Wisdom

[Boaz]

Do you possess Wisdom ? How do you obtain wisdom ? What is wisdom ?

[sureYnot]

Wisdom come from experience, and experience comes from the lack thereof.

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[RichardF]

Yes, I possess wisdom as I have a healthy fear, or reverence, of God which is the beginning of wisdom according to scripture. I have obtained a level of wisdom through the study of scripture and many mistakes (some I’ve learned from and some I will most likely repeat until I gain that particular nugget the Lord wants me to learn in this life). I understand wisdom to be the appropriate application or sharing of knowledge. For example, knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting tomatoes in a fruit salad.

[GhostHawk]

SureYnot nailed it, dead center.

Wisdom comes from all the times you should have chosen a wiser path and did not.
Trick is to remember it.

We learn from our mistakes.

[Hossfly]

I like to learn wisdom from other people and history. Especially older folks, most seem very wise because they have most likely did or tried what your about to do, either succeed or failed. Also reading through the Bible you will find a vast amount of wisdom, if you will just adhere to it.

[kungfustyle]

It's one thing that God promised to give us if we ask. God, Father, Grant me wisdom. Amen.

[Boaz]

What man in our bible was given wisdom through GOD as a gift given a choice of all that could be asked ? Who was this man's father ?

[Hickory]

Wisdom is different than experience.
But, more times than not, experience will give you wisdom.
If you have had an experience in a certain area of life, and you haven't gained at least some wisdom from it, then you are forever stuck in stupid.

[USMC87]

RichardF you nailed it!

[RichardF]

What man in our bible was given wisdom through GOD as a gift given a choice of all that could be asked ? Who was this man's father ?

Solomon, son of David by Bathsheba, was given wisdom to guide God’s people when given that choice.

[RichardF]

RichardF you nailed it!

Thank you, just passing on what I’ve been taught.

[RED BEAR]

I acquired wisdom when i realized i don't know everything. And enjoy listening to what other people have to say.

[rl69]

Solomon.... becuse he was concerned for his people more then himself

[Thundarstick]

Proverbs as a younger man, but I've always found Ecclesiastes insightful coming from the end days of the old wise king. Ecc 12:13-14 sums it all up. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

This is the ultimate wisdom.

[Boaz]

What else did GOD command Soloman to do ? What did GOD promise him in reward ?

[rl69]

And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
1 Kings 3:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Kings%203:14&version=NIV

[Boaz]

Thank you for all your answers . Solomon was given great wisdom , GOD gave him wealth , a great kingdom . Ones seeking wisdom and answers to great questions traveled to ask them of him seeking knowledge . The queen of Sheba traveled a thousand miles from the south and came seeking answers to many question which Solomon gave to her satisfaction . But with all the wisdom and gifts of GOD when he grew old he built alters to false gods for his foreign wives and worshiped at them . Solomon failed GOD .

[Boaz]

Our bible contains biblical wisdom , The book of Proverbs , the Psalms , the book of James is a guide to right and instruction for correcting sin . The parables of Christ in teaching , the answers to those who made him suffer and killed him . Every page of your bible contains wisdom given to you if you seek it and use it .

Our Lord is with us , he came to teach us , to save us , to be an example . He is not just with us or around us he is literally within us if we allow . His Holy Spirit is there to guide us through this fallen world . Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us with him ….he wants us to succeed . He tried so hard until death to save us . Through his coming , his persecution , death and resurrection we are given life eternal .

[Boaz]

Proverbs 2;6

For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

[Boaz]

As we mature in our faith we are suppose to seek a deeper relationship with our Lord . The biggest tell tale sign of a false profit or church is them saying ;
''Listen to me , listen to this church only ! Do not seek GOD on your own ! Do not study the scripture on your own ! We will tell you what to think and do ! I/WE have all the anwsers you seek !''

Proverbs 2

My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
6
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8
He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9
Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

10
When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11
Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
12
To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13
From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14
Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15
Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;
16
To deliver you from the immoral woman,
From the seductress who flatters with her words,
17
Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
And forgets the covenant of her God.
18
For her house leads down to death,
And her paths to the dead;
19
None who go to her return,
Nor do they regain the paths of life—
20
So you may walk in the way of goodness,
And keep to the paths of righteousness.
21
For the upright will dwell in the land,
And the blameless will remain in it;
22
But the wicked will be cut off from the earth,
And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

[Pine Baron]

Don't know why, but this popped up in my head:
1 Corinthians 1:
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

[Sig556r]

To have wisdom is to have the virtue to discern differences & act on them...right from wrong, opportunity vs. threat, strength over weakness, be the hammer or the nail, be a man or otherwise...

[Boaz]

Good and supporting scripture Pine Baron . Wonder why it popped up in your head , I think I know . Sig556r you are correct ! Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. Wisdom acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red... wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand... wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments... wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God... wisdom loves Him.

[Boaz]

We have all heard that a person is 'Book Smart' . Book smart implys that one possesses knowledge but can't apply wisdom in using that knowledge in application . GOD possesses ALL wisdom . All wisdom is given by GOD .

In worldly application knowledge is most efficiently used with personal experience in worldly things .

[Boaz]

Ephesians 5:15-16

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

[Pine Baron]

Another one from Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 12

8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

[Boaz]

I would like to tell a story .
I'll have to set the stage by giving some personal history and the recent past . It's not a story to get sympathy and no one should feel sorry for me . It's a story of failure and weakness ...my own . If you have read some of my personal 'stories' in the past they most often center around personal failure also . I got over most of my pride issues about ten years ago when my Lord saved me from myself . lol , I think the thread was titled ...'I wish I was half the man I use to be' . It's probably about 100 pages back here in the Chapel , lol .

I put up these 'FAILURES' as encouragement and as a testimonial to our Lord . I have failed many times and consider myself pretty dang stupid . I know every wrong or stupid thing I have ever done , I could probably write a book on it , it would make a thick book .So I must be pretty stupid .

For those that are new or haven't read don't know me I'll give a quick rundown . Born in 1952 in Wichita Falls Texas . My father was born in a dugout west of Stage Stand Oklahoma , my mom was born in Big Springs Texas . They had hard lives and growing up they expounded on the virtues of hard work . I was baptized at the age of seven and have never had a spiritual crises , I have always known GOD was real , I never doubted GOD exists . But that didn't stop me from doing things I knew were not what he would have me do . Kind of like all that read this ...we are all sinners needing redemption through admission of sin in our lives .

I'll put this up in different posts . It will take a while so give me your forbearance in remembering I'm not too smart .

[Boaz]

I'm 66 years old , Got a 20 year old daughter and a 46 year old son . Was a single parent raising them both . My son has problems and has always worked at my shop . The shop has been on the decline for about 5 years , me not being able physically do the work anymore . I just slowly ground to a halt .
Had been struggling to keep the business going , been in business for 34 years , did oilfield work before that . Drilled and rough necked on drilling rigs , drove rig up trucks , ran rod rigs , had a rig repair field service before the boom bottomed out in 79'' . My son was about 9 years old and had to make a living . Fabbed jigs and made custom wrought iron for windows , patio's and porches . Installed them , there were no jobs when the boom bottomed out . Cut firewood , hauled trash , whatever it took . I was taught if you didn't have enough money you needed more work .

I took great pride in working harder , faster and better than anyone I was put with . Key word here was PRIDE . Pride failed me bout 10 years ago and was close to punching out of this world . Still I was active in church but I bout quit asking my GOD to help me . I more or less thought I had 'liberty' to do as 'I' saw fit in handling his business . I was eat up with 'pride' .

My physical health got bad ..real bad . My daughter was 10 years old , I had my sister call me every morning and if I didn't answer to come over to the house . I knew I was going to die and my daughter find me dead , I couldn't abide that thought , it tormented me . I finally figured out . I had taken too much on myself because of my ..Pride . I hadn't taken care of myself physically , I just kept driving myself because of...Pride .

I called out to GOD , I had failed . I discovered my doctor had me on medicine that was speeding up my situation ...misdiagnosed . I listened to GOD (GOD never 'spoke' in words , I did not hear a booming voice from above) . Quit the medicine , using taking the oxygen . I reconnected with GOD in time I recovered . I have little pride left except for him .

[Boaz]

Let's do a little reading .

Genesis 1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,

18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.

23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

[Boaz]

And GOD saw that it was 'good' . God was not just admiring his work , his work WAS 'GOOD' . GOD is the source of good . God is love , GOD is truth , GOD is all that is beautiful , GOD honors all he says , GOD hates evil , GOD is forgiving , GOD took nothing and created this world , GOD created you and all you love . GOD takes havoc and makes good . GOD is constant , true and eternal . GOD will never fail you , GOD will temper you , GOD will remake you . GOD is always with you .

[Goatwhiskers]

The creation story always makes me feel very small and humble. GW

[Boaz]

GW we are in total agreement ! I often read it just to refresh myself as to the power of GOD . It also gives insight as to the love and literal goodness that he is . He created us , he gave us dominion over a perfect creation he labored to build . He prepared the way .

He gave us freewill , He only required us to love him and put our faith in him . He provided a perfect world with no sin ...no evil . He interacted personally with us , he wanted and provided a perfect life with no hardship , suffering . He was truly our father and only wanted all things good for us . We failed him but he still loves us , he proves it every moment of our lives .

[Boaz]

My business started sinking quickly by the end of summer . I was scrounging to make payroll for my hands and bills . I struggled to take care of my obligations . In my younger days I had often said that as long as I could work I would never suffer not meeting my obligations . Now I had to eat those prideful words since I could no longer do the work physically . I knew the business would never survive the winter when things got slow .

I hadn't been able to find ANY hands that would or actually being capable of work . It's hard to find younger folks that even know how to use a screwdriver or common household cleaners now . I feel sorry for them . I worried for my family and all I had responsibilities to . It was hard to sleep , hard to think of a way to deal with everything . Then my septic tank backed up and I didn't have the money to have it pumped out . I drug a pottychair out of the shed we kept for when we had septic trouble , I'm still using it 5 months later . In a few weeks I had 2 tire machines fail , in the past I replaced transmissions , tables , air valves myself . Had to have a technician came out of Dallas 120 miles east but I got it done . I suffered over not being able to do it myself .


It was December now . I was worried , could not sleep , had to literally make myself eat . My hot water heater went out , it was 17 years old . Had to take a bath and heat water on the stove with a bucket to wash dishes and such . I was losing weight , my posts started dropping here in the Chapel . I didn't know if I was thinking clearly enough to say anything pertaining to GOD which I take very seriously . Was turning the heater thermostat down to 50 at night and off during the day . I had already cut all my living expense down to bare minimum . I had to wear suspenders to keep my pants up , I was losing weight .

[Boaz]

You might ask ; Did you seek GOD to help you ? The answer is yes . I NEVER blamed GOD for my trouble , the cause was myself . I was untypically indecisive . My son has problems and would have trouble finding a job , that was a big player in shutting the shop down . I have customers that have come to me for over 30 years , I'm serving their grandchildren now . I have many that depend on me and just tried to maintain instead of facing the inevitable ...a failing . I prayed everyday , I prayed for others here and in my life , I never quit praying . But I quit going to church ...another failing . I have friends and there but did not go , I let external reasons keep me from going . I failed .

[Preacher Jim]

Charlie, the hardest lesson I ever learned was that failure is the back door to success. God always has a plan for our lives and His way sometimes means closing a door we keep trying to hold open. Guilty more than once. Voice of experience. Praying everyday for you.

[Boaz]

Your 100% right Jim . This ain't my first rodeo , been here before but can not physically work my way out this time . I'm Good !

[Boaz]

rl69 put this thread up early last month . I read it and was strengthened , we all have trouble in one way or another . GOD is in control .

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?374102-God-is-good

[Boaz]

Well I'll wrap up my story .
I contracted and auctioneer late in January , an attempt to sell the shop will happen late tis month . Many things have happened since December . My truck started missing , took it to the shop . Cam is bad and can't have it fixed right now , have to have it so driving it on 6 cylinders . My millennial hands quit , I told them I would keep the shop open till the auction . They were both living at home an only needed an excuse to quit , lol . My son moved in with me , he has problems working with others and will have trouble finding work . He is a hard core atheist and has told me many times he is ashamed to tell anyone his father is a Christian . I had to put off some shoulder surgery to get things done . The shop is shut down .

Well heck ! That was a pretty hard lead in on a comment after my previous ones . BUT !
Around the middle of last month I started asking my Lord to give me wisdom . I needed wisdom . I have enough experience I needed to use it properly . I contemplated and thought of all that had happened .

All my bills are paid , all along I knew he was helping me . I have been taking all on myself and trying to do it not depending on him . When I look back to summer I see him sustaining me all along . I'll not detail all his help but only while ago with no one to help get ready for the auction I asked him to send me help . Four days later a man named Tim came in looking for any work he could get . He had come from North Dakota , had been doing oilfield work till the oil bust . He was married with two children , he was broke and they were living in a motel . I hired him for day work and got 80% of the work done that needed to be done . He made a hand and worked hard . I made some calls to some people I know at Interfaith Ministries and told them I would vouch for him . They got a place to stay , he called me last Friday and said he had found a welding job with a fabrication place . He thanked me and said he wanted to stay in touch . GOD is working .


When I started thinking and looking back GOD has been by my side all along . He is giving me the wisdom to deal with this situation in my life , all credit goes to him . At this time I am optimistic for my future , it's exciting to see what he will lay before me . I was blessed to be given my own business that provided a good living , a home , a way to raise my children . I have often wondered why GOD has given me so much . I feel undeserving knowing how much better I could have served him . GOD has blessed me more than I ever even considered he would . GOD is with me .

[square butte]

God shows up in the middle of storms - Doesn't mean they are any fun. I know you don't need any tellin. Just keeping myself reminded. Prayin for Ya . .

[Pine Baron]

Gee whiz Boaz, that's a lot to swallow. God is good.
I can relate to the atheist son situation. My son also lives with me, just him and me (and sundry critters) and is a proclaimed atheist. LOL, doesn't stop me from thanking God for the blessing of my son being there or persistently being an example. Recently I got him to admit to being "agnostic"....baby steps.

[Boaz]

God shows up in the middle of storms - Doesn't mean they are any fun. I know you don't need any tellin. Just keeping myself reminded. Prayin for Ya . .

Your right square butte and we have all had storms !I thank you for any prayer in my life , I told you a while back ...we all need prayer . Thank you .

[Boaz]

I talk to a lot of people Pine Baron and there are a LOT of atheist kids out there . Outside influences in their lives are a huge factor . Two generations of our children are lacking faith .

I have a nephew who decided to preach when he was about 16 . Raised in church he wanted to spread GOD's word . I attended his baptism , his father taught bible study at their church . He was raised in a Christian home . He went up north to a big name university and in 4 years he came home a rabid atheist spewing the same old standard rip rap they all do .

As encouragement he is 32 years old and a professor at a college in Dallas . He married and has a 4 year old little girl . As of last year he has been taking his daughter to church . I lay a lot of this change for the better to his parents who never gave up on him .

My son has moved in with me . I am hoping GOD is working . I have prayed much that he will use me in this time to help my son find him .

[Boaz]

Ahh heck ! I should have mentioned ...I lost over 30 pounds during that time ! More blessing !

[Preacher Jim]

There is a song Mary sings, some times God calms the storm, sometimes God calms the child.
Read your threads and thought about this. I was to be in Birmingham for Tammys surgery in the morning we are home with the flu. God is there taking care of her just like he is taking care of You.

[Boaz]

I hate to hear ya'll got the flu right now Jim . I know you planned on being at Tammy's surgery . Been praying for all of you daily and knew her appointment was tomorrow . Your right GOD is with her , keep us up on whats going on .
Love you brother
Charlie

[Boaz]

James .
I have a special relationship with the book of James . James has ready and simple answers for situations and conditions . In reading James to me it seems as he is holding back and trying to be gentle . In real time I would bet he could get a stirring message across . Often called a handbook for sinners (maybe that's why I read him so much) James keeps it simple . Just a heads up if you never heard...divers temptations . it means 'diverse' .

James 1;2-8

2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

[Boaz]

James .
I have a special relationship with the book of James . James has ready and simple answers for situations and conditions . In reading James to me it seems as he is holding back and trying to be gentle . In real time I would bet he could get a stirring message across . Often called a handbook for sinners (maybe that's why I read him so much) James keeps it simple . Just a heads up if you never heard...divers temptations . it means 'diverse' .

James 1;2-8

2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7
For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

[Thundarstick]

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Anyone that's part of a twelve step group knows this part of the serenity prayer by heart. A dear lady friend of mine breaks it down into three parts. #1. I can't, #2. He can, #3 I think I'll let him. I don't think anyone can handle the challenges and storms life throws our way alone, but God can! God can change us, if we let him. Some times he changes our circumstances, but most often he leads us through them, so that the storm can rage around us without us being tossed about. There was a time in my life when the hurricanes of life would swirl me around with all the spinning debris, after gaining a measure of serenity (through God) the hurricanes still come, but it's more like I'm in the eye of the storms now. I think, perhaps, in your own way you've found this as well. Call it wisdom if you like.

[Boaz]

Thank you Thundarstick . Serenity prayer is covers many things in our lives and more than applicable to my situation . Wisdom was a lacking part of my condition in trying to hold on to control .

[Boaz]

Mark 4;35-41

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

[Boaz]

Us that are reading/ studying GOD's word in the Reading the bible thread above finished the Psalms yesterday . Proverbs is going to be interesting . Proverbs 1 is given to us by Solomon ;

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.

7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

8
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
9
They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.

10
My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
11
If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12
let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13
we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14
cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot”—
15
my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16
for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
17
How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
18
These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
19
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it.
Wisdom’s Rebuke

20
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
21
on top of the wall she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:

22
“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
23
Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
24
But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25
since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
26
I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27
when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

28
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29
since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the Lord.
30
Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31
they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33
but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

[Boaz]

We all 'wish' we had wisdom but wisdom must be sought . Philosophers search for wisdom in this world the most and generally only ending up causing more questions than answers . They like to debate , argue or persuade with a set of thoughts to have accomplished 'wisdom' on their own . Again I'll say wisdom must be sought beyond our realm of reasoning and understanding .

GOD possesses all wisdom and GOD is the giver of wisdom . We are told repeatedly in his word to ask him and in personal need or understanding he provides it . But it's like strength , patience , trust , love , and all that is good . You have to ask and reach out to take what is given . GOD will honor all he offers but I must reach out to accept it .

[Boaz]

Paul most likely sent this letter to the church in Ephesus during his first imprisonment in Rome . While in prisons he wrote many letters to churches , pastors and others . No power could hold back his love of GOD or stop him from spreading the truth of the gospel .


Ephesians 1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Redemption in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

[Boaz]

7-10

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.


When I read all that is given by our Lord to us it is hard to take in . GOD the father and Christ his son have given so much . Paul mentions wisdom as only one blessing and gift to take up the cross of Christ . Read the list of blessings . Wisdom is obtainable in this life .

[Boaz]

The book of Daniel is another example of GOD given wisdom .

Daniel 1

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.
3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles, 4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. 6 Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

[Boaz]

I will put up the whole book of Daniel if even one would read it . If no one wants to then I'll move on . There is wisdom imparted in all reading of GOD's word .

[Boaz]

I would encourage you to read of Joseph in Genesis . Sold into slavery by his envious brothers . Delivered by GOD through the giving of wisdom and knowledge . Though Solomon is the first thought of generally in wisdom Joseph rivaled him in gifts of wisdom . I'll leave up a few passages and you could read and compare .


Genesis 41:37-41

“So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

The word 'wisdom' is repeated often in the word of GOD in the old and new testament . We are to seek wisdom in knowing our Lord and in our lives .

[Boaz]

Proverbs 8 , a profound reading . So much is told , given . All are offered wisdom and knowledge , all are shown how to receive it . A course in receiving , using and rewards . Knowledge and wisdom itself are imparted simply by the way it is written (given) if adhered to . A key chapter of Proverbs , it shines light on the whole book . Read it more than one time slowly and consider it . I have looked forward to putting it up . All given but you still must reach for it .

Proverbs 8
Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2
At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3
beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4
“To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5
You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6
Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7
My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8
All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9
To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10
Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
15
By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16
by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.
17
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18
With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19
My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21
bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
22
“The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,
before his deeds of old;
23
I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24
When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,
when there were no springs overflowing with water;
25
before the mountains were settled in place,
before the hills, I was given birth,
26
before he made the world or its fields
or any of the dust of the earth.
27
I was there when he set the heavens in place,
when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28
when he established the clouds above
and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29
when he gave the sea its boundary
so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30
Then I was constantly at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
31
rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.
32
“Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33
Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34
Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35
For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the Lord.
36
But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”

[Boaz]

Opportunity , reflection , decision . All is offered , consequences of decision explained .

Proverbs 9

Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up its seven pillars.
2
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3
She has sent out her servants, and she calls
from the highest point of the city,
4
“Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
5
“Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
7
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11
For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
13
Folly is an unruly woman;
she is simple and knows nothing.
14
She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15
calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way,
16
“Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17
“Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18
But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.

[Thundarstick]

A huge Amen! Let the decrees of the Lord God stand for ever and ever! Amen!

[Boaz]

I'll end this thread for my part though you may say anything you care to of course . We only touched the subject of GOD given wisdom , there is much more in GOD's word . GOD is the creator and giver of wisdom , he is the only source of good . The word ..his word , read it . Talk to him , pray to him , listen to him . I leave you with one short verse of James .

James 1;5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.