Week 1 - "Word to the Wise"

Our format for this study is 4 parts:
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2. Watch the video and read the message
3. Do as much or as little as you can over the two week time frame

4. COMMENT!! It doesn’t matter if you spend 5 minutes reading or everyday delving deeper into the study, interaction is the key to our success and connection with each other.

Each section is highlighted in a contrasting color so you can easily choose what parts you want to participate in. Take as little or as much and come back as often as you would like to over the course of the study.

Video:



Scripture:

Proverbs 1:1-7;
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Lessson:

Words of wisdom…we’re so familiar with the concept. Most of us grew up with those cute little expressions; “early to bed, early to rise; makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise” or “a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.” Likewise, you are probably familiar with the oft-quoted passage from Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7 of the wise and foolish builders.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matt 7:24-27 (NIV)

Indeed, we are inundated with various expressions of wisdom. From colloquial wise-sayings to Biblical teachings to self-help books, wisdom seems to abound! But, you may ask, if wisdom is so available why is it that so many of us seem to lack understanding? That’s a great question, and one we hope you’ll explore with us in this study!

The scriptures remind us that there are two types of wisdom; a worldly wisdom and a spiritual wisdom – “street smarts” and spiritual discernment. In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote that the two are often held in tension;

18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” 20 And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.” 1Corinthians 3:18-20 (NLT)

Allow me to point out, however, that Paul is not encouraging us to “check our brains at the door” when it comes to faith matters. Rather, he is reminding us that no amount of street-smarts or earthly shrewdness is enough to fully understand the deep mysteries of our lives in God. For this reason, we should seek spiritual wisdom rather than earthly intellect alone…Solomon tells us that (spiritual) wisdom is better than rubies and even the most desirable things cannot be compared to her. (Proverbs 8:12) See also Proverbs 7:4; “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call understanding a close relative.” (NET)

Done?
If you are done with the study for this week and do not plan to go onto the optional sections, please consider commenting as your last act. Connecting with each other and our experiences in this journey is what will make this study great for all.

Scroll down to Prayer & COMMENTS if you are done (for now).

Want more? Or need to come back later?
Optional Areas of Study are below. Read on or use the menu plan to pick and choose what you want to do to add more to this study from the list below.

Questions for Reflection –

- How do you define wisdom?

- What, in your estimation, are the primary differences between “worldly” and “spiritual” wisdom?

- How does one gain “worldly” and/or “spiritual” wisdom?

As we begin our study, I hope you will continually revisit the above questions. You might find your suspicions confirmed, your observations challenged, or your definitions re-defined. Most of all, I pray that you will discover the treasure of wisdom and the companionship of understanding.

Background & Historical Connection:
Before we jump in with both feet, it would be appropriate to provide a little background into the significance of wisdom as a distinct genre in the Judeo/Christian tradition. In fact, the Old Testament canonizes (holds together) an entire section devoted to wise-teachings and sayings. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Song of Songs, and a great many of the Psalms are distinct from the writings of Torah (Law) and the words of Israel’s prophets (Prophecy). Whereas Torah and Prophetic works consist primarily of narrative, legal code, and messages of rebuke/correction which set forth the fundamental beliefs and practices of Judaism, Wisdom literature contains ‘pithy’, practical, and day-to-day instruction for the reader. R.B.Y. Scott frames it this way;

“The wise teachers have almost nothing to say about institutional religion…they make no direct appeal to the authority of a revealed religion, but through their exhortations to holiness presuppose an accepted belief. Consequently, the content of a book like Proverbs is closer to life in the secular world and the day-to-day problems of the ordinary person who is content to leave theology to the experts. At the same time, the Wisdom writers are also able to raise and discuss serious philosophic and theological problems.”

In the New Testament we also find reflections on the wisdom tradition. Jesus quoted the Psalms profusely – even going so far as to state that Ps. 82:6 was “law!” (John 10:34) The Apostles Paul, Peter, and James encouraged and taught the early church with quotes from Psalms, Proverbs, and Job.

We should also note that Jesus’ preferred method of teaching (parable) is almost certainly more closely linked to the riddles of the Wisdom tradition than the historical narrative, legal, or prophetic traditions of the Old Testament. Dee Brestin put it this way; “this is what inspired me to interweave the themes of Proverbs with the parables of Jesus…the same Holy Spirit who prompted Solomon to tell ‘riddles’ inspired Jesus to tell ‘stories’.”

As we reflect upon our text for this week, I pray that you’ll make preparation(s) to receive the wise teachings from this rich tradition. I hope that you will be open to God using them to foster a spiritual insight and understanding that will benefit you in practical and imaginative ways!


Questions for Journaling
You can journal any and all of this study, even the reflection questions. Work at your own pace and take what you need each day. You can also utilize the Questions for Reflection (above) to journal.

- What kind of wisdom or understanding do you most often seek?
- Is there a difference between seeking wisdom/understanding for your own benefit and seeking it for the benefit of others?
- Think of a misunderstanding or conflict that you’ve recently had…how would a sharp sense of wisdom and insight affected the interaction and/or outcome?
- How would the acquisition of wisdom make your life better in a spiritual sense?
- How would it make a difference in a practical sense?

Delving Deeper:
The following resources and references may assist you in going deeper into the study. This section will include bible texts, books/commentaries on applicable passages, and hyperlinks to websites for further study. Each lesson will have new and different information to broaden your horizons.

Dee Brestin in Proverbs & Parables: God’s Wisdom for Living (WaterBrook Press: Colorado Springs, 2010)

R.B.Y. Scott in The Anchor Bible – Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, (Doubleday Publishing: New York, 1981)

See Chart for a comparison of OT quotes in the NT

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I praise You for your unending supply of Wisdom into my life. I thank You for the continued opportunities to serve and learn Your infinite Wisdom. Forgive my uncertainty and my often wandering direction to discover true Wisdom and apply it to my life. Direct me Lord, to Your desires and assist me in applying Your word through scripture and the interpersonal connections I foster in my life. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Comments:
Please offer your feedback on any of the sections above. You can use anything from reflection or journaling questions, personal feedback, how you applied the study this week, and even feedback on the study itself. Want to see changes? More information or less? Leave a comment: it is the best way to connect to each other and to Christ in this journey.