 then you will understand 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:56.320 the fear of the Lord 00:21:56.319 --> 00:21:59.500 and find the knowledge 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:00.099 of God. 00:22:02.639 --> 00:22:04.079 The key to understanding 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:05.779 or the key to acquiring 00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:09.460 wisdom is to fear God. 00:22:09.539 --> 00:22:09.980 What we're talking 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:12.119 about here is learning 00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:12.960 to honor God 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.139 as the holy God 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:14.799 that He is, 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.439 respecting Him, 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.460 showing reverence 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.179 toward Him, 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:21.399 honoring Him 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:22.220 in all that we do. 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:23.899 And the more 00:22:23.899 --> 00:22:24.939 we do this, 00:22:25.539 --> 00:22:26.299 the more we demonstrate 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:28.180 this reverential fear, 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:30.799 the closer we become 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.220 to God, 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:33.059 the better that we know Him, 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.079 the stronger 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:35.779 our relationship will be. 00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:37.319 The more we pursue 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:38.779 wisdom this way 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:41.200 and truly love God 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:42.019 and fear God 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.799 and honor Him 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.519 and listen to Him 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:44.379 and obey Him, 00:22:45.379 --> 00:22:46.960 the more we will have 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:48.180 this wisdom 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:49.399 that's being promised here. 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:52.399 Let's be clear 00:22:52.399 --> 00:22:53.259 about this matter, 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:55.419 about how we acquire wisdom. 00:22:56.299 --> 00:22:58.220 there must be 00:22:58.220 --> 00:22:59.480 a relationship with God 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:00.220 in order for this 00:23:00.220 --> 00:23:00.680 to happen. 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:02.899 There must be 00:23:02.899 --> 00:23:03.839 this relationship 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:04.299 with God 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:04.960 where we have 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:06.419 this reverential fear 00:23:06.419 --> 00:23:06.879 for Him. 00:23:07.519 --> 00:23:08.859 We actually know Him 00:23:08.859 --> 00:23:09.859 as our Heavenly Father. 00:23:10.859 --> 00:23:11.940 We love Him. 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:13.839 We desire 00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:15.119 to experience 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:16.240 His presence 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:16.799 and power 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:17.819 in our lives. 00:23:17.819 --> 00:23:20.720 Do you have 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:21.700 that kind of relationship? 00:23:23.939 --> 00:23:24.639 Second thing 00:23:24.639 --> 00:23:25.279 I want us to look at 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.700 this morning, 00:23:26.639 --> 00:23:27.359 the reason we should 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:29.079 acquire wisdom, 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.139 I want us to say that 00:23:30.139 --> 00:23:31.339 in verses 4 through 6 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:32.679 or 6 through 8 rather. 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:33.879 6 through 8. 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:35.760 For the Lord 00:23:35.760 --> 00:23:36.600 gives wisdom. 00:23:37.300 --> 00:23:38.140 From His mouth 00:23:38.140 --> 00:23:38.860 come knowledge 00:23:38.860 --> 00:23:39.660 and understanding. 00:23:40.100 --> 00:23:41.020 He stores up 00:23:41.020 --> 00:23:41.900 sound wisdom 00:23:41.900 --> 00:23:42.680 for the upright. 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:44.100 He is a shield 00:23:44.100 --> 00:23:44.680 to those 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:45.200 who walk 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:45.980 in integrity, 00:23:46.600 --> 00:23:47.840 guarding the paths 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:49.080 of justice 00:23:49.080 --> 00:23:50.120 and watching 00:23:50.120 --> 00:23:51.580 over the way 00:23:51.580 --> 00:23:52.580 of His saints. 00:23:54.260 --> 00:23:55.140 Think about 00:23:55.140 --> 00:23:56.080 what's being said there. 00:23:57.120 --> 00:23:58.380 Acquiring wisdom 00:23:58.380 --> 00:24:00.020 makes life better. 00:24:00.019 --> 00:24:02.940 Acquiring God-given wisdom 00:24:02.940 --> 00:24:04.160 makes life better 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.180 in every way. 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:06.480 I want you to look 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:08.119 closely at verse 6 again. 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:09.839 For the Lord 00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:10.819 gives wisdom. 00:24:11.539 --> 00:24:12.700 From His mouth 00:24:12.700 --> 00:24:14.379 come knowledge 00:24:14.379 --> 00:24:15.639 and understanding. 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.480 Biblical wisdom 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.139 is not something 00:24:18.139 --> 00:24:18.980 we can acquire 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:19.799 on our own. 00:24:20.879 --> 00:24:21.500 It's not like 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:23.019 acquiring general knowledge. 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.339 It's not like 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.980 learning about 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:28.200 anything else in life. 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.299 You know, 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.759 a person can be brilliant 00:24:30.759 --> 00:24:33.039 but never acquire 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.220 biblical wisdom. 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.740 Highly intelligent people, 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:39.339 they can gain 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:40.079 an understanding 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:41.819 of complex matters 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.559 by their research, 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:44.579 by their study, 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:46.819 by their experimentation. 00:24:48.659 --> 00:24:50.220 But even a highly 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.359 gifted scientist 00:24:51.359 --> 00:24:53.139 or a technological genius 00:24:53.139 --> 00:24:55.859 will never become wise 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:57.779 just by studying wisdom. 00:24:57.779 --> 00:25:00.899 they may have a lot 00:25:00.899 --> 00:25:01.660 of understanding 00:25:01.660 --> 00:25:03.740 but they'll never 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:05.859 experience God-given wisdom 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:08.019 apart from the relationship 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.740 with God 00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:10.079 and it coming from Him. 00:25:11.220 --> 00:25:12.480 Biblical wisdom 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.519 comes from God 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.339 and it's given 00:25:14.339 --> 00:25:15.299 by God. 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:16.839 But here's what I want 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:17.399 you to understand. 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:20.019 The key to experiencing 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.839 this kind of wisdom 00:25:20.839 --> 00:25:21.899 is this. 00:25:21.900 --> 00:25:23.820 It only comes to those 00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:25.380 who truly want it 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:27.640 and will pursue it. 00:25:27.980 --> 00:25:28.940 It'll never happen 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:29.620 by accident. 00:25:30.040 --> 00:25:31.000 Look at how it's all 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:31.820 stated here 00:25:31.820 --> 00:25:33.100 in what we've been reading. 00:25:33.820 --> 00:25:34.380 I want you to note 00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:35.380 the word if 00:25:35.380 --> 00:25:37.440 in verses 1, 3, and 4. 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:38.519 In verse 1, 00:25:39.280 --> 00:25:39.880 my son, 00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:42.060 if you receive 00:25:42.060 --> 00:25:42.880 my words. 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.380 Verse 3, 00:25:44.380 --> 00:25:45.580 yes, 00:25:46.020 --> 00:25:47.300 if you call out 00:25:47.300 --> 00:25:48.060 for insight. 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.540 Verse 4, 00:25:50.080 --> 00:25:51.480 if you seek it 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:52.180 like silver 00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:52.860 and search for 00:25:52.860 --> 00:25:53.600 His hidden treasure. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:56.300 God gives wisdom 00:25:56.300 --> 00:25:56.980 to those 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.540 who listen 00:25:57.540 --> 00:25:58.320 to His word, 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:01.000 call out desperately 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:01.840 to Him 00:26:01.840 --> 00:26:04.700 and go all out, 00:26:04.780 --> 00:26:05.780 do whatever it takes 00:26:05.780 --> 00:26:07.760 to acquire it. 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:09.359 Now, 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:10.200 without understanding 00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:10.740 of what it takes 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.140 to acquire 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:11.960 godly wisdom, 00:26:12.960 --> 00:26:14.660 will you ever have it? 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.339 You can answer 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:17.960 that question. 00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:21.180 You know yourself. 00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:24.680 Remember from the beginning, 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:26.539 from God's perspective, 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:28.420 there's only two kinds 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:29.579 of people in this world. 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:31.980 Those who are wise, 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:34.379 those who are seeking 00:26:34.379 --> 00:26:35.680 to become wise, 00:26:35.680 --> 00:26:39.180 and those who are fools, 00:26:40.360 --> 00:26:41.560 those who are content 00:26:41.560 --> 00:26:42.820 to ignore God 00:26:42.820 --> 00:26:44.160 and ignore His truth 00:26:44.160 --> 00:26:45.400 and ignore His wisdom 00:26:45.400 --> 00:26:48.500 and just be foolish. 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:51.140 Now, 00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:51.980 which one are you? 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:55.820 Your life shows it. 00:26:58.519 --> 00:27:00.299 Which one do you want to be? 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:04.779 It's your choice 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:06.059 over and over again. 00:27:06.379 --> 00:27:07.720 Proverbs lays it out, 00:27:07.859 --> 00:27:08.799 the way of wisdom, 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:10.139 the way of a fool. 00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:13.660 Which will you choose? 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:16.759 Let's look at the final section 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:18.220 of this chapter, 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.460 the benefits 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:20.899 of acquiring wisdom. 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:22.940 I want you to look with me 00:27:22.940 --> 00:27:24.079 at a few examples 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:26.500 of how wisdom benefits 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:29.039 all who actually pursue it. 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.779 In verses 9 through 11, 00:27:30.899 --> 00:27:31.879 we see that wisdom 00:27:31.879 --> 00:27:32.759 will prepare us 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:34.180 to live life in this world 00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:36.099 as God's good 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:37.779 and holy people. 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:38.559 Look at it. 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:39.599 Beginning in verse 9. 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:41.440 Then you will understand 00:27:41.440 --> 00:27:42.079 righteousness, 00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:43.339 justice, 00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:44.619 and equity. 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.619 Every good path. 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:47.900 See what he's talking about. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:50.660 If you will listen to God, 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:53.759 if you will receive His wisdom, 00:27:54.160 --> 00:27:55.539 if you will pursue it, 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:57.180 if you will cry out for it, 00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:59.299 He will give it to you. 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.799 Then, verse 9, 00:28:00.879 --> 00:28:02.259 you will understand righteousness, 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:03.019 and justice, 00:28:03.480 --> 00:28:04.000 equity, 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.319 every good path. 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:07.419 For wisdom will come 00:28:07.419 --> 00:28:08.399 into your heart, 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:10.559 and knowledge will be pleasant 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.700 to your soul. 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:14.519 Discretion will watch over you. 00:28:15.099 --> 00:28:17.619 Understanding will guard you. 00:28:19.220 --> 00:28:19.859 Wisdom, 00:28:20.279 --> 00:28:21.399 the wisdom of God, 00:28:22.099 --> 00:28:23.159 it will enable you 00:28:23.159 --> 00:28:24.319 to live in this world 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:27.000 and be discerning. 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:29.339 It will enable you 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:30.119 to live in this world 00:28:30.119 --> 00:28:32.039 and know what's good, 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:33.039 what's better, 00:28:33.299 --> 00:28:34.259 what's best. 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.379 It will enable you 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:39.179 to see stumbling blocks. 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:41.599 It will throw up red flags 00:28:41.599 --> 00:28:43.539 at people 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:46.399 and poor choices 00:28:46.399 --> 00:28:48.179 that can harm you, 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.500 that can ruin your life. 00:28:50.460 --> 00:28:51.000 Wisdom, 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:52.139 having it, 00:28:52.140 --> 00:28:53.620 developing it 00:28:53.620 --> 00:28:55.440 will make a difference 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:55.940 in how we live. 00:28:56.020 --> 00:28:56.460 It will help us 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:57.860 to live the good 00:28:57.860 --> 00:28:58.840 and godly life. 00:28:59.540 --> 00:28:59.880 Secondly, 00:29:00.300 --> 00:29:01.420 wisdom will protect us 00:29:01.420 --> 00:29:02.180 from falling under 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:02.900 the influence 00:29:02.900 --> 00:29:04.380 of ungodly people. 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:07.280 Developing God's wisdom 00:29:07.280 --> 00:29:09.860 in just a general way, 00:29:10.259 --> 00:29:11.420 having that knowledge 00:29:11.420 --> 00:29:12.860 will protect us, 00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:14.240 help us to be on guard 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:16.860 against the influence 00:29:16.860 --> 00:29:17.840 of ungodly people. 00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:20.259 Look at two things. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.120 First, verses 12 through 15. 00:29:23.080 --> 00:29:24.300 People who try to undermine 00:29:24.300 --> 00:29:25.460 our godly character 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:26.400 and personal integrity. 00:29:27.060 --> 00:29:28.780 Look at verses 12 through 15. 00:29:30.060 --> 00:29:30.680 Delivering you 00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:31.720 from the way of evil, 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:34.640 from men of perverted speech. 00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:35.940 Perverted speech 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:36.840 is not just someone 00:29:36.840 --> 00:29:38.220 who uses profanity 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:39.420 or talks about 00:29:39.420 --> 00:29:40.900 some form of perversion. 00:29:41.460 --> 00:29:42.080 Perverted speech 00:29:42.080 --> 00:29:43.180 is any kind of speech 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:44.000 that is contrary 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:45.200 to the truth of God. 00:29:46.520 --> 00:29:47.220 Delivering you 00:29:47.220 --> 00:29:47.980 from the way of evil. 00:29:48.340 --> 00:29:49.320 Wisdom will do this. 00:29:49.620 --> 00:29:51.020 From men of perverted speech, 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:53.240 who forsake the paths 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.759 of uprightness 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:56.000 to walk in the ways 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:56.519 of darkness, 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:59.240 who rejoice in doing evil 00:29:59.240 --> 00:30:00.259 and delight 00:30:00.259 --> 00:30:02.220 in the perverseness of evil. 00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:03.920 Men whose paths 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:04.859 are crooked 00:30:04.859 --> 00:30:06.680 and who are devious 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:08.299 in their ways. 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:10.759 Having biblical wisdom 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:14.140 will just help us 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:18.240 to understand shady people 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:20.420 and shady dealings. 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:23.539 It'll throw up the red flag. 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:26.279 Flash the red warning light 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:28.339 when people come to us 00:30:28.339 --> 00:30:31.140 talking about ways 00:30:31.140 --> 00:30:34.839 to get around the truth. 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:37.759 talking about ways 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:39.259 to deceive somebody. 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:41.259 Talking about ways 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:43.839 to avoid punishment 00:30:43.839 --> 00:30:45.319 for our crimes. 00:30:45.919 --> 00:30:47.039 Reaping what we sow. 00:30:48.139 --> 00:30:49.779 Proverbs will help us, 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:51.159 prepare us 00:30:51.159 --> 00:30:52.019 for the people 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:53.119 who are going to ruin 00:30:53.119 --> 00:30:53.759 our lives 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:54.740 if we listen to them. 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:57.500 It happens. 00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:58.879 It happens every day. 00:30:59.399 --> 00:31:00.299 Are you equipped 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:02.480 to hear the people 00:31:02.480 --> 00:31:04.279 who really don't care about you, 00:31:04.279 --> 00:31:05.960 who just want to use you 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:06.960 and abuse you 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:07.899 and they will 00:31:07.899 --> 00:31:09.019 if you're not discerning, 00:31:09.420 --> 00:31:11.279 if you're not wise. 00:31:12.000 --> 00:31:12.579 But also, 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.639 there's a second kind 00:31:13.639 --> 00:31:15.160 of person or people. 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:16.339 People who try 00:31:16.339 --> 00:31:18.099 to undermine your marriage 00:31:18.099 --> 00:31:20.039 and sexual purity. 00:31:20.839 --> 00:31:22.379 Look at verses 16 through 19. 00:31:22.379 --> 00:31:24.879 So you will be delivered 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:26.420 from the forbidden woman, 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:28.519 from the adulteress 00:31:28.519 --> 00:31:30.740 with her smooth words, 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:32.980 who forsakes the companion 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:34.000 of her youth 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:35.059 she's married, 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:37.440 and forgets the covenant 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:38.579 of her God 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.640 she claims 00:31:39.640 --> 00:31:40.799 to be a woman of God. 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.740 For her house 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:45.200 sinks down to death 00:31:45.200 --> 00:31:46.720 and her paths 00:31:46.720 --> 00:31:48.039 to the departed. 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:50.059 None who go to her 00:31:50.059 --> 00:31:50.880 come back, 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:52.660 nor do they regain 00:31:52.660 --> 00:31:54.500 the paths of life. 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.579 Godly wisdom 00:31:56.579 --> 00:31:58.599 will help us 00:31:58.599 --> 00:32:00.440 to be on guard 00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:01.559 against a man 00:32:01.559 --> 00:32:02.259 or a woman 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:06.059 who has the desire 00:32:06.059 --> 00:32:06.840 within them 00:32:06.840 --> 00:32:08.380 to undermine 00:32:08.380 --> 00:32:09.779 our marriage, 00:32:10.180 --> 00:32:10.960 our commitment 00:32:10.960 --> 00:32:12.059 to our spouse. 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:13.740 You know, 00:32:13.759 --> 00:32:14.180 there are men 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.660 and women 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:18.460 who are not faithful 00:32:18.460 --> 00:32:19.180 to their own husband, 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.100 not faithful 00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:20.779 to their own wife, 00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:22.140 have no respect 00:32:22.140 --> 00:32:22.799 for marriage, 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:24.380 nor your marriage, 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.559 nor your spouse. 00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:26.960 And sometimes 00:32:26.960 --> 00:32:27.519 they come on 00:32:27.519 --> 00:32:28.639 in subtle ways, 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:29.919 sometimes they come on 00:32:29.919 --> 00:32:30.319 in ways 00:32:30.319 --> 00:32:30.919 that's not easily 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:31.619 recognizable, 00:32:31.619 --> 00:32:32.559 but a person 00:32:32.559 --> 00:32:33.539 who is wise 00:32:33.539 --> 00:32:35.039 with godly wisdom 00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:36.619 will be discerning, 00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:37.440 will be able 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.159 to pick up 00:32:38.159 --> 00:32:39.279 on clues 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:40.559 and guard themselves, 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.440 guard their marriage, 00:32:42.679 --> 00:32:44.319 guard their sexual purity 00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:45.700 if they're not married. 00:32:46.879 --> 00:32:47.720 Biblical wisdom 00:32:47.720 --> 00:32:49.019 helps us to live life 00:32:49.019 --> 00:32:50.539 in every kind of way. 00:32:51.679 --> 00:32:52.679 It'll keep us on guard, 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.659 help us to be on guard, 00:32:53.660 --> 00:32:55.360 and recognize people 00:32:55.360 --> 00:32:56.940 of all stripes 00:32:56.940 --> 00:32:58.900 who will hurt us 00:32:58.900 --> 00:33:00.340 and ruin our lives. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:01.680 Wisdom, 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.240 one more thing, 00:33:02.600 --> 00:33:03.460 will guide us along 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:04.980 the good and godly life 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:06.920 that ends 00:33:06.920 --> 00:33:09.440 in the presence of God. 00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:10.560 Look at verse 20. 00:33:11.840 --> 00:33:12.840 So you will walk 00:33:12.840 --> 00:33:14.180 in the way of the good 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:16.259 and keep to the paths 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:17.200 of the righteous, 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.900 for the upright 00:33:18.900 --> 00:33:21.519 will inhabit the land. 00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.519 They'll be in the presence 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.099 of God 00:33:24.099 --> 00:33:27.019 and those with integrity 00:33:27.019 --> 00:33:29.960 will remain in it. 00:33:30.539 --> 00:33:31.440 But the wicked 00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:32.339 will be cut off 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:33.000 from the land 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:34.980 and the treacherous 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:36.160 will be rooted 00:33:36.160 --> 00:33:37.559 out of it. 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:40.539 Wisdom will guide us 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.940 along the way in life 00:33:41.940 --> 00:33:43.359 that is good, 00:33:44.359 --> 00:33:45.539 that pleases God, 00:33:45.980 --> 00:33:47.559 that satisfies ourselves, 00:33:47.940 --> 00:33:49.879 that will help other people, 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:51.280 and it'll bring us 00:33:51.280 --> 00:33:52.360 eventually into the presence 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:52.960 of God, 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:55.040 where by God's grace, 00:33:55.160 --> 00:33:56.260 through faith in Jesus 00:33:56.260 --> 00:33:57.840 and being faithful to Him, 00:33:58.440 --> 00:34:00.300 we can hear on judgment day, 00:34:00.620 --> 00:34:01.460 well done, 00:34:02.260 --> 00:34:03.580 my good and faithful servant. 00:34:03.840 --> 00:34:05.680 That's wisdom's goal, 00:34:06.160 --> 00:34:07.520 to lead us that way. 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.759 Now, 00:34:08.980 --> 00:34:10.280 as we conclude this morning, 00:34:10.780 --> 00:34:11.659 I'll remind you 00:34:11.659 --> 00:34:12.340 of what we saw 00:34:12.340 --> 00:34:13.800 in the first study 00:34:13.800 --> 00:34:14.420 of Proverbs 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:15.199 three weeks ago, 00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:17.340 and then again last week. 00:34:17.880 --> 00:34:18.880 When it comes to seeking 00:34:18.880 --> 00:34:20.000 anything from God, 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:22.139 including wisdom, 00:34:22.139 --> 00:34:24.940 the place to begin 00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:25.579 and end 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:26.739 is with Jesus Christ. 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:28.579 It's in Jesus 00:34:28.579 --> 00:34:30.000 that we find 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:31.960 God's greatest wisdom 00:34:31.960 --> 00:34:33.139 as Jesus Himself 00:34:33.139 --> 00:34:33.900 made known, 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:36.179 and I want to show you again 00:34:36.179 --> 00:34:36.639 as we've done 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:37.639 the last two times. 00:34:38.159 --> 00:34:39.079 Matthew chapter 12, 00:34:39.159 --> 00:34:39.799 verse 42. 00:34:40.480 --> 00:34:41.480 The queen of the south 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:42.659 will rise at the judgment 00:34:42.659 --> 00:34:43.799 with this generation 00:34:43.799 --> 00:34:44.779 and condemn it. 00:34:44.980 --> 00:34:45.659 For she came 00:34:45.659 --> 00:34:46.739 from the ends of the earth 00:34:46.739 --> 00:34:48.359 to listen to Solomon's wisdom, 00:34:48.699 --> 00:34:50.579 and now one greater 00:34:50.579 --> 00:34:52.099 than Solomon in here. 00:34:52.139 --> 00:34:53.099 That's Jesus. 00:34:54.599 --> 00:34:56.179 The book of Proverbs 00:34:56.179 --> 00:34:57.199 teaches us much 00:34:57.199 --> 00:34:57.879 about wisdom, 00:34:58.000 --> 00:34:58.500 about truth, 00:34:58.559 --> 00:34:59.239 and about life. 00:35:00.319 --> 00:35:02.039 But the ultimate truth, 00:35:02.839 --> 00:35:04.099 the ultimate life, 00:35:04.759 --> 00:35:06.059 the ultimate wisdom 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:08.119 is found in Jesus. 00:35:09.579 --> 00:35:10.159 And so I want you 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:10.819 to understand that 00:35:10.819 --> 00:35:11.379 in order for you 00:35:11.379 --> 00:35:12.619 to be truly wise 00:35:12.619 --> 00:35:13.259 as we're learning 00:35:13.259 --> 00:35:14.079 about in Proverbs, 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:16.460 is to have a relationship 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:17.480 with Jesus Christ. 00:35:18.599 --> 00:35:20.059 If you don't have that, 00:35:20.159 --> 00:35:21.019 I want to encourage you 00:35:21.019 --> 00:35:21.460 this morning. 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.380 That is what you need 00:35:22.380 --> 00:35:22.760 to hear more 00:35:22.760 --> 00:35:23.639 than anything else. 00:35:24.380 --> 00:35:25.519 You cannot experience, 00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:26.619 acquire, 00:35:27.019 --> 00:35:28.019 develop the wisdom 00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:28.559 of God 00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:29.599 unless you first 00:35:29.599 --> 00:35:30.760 have a right relationship 00:35:30.760 --> 00:35:31.800 with Jesus Christ. 00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:33.840 If that's your need 00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:34.380 this morning, 00:35:34.980 --> 00:35:36.000 admit that to God. 00:35:36.360 --> 00:35:37.320 Turn from your sin 00:35:37.320 --> 00:35:38.260 and call upon Him 00:35:38.260 --> 00:35:39.740 to save you now. 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:40.460 Mean it. 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:42.220 Be serious about it. 00:35:42.880 --> 00:35:43.579 That's the beginning 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:44.860 of wisdom. 00:35:45.320 --> 00:35:45.980 That's the beginning 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:47.699 of truly fearing God 00:35:47.699 --> 00:35:48.799 having a right relationship 00:35:48.799 --> 00:35:49.339 with Him 00:35:49.339 --> 00:35:50.859 in this world 00:35:50.859 --> 00:35:51.679 right now. 00:35:53.179 --> 00:35:54.039 Final thought. 00:35:55.419 --> 00:35:56.739 We're given a choice 00:35:56.739 --> 00:35:57.659 in Proverbs 00:35:57.659 --> 00:36:00.119 of being wise 00:36:00.119 --> 00:36:01.799 or being a fool. 00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:04.859 In light of what we've learned 00:36:04.859 --> 00:36:05.419 in this passage 00:36:05.419 --> 00:36:06.000 this morning, 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.960 which choice 00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:10.399 have you made 00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:12.200 to this point 00:36:12.200 --> 00:36:12.720 in life? 00:36:14.720 --> 00:36:15.680 And then, 00:36:16.180 --> 00:36:17.559 which choice 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:18.320 will you make 00:36:18.320 --> 00:36:19.099 today 00:36:19.099 --> 00:36:21.460 and every day? 00:36:22.920 --> 00:36:23.260 You see, 00:36:23.380 --> 00:36:23.680 seeking 00:36:23.680 --> 00:36:24.680 and acquiring 00:36:24.680 --> 00:36:25.519 and developing 00:36:25.519 --> 00:36:26.360 biblical wisdom 00:36:26.360 --> 00:36:26.800 is not 00:36:26.800 --> 00:36:28.139 a choice 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.940 that you just make 00:36:28.940 --> 00:36:29.559 one day 00:36:29.559 --> 00:36:30.119 and that's it. 00:36:30.320 --> 00:36:31.180 It's a daily, 00:36:32.180 --> 00:36:33.480 sometimes hourly 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:34.840 choice. 00:36:34.840 --> 00:36:36.620 I want to encourage 00:36:36.620 --> 00:36:37.260 you this morning 00:36:37.260 --> 00:36:38.860 as Proverbs 00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:39.900 will just say 00:36:39.900 --> 00:36:40.780 over and over again, 00:36:41.780 --> 00:36:42.700 there's two paths 00:36:42.700 --> 00:36:43.420 before you. 00:36:44.180 --> 00:36:45.240 The way of wisdom, 00:36:46.600 --> 00:36:47.600 the way of a fool. 00:36:50.059 --> 00:36:51.420 Choose which path. 00:36:53.640 --> 00:36:55.019 You have been 00:36:55.019 --> 00:36:55.640 on a path. 00:36:57.240 --> 00:36:58.579 Choose the right one, 00:36:58.700 --> 00:36:59.640 the way of wisdom 00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:02.140 to go from your own 00:37:02.140 --> 00:37:02.519 today. 00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:04.180 Let's pray together. 00:37:04.840 --> 00:37:05.660 Dear God, 00:37:06.460 --> 00:37:08.519 dear God, 00:37:08.600 --> 00:37:09.519 no one in this room 00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:12.100 would willingly 00:37:12.100 --> 00:37:12.880 choose 00:37:12.880 --> 00:37:14.900 the path 00:37:14.900 --> 00:37:15.460 of a fool. 00:37:19.200 --> 00:37:20.079 But dear God, 00:37:20.160 --> 00:37:21.140 help us to see 00:37:21.140 --> 00:37:24.180 that if we are not 00:37:24.180 --> 00:37:25.140 choosing you, 00:37:26.579 --> 00:37:28.019 your ways, 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:29.880 your wisdom, 00:37:30.820 --> 00:37:31.920 your truth, 00:37:31.920 --> 00:37:35.180 we are choosing 00:37:35.180 --> 00:37:35.680 the path 00:37:35.680 --> 00:37:36.220 of a fool. 00:37:38.800 --> 00:37:39.700 So help us, 00:37:39.780 --> 00:37:40.200 dear God, 00:37:40.680 --> 00:37:42.200 to hear you 00:37:42.200 --> 00:37:42.780 this morning 00:37:42.780 --> 00:37:45.059 that wisdom 00:37:45.059 --> 00:37:46.180 can be ours 00:37:46.180 --> 00:37:47.880 through faith 00:37:47.880 --> 00:37:48.460 in Jesus, 00:37:49.599 --> 00:37:50.880 through a right 00:37:50.880 --> 00:37:51.480 relationship 00:37:51.480 --> 00:37:52.180 with you 00:37:52.180 --> 00:37:53.599 where we honor you, 00:37:54.099 --> 00:37:54.579 love you, 00:37:54.619 --> 00:37:55.360 and obey you. 00:37:56.960 --> 00:37:57.960 Help us to see, 00:37:58.039 --> 00:37:58.539 dear God, 00:37:58.599 --> 00:37:58.880 this morning 00:37:58.880 --> 00:37:59.619 wisdom 00:37:59.619 --> 00:38:00.099 is a gift 00:38:00.099 --> 00:38:00.960 of your grace. 00:38:02.960 --> 00:38:04.000 But it's a gift 00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:05.099 that you require us 00:38:05.099 --> 00:38:06.840 to want, 00:38:07.880 --> 00:38:08.440 desire, 00:38:10.000 --> 00:38:11.940 intensely seek, 00:38:11.940 --> 00:38:14.280 because we value 00:38:14.280 --> 00:38:15.260 it that much. 00:38:18.260 --> 00:38:18.800 Dear God, 00:38:18.860 --> 00:38:19.980 help us right now 00:38:19.980 --> 00:38:20.679 to respond, 00:38:20.760 --> 00:38:21.619 each one of us. 00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:25.340 Help us to choose 00:38:25.340 --> 00:38:26.019 wisdom 00:38:26.019 --> 00:38:27.860 and whatever else 00:38:27.860 --> 00:38:28.599 that involves 00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:29.740 for us individually 00:38:29.740 --> 00:38:30.360 this morning. 00:38:31.900 --> 00:38:32.579 In an attitude 00:38:32.579 --> 00:38:33.139 of prayer, 00:38:33.860 --> 00:38:34.820 you just be still 00:38:34.820 --> 00:38:35.639 and listen to the Lord 00:38:35.639 --> 00:38:36.579 and you respond to Him. 00:38:37.400 --> 00:38:38.219 I would be happy 00:38:38.219 --> 00:38:38.900 to pray with you, 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:39.480 talk with you 00:38:39.480 --> 00:38:40.099 during this time. 00:38:41.139 --> 00:38:41.539 I'll be here 00:38:41.539 --> 00:38:42.099 at the front 00:38:42.099 --> 00:38:44.039 as the music plays 00:38:44.039 --> 00:38:44.500 and we're just 00:38:44.500 --> 00:38:45.299 listening to the Lord 00:38:45.299 --> 00:38:47.000 and we respond to Him.