The following is an outline of the Bible Study I shared at our Men’s Prayer Breakfast this morning. I thank God for spiritual men who desire to be more like the Master.
May all of our lives be lived in the pursuit of wisdom!
THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM
James 1:5-8 “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.”
1. Wisdom is precious.
a. Skillful living.
b. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice.
Proverbs 3:13-18 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (16) Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. (17) Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (18) She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.”
2. Everyone needs wisdom.
James 1:5
3. Wisdom must be pursued.
Proverbs 4:5-7 “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (6) Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. (7) Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
4. Pray for wisdom.
James 1:5
5. Purchase wisdom.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”
6. Choose wise friends & mentors.
Proverbs 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
7. Study wisdom.
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
8. Be wise and God will give you more wisdom.
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: