Pastor Wes Morris
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
✓ THE SIMPLE
Proverbs 7:7 (NIV) I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.
✓ THE FOOL
Proverbs 10:8 (NLT) The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
✓ THE MOCKER
Proverbs 9:7-8 (NIV) Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you.
✓ THE WISE
I Kings 3:7-12 (MSG) God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart.
I. THE FEAR OF THE LORD.
Proverbs 9:10 (TLB) The reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.
Luke 1:50 (NIV) His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
II. A DISCERNING SPIRIT.
Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.
- Charles Spurgeon
I John 4:1 (MSG) My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God.
III. A HEART OF SURRENDER.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
