Apply Wisdom - Fear the Lord

Main Point: Every one of us needs God’s wisdom so we can make good decisions and avoid the painful consequences of poor choices. Apply God’s wisdom in your life.

Foundation Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7. The fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins.

To fear God means to have the proper respect, reverence, and awe for him.

Applying Wisdom:

- Fear God. Proverbs 3:5-7. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.

 - To trust in your own wisdom and understanding is a statement of Pride.

 - To seek God’s wisdom through the Holy Spirit is a statement of Humility.

- Be humble. James 4:6. God sets himself against the proud, but shows favor to the humble.

 - Proverbs 16:19. It is better to be humble among the poor than to live selfishly and proud with the rich.

- Value knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 8:33.

 - Knowledge is knowing what to do. Understanding is knowledge applied appropriately. Wisdom is knowing when to apply your knowledge appropriately.

- Treat others well. Proverbs 11:17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul.

 - Don’t be kind only when it is convenient for your own self-interest. Be kind just to be kind.

 - Proverbs 19:17. Especially be kind to those in need.

- Be willing to work. Proverbs 6:10-11. Don’t be afraid of hard work. This is the key to avoiding poverty.

 - Working hard honors the Lord.

- Choose good friends. Friends have the ability to influence for good or for bad so find good friends.

 - Proverbs 22:24-25. Do not be friends with an angry or furious man because you may learn unwise ways.

 - 2 Corinthians 6:14. Do not be unequally yoked with non-believers.

  - Does not mean don’t be friendly to all. This means don’t form an unbreakable bond with unbelievers.

- Avoid strife. Proverbs 20:3. Avoiding strife is wise. Fools love to quarrel.

 - Living in strife and quarrel takes up a lot of energy. Use your energy for wisdom.