The search for wisdom has been a constant in mankind’s history. It is in almost every one of our religious texts and many of our stories, and it is a running question throughout Job. Job does not know why he is suffering. His friends do not know why he is suffering. And everyone wants an answer.  Job’s encroaching cynicism has led him to dwell on questioning the source of wisdom and he rightly concludes that it is found in God. Job proclaims that fear of the Lord is wisdom. When we “fear” the Lord as Job says, we rightly revere and honor a God who embodies all wisdom. God Himself is wisdom, and knowing Him means we can know wisdom. 

 

Day 1      Job 12:1-25

Reflect: Describe how Job sees the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. What can we learn about God’s wisdom and power from Job’s appeal to nature?  

Apply:   Who is the wisest person you know? What makes him/her wise? How do you seek and understand God’s wisdom in your daily life? How has it made a difference? 

Pray:     God, You desire to give Your children wisdom. Help me to stand against the wisdom of the world by steadfastly praying, studying, and living out Your Word.

 

Day 2      Job 28:1-28

Reflect: What is the significance of Job’s illustration of man’s search for wisdom as a mining expedition? Why is wisdom described as elusive, beyond human reach? 

Apply:   What areas of your life need more of God’s wisdom and understanding? Explain what Job means in verse 28. Why is this true?  Describe your personal “fear of the Lord”?

Pray:     God, in You alone are true wisdom and understanding. When I focus my life on You and Your Word, I learn to know and trust You despite the chaos around me.

 

Day 3     Proverbs 9:1-12

Reflect: What do you learn about wisdom and about wise and foolish people? How can you distinguish between Wisdom and Folly’s invitations in your daily life? 

Apply:   Can you identify a situation in which you relied on your own understanding or worldly wisdom instead of seeking God’s wisdom? What was the outcome? 

Pray:     Lord, help me turn away from the loud, seductive folly of this world to Your wisdom. You are the One who knows everything and the One who knows what is best for my life. I want to live out of the overflow of Your wisdom.

 

Day 4       James 3:13–18

Reflect: Contrast the characteristics of earthly wisdom and godly wisdom. How do these distinctions manifest in today’s society? What does God’s wisdom produce? 

Apply:   What speaks loudest to you in this passage? Why? How can James’ wisdom guide you in navigating this divisive world? Where does God see evidence of wisdom in your life?

Pray:      Jesus, in Your power and wisdom there is no confusion or shifting shadows. I can resist the enemy’s web of lies, fear and doubt by keeping my eyes on You.

 

Day 5      1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Reflect: How has God made the wisdom of this world look foolish? What do verses 27-31 mean to you? Explain this truth—pursue godly wisdom by pursuing Jesus Christ. 

Apply:   Describe God’s wisdom versus the world’s wisdom as it pertains to—the role of men and women; marriage; parenting; work; money; priorities; possessions. 

Pray:      Father, what a glorious truth that I am positioned in Christ who has become unto me redemption and sanctification, righteousness and wisdom. May His life be lived through me. 

 

 

Put It Into Practice!

Week 5   The Wisdom of God     

God’s commandments are a source of wisdom for us. Meditate on the obedience of Jesus this week, and consider your level of obedience to His Word.  What prevents you from obeying Him?