A Wise Choice “...for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:11, NIV) “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

A Wise Choice ( I Kings 3:5-15) At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you.“ Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" NIV

A Wise Choice (I Kings 3:5-15) The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.“ Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord's covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court. NIV

Knowledge Versus Wisdom Knowledge is a matter of the head, while wisdom is a matter of the heart! Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:13-17, NIV)

3 TRUTHS 1. God always gives us more than we ask for. 2. Wisdom comes to those who ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt (Js. 1:5-6, NIV) 3. Humility and Wisdom always go together.

The Wisdom Test 1. Sexual Purity My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. (Proverbs 5:1-5, NIV)

The Wisdom Test 2. Truthfulness/Integrity Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. (Proverbs 8:6-7, NIV)

The Wisdom Test 3. Good Leadership By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; (Proverbs 8:15, NIV)

The Wisdom Test 4. Righteousness I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice (Proverbs 8:20, NIV)

The Wisdom Test 5. A Simple, Balanced Life Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Pv. 23:4-5) If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit. (Pv. 25:16, NIV)

The Wisdom Test 6. Proper Priorities Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. (Pv. 24:27, NIV)

The Wisdom Test 7. Discerning Speech (Choice Words!) Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Pv. 29:20, NIV) He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Pv. 28:13, NIV)