WISDOM PHD

WHERE DO I START TO DEVELOP WISDOM?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (v7) The opposite is true. With no fear of the Lord, if we are not intimidated by the Lord, that is foolishness. Foolishness is an absence of skill in living.

WHAT INCREASES WISDOM?

This question is expanded in verses 2&3. For:

• attaining wisdom
• understanding good from poor insights
• acquiring discipline, prudence and good judgement
• being attentive to others
• doing what is skillful, right, just and fair
• gaining respect by dispensing helpful discretion

THE ANSWER

Make a habit if listening, observing, paying attention. In fact, be aggressive to obtain guidance.

A suggestion: Be a life-long learner--a student of life. Be a reader of wholesome books that will cause you to grow as a person.

There are no short-cuts. Inattention to these principles can be more that foolishness, it can be dangerous. For example, unearned gain or ill-gotten gain robs us of joy, of peace and of life.

REJECTING THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM

Rejecting the principles of wisdom is abandoning skillful living. The language in verses 22-33 is colorful. God will not be surprised when

• Calamity strikes
• Disaster sweeps over like a whirlwind
• Distress and trouble overwhelm.

BENEFITS OF THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM

Calling out to God when fortunes turn sour, God does not promise to rescue. He sees that you did not take the advise for skill in living.

But whoever pays attention to the God's instruction, His principles for living, God's values of integrity, righteousness and usefulness, will live in ease, in safety and without fear.

SEE THE ENTIRE CHAPTER OF PROVERBS 1

See the entire text of Proverbs 1 at Bible Gateway. http://www.biblegateway.com