February 25, 2013

To Acquire Wisdom, We Must Be Disciplined

Notes on Proverbs

A willingness to listen, desire to learn, and spirit of humility are essential for one to be able to acquire wisdom. But there is one more component that is necessary – discipline. The instruction which we listen to, learn, and receive in humility will get us on the path of wisdom. Discipline keeps us on the right path once we are on it. If we ever stray from the path, discipline is what gets us back on track. So the wise man says, “Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge” (23:12).
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February 21, 2013

To Acquire Wisdom, We Must Be Humble

Notes on Proverbs

Humility is necessary in order to acquire wisdom. “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom” (11:2). As wisdom comes from instruction and understanding, we must be humble enough to admit our own lack of wisdom and the need to pursue it. Without humility, we will not believe we need wisdom and will, therefore, ignore it.
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February 18, 2013

To Acquire Wisdom, We Must Learn

Notes on Proverbs

Another step in acquiring wisdom is that we must learn. The knowledge that leads to understanding is available, both through the written word of God and the wise counsel that we receive from others. But the mere fact that knowledge is available does not mean we will automatically obtain it. We must learn it for ourselves.
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February 11, 2013

To Acquire Wisdom, We Must Listen

Notes on Proverbs

As wisdom is based upon instruction, it is therefore necessary for us to listen to wise counsel in order to acquire wisdom. So the wise father calls upon his son to listen to his words.

“Hear, my son, and accept my sayings and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life” (4:10-13).

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February 7, 2013

The Acquisition of Wisdom: The Proper Approach

Notes on Proverbs

Now that we have considered the appeal of wisdom and can now appreciate the reasons why we should pursue wisdom, we turn our attention to acquiring wisdom. Once we know we need wisdom, how do we obtain it? The book of Proverbs addresses this question for us as well.
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February 4, 2013

The Appreciation of Wisdom: Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked — Spiritual Consequences

Notes on Proverbs

While much of Proverbs deals with matters that pertain to activities of this life and our physical well-being, there are also instructions and principles that extend to our spiritual activities and well-being. We will consider these passages here.
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January 31, 2013

The Appreciation of Wisdom: Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked — Physical Consequences

Notes on Proverbs

To further emphasize the need for us to appreciate wisdom, we will turn our attention now to various passages in the book of Proverbs that highlight the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. We can divide these into two categories: physical consequences and spiritual consequences. As we consider the following passages, there will be a few that may have application to both physical and spiritual consequences, but for our study they will be placed in one category or the other.
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