In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom. The wisdom of Christ created the world and the double rainbow Laura saw last week in New Hampshire.
This Keller sermon is challenging, but so good. I encourage you to listen and read!
We had a spirited discussion in church recently over AI, or
Artificial Intelligence.
“It’s of the devil.”
“Missionaries are finding it very helpful in dealing with other cultures and languages.”
“I think it is important to use discernment. Are you asking it to gather facts or to show you the right way to live?”
The next two weeks should give us light. I’ve also included an optional article from a woman I respect with The Gospel Coalition that shows different platforms give you different answers depending on their worldview. If you are going to ask a theological question, frame it with “in the worldview of Tim Keller, or John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, or Jesus.” You may disagree, but I think if you use discernment, AI can be helpful.
Father, You tell us to ask for wisdom in James, please give wisdom these two weeks, and show us when, if ever, we should reach for the hand of AI!
Cash Macanaya on Unsplash
Here is the optional article from The Gospel Coalition:
Here is the link to Keller’s sermon:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/true-wisdom/
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week?
- Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point?
Monday: First Text
3. Meditate on Proverbs 8:10–16 and then answer.
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
- What stands out to you and why?
- What is wisdom better than? Why?
- How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?”
- How is evil defined? What do you learn from this?
- What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom?
- What can wisdom give to kings and rulers?
Tuesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part I
Skip his “church announcements” and begin reading/listening here.
Now, we live in a pluralistic society, and in a pluralistic society people are always fighting about morality. They’re fighting about the different moral sensibilities we have about what is good and what is bad and what is right and what is wrong. I guess that fighting is inevitable, but probably it means it obscures for us something many ancient societies I think had a better grasp of. Ancient societies usually had more consensus in the society about morality. Partly because of that, I think they saw something. That is, moral standards, as important and as crucial as they are, actually don’t address most of the situations you face. Whatever you think the rules are, no matter what you think they are, the vast majority of situations you actually face aren’t covered by those rules. If you’re going to not make an absolute mess of your life, if you’re going to make it through life, you need something we hardly talk about today. The secular culture talks about science and facts, and the moral communities, the churches and synagogues and all that, talk about morality, but actually what we need is something that’s hardly talked about at all nowadays. It’s not identical to knowledge, and it’s not identical even to moral goodness; it’s wisdom.
You’re going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t find and grow in wisdom.
There’s no better place than to go to the book of Proverbs, which we’re going to go to for weeks this year. As an introduction to the book, we’re looking at this chapter 8, which as we go through it, we will see, shows us the importance of wisdom, the definition of wisdom, the problem of wisdom, and a clue to its solution.
4. How were ancient societies different than our world today?
5. Keller says “you are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a much of their lives because they don’t have wisdom? What is missing and is the muck they are making?
6. What does James 1:5 tell us? How often do you think we should do this? Why?
Continue listening/reading
The importance of wisdom The first three verses tell us the importance of wisdom. Look at the progression. Wisdom is speaking, and wisdom says, “I am more important than silver, than gold, than jewels,” and finally wisdom gets all the way down to “greater than anything you may desire.” Let me put this in a nutshell. This is saying wisdom is infinitely more important than all the wealth and all the fame and all the power in the world. Far more important than the greatest of circumstances is the ability to grow and handle and flourish in life circumstances whatever they are. Having great life circumstances, fame and fortune and power and happiness, is nowhere near as important as having wisdom, the ability to handle and grow and flourish in life circumstances no matter what they are. Why? Because only a tiny minority of people ever get their life circumstances where they want them, and no one at all keeps them there. Wisdom is infinitely more important than all the fame and looks and good circumstances possible. You know this. There are lots of people who have talent, intellect, charisma, credentials, and beauty, and they’ve gone nowhere, or maybe even their lives have unraveled. Other people who have little talent and intellect and credentials and beauty and charisma have done very, very well. What’s the difference? Wisdom.
7. What comments do you have on the above?
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history?
Wednesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part II
Listen/Read and then answer:
Why would it be so important to get wisdom? The reason you have to think about it, the reason you have to set your mind to it (and I don’t think this is very well known in the church in particular, and certainly not in our culture) is wisdom is not the same thing as moral goodness. It’s not identical to it. It’s related to it, but it’s not identical to it. Obviously, by the way, to be unethical is stupid in the long run. Even the business schools will tell you that all the time. The business schools will tell you, “Be ethical, because in the long run it’s smart.” So obviously, wisdom is not being less than ethical, but it’s far more. For example, if you want to help a poor family out of poverty, that’s good, that’s noble, that’s right. You can do it completely ethically and still ruin their lives, because you are not conversant with the complexities of how poverty actually works. It’s extremely important. It’s not enough to be people of vision. It’s not enough to be people of principle. It’s not enough to be people even of high principle. You have to be people of wisdom or you’re going to ruin your life and the lives of the people around you. Another reason why it’s so important to get wisdom is the frequency with which we need it. I’ve already alluded to this, but let me press it home a little bit. Many decisions, in order to make them well, only require knowledge. If you had all the knowledge, you could choose the right car, maybe the right medicine, or something like that.
9. What example does Keller give of being moral and ethical, but not wise?
10. What kind of decisions only require knowledge and not wisdom? Give an example of something you could ask AI that only requires knowledge or compiling of information?
Continue listening/reading
Other decisions are mainly a matter of your principles and your commitments. But for the vast majority of the decisions we actually face, the rules and the facts won’t help you. Who do you marry? Do you get married? Who should you date? Do you break up? What career should you go into? What school should you go to? Should I stay here? Should I go to another job? Should I move here? Should I move there? Should I confront the person, or should I hold back? Should I take the risk, or should I play it safe? Do you realize a wrong decision in any of those things is a disaster? Yet the rules don’t cover them. Whatever you think the moral rules are, they don’t cover them, and knowledge isn’t enough. We live in a culture where, on the one hand, you have the scientific secular culture that thinks scientific expertise will give you all of the answers. It doesn’t give the answers on any of those things, on most of the things you need. Of course there are people in the church, the moral people who say, “Morality is important.” Of course it’s important. It’s absolutely crucial, but it doesn’t help you in these areas. I would like to suggest that a lot of you today … The reason you have that sick sinking feeling in your stomach about your life is that you know you’re in a situation you don’t have the wisdom to address. That’s the problem. It’s not a matter so much of knowledge or smarts or moral rectitude; it’s you don’t have the wisdom. We’re perishing for lack of wisdom. So do you see the importance of wisdom? Wisdom is infinitely more important than all of the silver, all of the gold, all of the jewels, and all you could imagine does not even compare to her.
11. Summarize Keller’s main point.
12, Share a time, if possible, when the Lord gave you wisdom in a challenging situation. What happened?
Thursday: Importance of Wisdom III
Read/listen:
The definition of wisdom We’ve already kind of hinted at it. Let’s move on down the text to verses 12–16. You’ll see there are a lot of synonyms. If you read the whole book of Proverbs, you’ll find these synonyms continually come up. Again, here’s wisdom speaking. “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence; I have insight,” and so on. Many of these Hebrew words are important synonyms used throughout the book that give us perspectives on wisdom. Let me give you three. First of all, notice it says wisdom has insight. Verse 14. That’s the Hebrew word biynah, which actually would mean knowing how things really work, knowing how things really happen. Secondly, it says, “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence.” That’s not the best English translation, but anyway, here’s a word that means to notice little distinctions, which means wisdom is knowing how things really are. For example, Sherlock Holmes walks into a room and it’s all a mess. You and I look around and say, “It’s just a mess,” but he sees clues. He sees little things. You see a blur; he sees little distinctions. “Did you see? It’s that long, not that long.” And suddenly he knows what really happened. Wisdom is knowing how things really happen in the world, how things really work, and knowing how things really are.
13. What three things can wisdom help you know? Take one and illustrate it with an example.
Lastly, “By me kings reign and rulers decree the right things.” So wisdom is not just knowing how things really work and how things really are, but also what I should do about it. This is the reason Gerhard von Rad, who wrote Wisdom in Israel, the greatest I think of all of the scholarly books about the wisdom literature and wisdom in Israel … He wrote it quite a few years ago, but I don’t think it has been surpassed. This is his definition according to Proverbs of the term wisdom. He says it’s becoming competent with regard to the realities of life. Knowing how things really happen, knowing how things really are, and knowing what to do about it. Von Rad says elsewhere that though the wise have knowledge, of course, and the wise have moral character, of course, they also have a character of mind and heart so they always do the right thing even when the rules don’t apply. That’s wisdom. You know, when you start to think about this, you realize, “I haven’t been working on that. I’ve been working on being good, and that’s hard enough. Oh my gosh, I have to be wise too.” Yes, you do. The Bible continually talks and illustrates the importance and the nature of wisdom.
14. What stands out from the above?
Action assignment: Keller says wisdom helps you be competent with the realities of life. Often, there are several ways to deal with a problem, but wisdom helps you know the best way in that particular situation. Share a situation you are dealing with, and and ask God for wisdom for the best way to deal with it. On Saturday — let us know if He has helped you!
15. Read Proverbs 26:4-5 and explain how this illustrates Keller’s point.
Friday: Example from 1 Samuel
Read/listen
Last year we did a series on the history of David. There are so many passages in the Bible I couldn’t cover them all. One I didn’t cover was this interesting one from 1 Samuel 15–17. It’s about the time in which Absalom, David’s adult son, had risen up and cast David out. He had done a coup d’état. He had taken power in Jerusalem, and David had fled for his life into the wilderness with some of his friends. One of David’s counselors, Ahithophel, decided to throw in his lot with Absalom and be Absalom’s counselor. Now Ahithophel was incredibly wise, unbelievably wise, and David knew he had no hope as long as Absalom had that kind of wisdom at his court. So he came to Hushai, who was one of the guys who had fled into the wilderness with him, and said, “I’ll tell you what, Hushai. Go back to Absalom’s court and make them believe you’re on his side, and then do everything you can to overthrow the counsel of Ahithophel, or I have no chance.” Such is the power of wisdom. So Hushai goes back, and he ingratiates himself and gets into Absalom’s trust. At one point, Absalom decides he has to make a choice. He has a decision to make. The decision is not whether to go and capture or kill David. He knows he has to do that. Eventually he has to capture and kill David or he cannot have his own throne secure. The real question is when. So he gets his counselors together and he says, “Should I go and attack David now or not?” Ahithophel says, “Yes, now. Go while he’s still in grief. Go while he’s still on the run. Go while he’s off balance. Get him before he can get strategies together. Get him before he can consolidate his position. Go get him, and the kingdom is yours. Capture or kill him.” Hushai says, “Wait.” Hushai appeals both to Absalom’s fear and his vanity. To the fear he says, “Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute. Remember David? This is David, and he’s out there with his mighty men. Do you remember? He was out there for years. He’s battle hardened. He knows what he’s doing. Saul couldn’t catch him. If you try to go out there and get him, he might kill you or even elude you, and if he eludes you and everybody knows you’re after him, your poll numbers will sink.” He says, “On the other hand …” He goes to his vanity. He says, “But you know what? You are popular. You’re incredibly popular. Everybody loves you. If you just sit tight and you don’t do anything stupid to hurt your poll numbers, they’re just going to come to you anyway. The people will leave David. He’ll be left alone, and then you can take him.” Because he appealed to his vanity and because he appealed to his fear, Absalom said, “That’s what I’m going to do. I’m not going to go now. There’s no reason to make the risk.” The text says when Ahithophel heard the decision, he saddled his donkey, he went home to his house, and he hanged himself. Why? Ahithophel knew if you reject wisdom you can keep disaster away for a while but not forever. See Ahithophel saw what had happened. Absalom, because he rejected God, did not know who he really was. He had a combination of inferiority feelings and superiority feelings. He had too little a view of his strength and he had too great a view of his glory. In other words, he didn’t have an accurate view of who he was, and because he didn’t have an accurate view of who he really was, he didn’t choose his counselors right, and because he didn’t choose his counselors right, he made the ultimate foolish move, and that is no time. The rightest deed, the rightest word, at the wrong time, in the wrong order, will destroy everything. Because he rejected God, he didn’t know who he was. Because he didn’t know who he was, he didn’t choose his counselors wisely. Because he didn’t choose his counselors wisely, he did things at the wrong time, and everything was disaster. Ahithophel said, “There’s no use waiting for it.” You see the importance and the nature of wisdom. You say, “All right. Wow, this is really something. I’m kind of glad (but not completely) that you’ve drawn my attention to it this morning.” I want you to see it’s worse than you think.
16. What problem did Absalom have that caused him to be foolish?
17. Explain how understanding you are a beloved child of God can help you avoid foolish decisions.
Saturday:
18. Did God give you wisdom for a hard situation? Would you be willing to share?
19. What is your take-a-way?
105 comments
Dee! I must have missed the story of the wedding you attended. You are beautiful, with that radiant smile! Please fill me in; how did you come to go to the wedding? What kind of wedding was it? Who are these people? How do you know them? Significance? Sorry, I am trying to make it through the weekly questions and right now struggling to read everything 😔. Feeling sad that my life is so hectic and I can’t be here more often.
Oh Laura — I didn’t mean to post the pix until next week, for I have so much to say. I removed it, but perhaps this will tweak interest for next week. The wedding was of my first-born grandchild, Emily.
Your life is hectic yet you do such a good job of being here!
Sunday:
1.How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week? I have been contemplating a change of direction over the last week which was a big decision in terms of how I spend my time. I’ve decided to table some activities and put more time into my kids/grandkids and our little homeschool co-op we started. The things I’m putting aside are things I enjoy but have no eternal value. It was good for me to make this decision in light of my faith as this helps me feel peace about it. My health is a big part of my decision as I just don’t have the energy or ability I used to and need to factor that into what I’m able to do. This is a goodness of God and wisdom from him as I move forward. I feel very blessed to be able to do this and I am filled with joy each week as we do our activities.
Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point? When I enter a google search on any given topic, it is an option and usually I do use it. I like the distinction you gave, Dee, of not asking about things that require wisdom. My husband has had some problems with people at work sending him emails using AI. He admonished at least one person as the email was clearly not written from this person and was not professional. He has brought it to the attention of their management to come up with some limits on how AI is used at work. There has not been a decision yet but I’m sure that there can be some real challenges in the work place as well as personal uses. It does seem like those without wisdom may use it in very inappropriate ways. I have to admit, I’m waiting as long as I can and researching the best way to introduce our 7 year old to computers. We do watch some educational videos and some for entertainment, but all are supervised. I have not allowed him to do any online school. Even with some of the educational videos on YouTube, there were some really creepy commercials that came up. Sorry as this is a rabbit trail, but more of what is scary on the internet. I suspect that AI will be the like most things that can be very useful when used appropriately and lead to a dangerous path when not.
Chris, What a great post. Such godly wisdom you have to put aside thing that are not of eternal value. Thank you, I needed that today.
Chris — I know you won’t regret pouring into those grandkids!
Chris,
Thanks for your input and good to hear your wisdom about the use of technology.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week?
Oh God is so good! I have had a hip issue for the past 2 years. An old injury that keeps rearing its head. I decided to do more PT and lay off exercising. That meant no dancing either. I have prayed that God lead me in this new life of mine. I am doing Pilates as well. Very expensive, but I do think I am a bit better.
Fast forward to last week…I get a text from our pastor asking if I might put something together for our Christmas program. I was not expecting it, don’t have any dancers, and am void of choreography right now! I told him I would think/pray, and left it at that. The next day I received a text from a dancer friend who doesn’t even go to our church, asking if she could use our studio and if we had any dances scheduled that am she could participate in! I couldn’t believe it! I told her I needed dancers for some sort of piece (?) and she said she would be interested. Her daughter is going to join us as well. Then, ideas just keep coming to me about what piece of music AND choreography too! I just know God wants this to happen. We only have a month to get it together so prayers please!
2. Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point?
I encounter AI in my life with students and plagiarism. It’s exhausting to try and figure out if someone is cheating. Many times I can spot it, but sometimes I can’t. I think it has to do with your integrity too. I don’t want to copy something so I don’t.
I have used AI to develop a discussion topic, and edited it to be my own authentic piece. Sometimes I just need a “push” in the right direction.
I think it is a scary thing to be honest. My husband says that it becomes more “intelligent” as it’s used. Or maybe that is how it could be in the future (?). To the point that it might take over humans. That’s the scary thing. I can’t think of his example right now but I do remember some story of a Japanese robot killing a scientist in the past 2 years or so. I’m not sure it is true though. So much information that is mot true out there that fact checking becomes its own arduous task! Maybe something with the military?
I will pray for wisdom and discernment for you, as you choreograph the dance, for your church Christmas program. Praying that you find the best exercises for healing your hip issues.
How fun! Eager to seehow the Lord leads you!
1. What stands out to you and why?
With wisdom (one thing) you gain so much more! If you are wise you have: good judgement, knowledge, discernment, common sense, insight, and strength.
2. What is wisdom better than? Why?
It’s better than silver, gold, and rubies (but have you seen the price of silver lately?? 🤪 Jk). It says that nothing we desire can compare to wisdom.
I helped with children’s church yesterday and the kids were learning about the widow’s offering. She gave all she had and Jesus recognized that. Her faith. So often we are consumed with paying our bills that we forget to not make money an idol. I have been guilty of that. My husband is consumed with making sure that I am taken care of (his dad did this for his mom, and, he is a CFO – accountant type) that he forgets what is the most important thing…God! It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I assure him that I will be fine (he thinks he will die first…morbid focus if you ask me), and that I will probably go before him, as he has great longevity in his family. Ugh! I almost got him to go on a mission trip to Belize with me, but alas! We cannot go (long story, not money). So, we have a nice nest egg to live here on this earth. I want a place in heaven! I am going to have the kids focus on helping the poor in our area in February, which is the week we were to go to Belize.
3. How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?”
It’s defined as hating evil. Pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech are the characteristics mentioned.
4. How is evil defined? What do you learn from this?
Fearing the Lord 👆. I guess not to have these characteristics (mentioned above). They are evil. Instead, revere the Lord and respect Him by not being that way.
5. What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom?
They are common sense, success, insight and strength.
6. What can wisdom give to kings and rulers?
They rule with justice and make righteous judgements.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week?
I see God’s beauty and goodness in the changing seasons, and in His care for me. I was blesse to visit with a sweet couple, friends of my daughter and son in law, that came to my home with them, for a potluck and football, after church yesterday. The wife has early onset dementia, and seems far too young to have that. I enjoy having them all over and just learning about their lives and getting to know them.
2. Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point? I do not like AI, even though I know there are positive aspects to it. It quite often rewrites things I type or text. I saw a television program that showed several examples of people speaking or advertising things, and all the humans were all AI. I think we need great discernment with this, because they take and have taken well known people and created fake instagram accounts, where they are saying and doing things that were not “real”. It can be difficult to know what to believe.
1.What stands out to you and why?
Wisdom is from God and His Word. The wise man will seek God’s wisdom and God’s counsel, using his words and actions wisely, in love, and for the glory of God, not for his own ego, selfish gain and worldly desires. God’s Word and goodness are eternal, for the good of others and not to build one’s own kingdom.
2.What wisdom better than? Why?
Wisdom is better than silver and gold, jewels and all earthly things we desire, which will become dust in the wind. Wisdom from God cannot be taken from us.
3.How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?”.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogance, the perverted mouth and the evil way.
4.How is evil defined? What do you learn from this?
Evil is pride, arrogance, a perverted mouth and the evil way.
5.What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom?
Wisdom has characteristics of God; God’s counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and power.
6.What can wisdom give to kings and rulers?
Wisdom helps kings and rulers to reign with justice, and to judge rightly.
Speaking of AI – I had to edit my answers twice! And, even then AI changed the word perverted to preferred. I corrected it again and one of them still popped back to “preferred” The correct answer to 4. Is Evil is pride, arrogance, a perverted mouth and the evil way. 😜
That’s a living lesson with AI!
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week?
—My husband and I have been walking through our position on some major decisions regarding our church and we have needed God’s wisdom and grace in our responses. God has been good to basically help us be quiet and avoid causing any division with our thinking and our opinions because of our influence. He has made it pretty clear to us that our posture needs to be one of not speaking out. Easier for my husband because he is often wiser in these situations but harder for me. 🥴😊
Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point?
—I use AI in mostly the passive ways it is now built into internet browsing and cell phone use. I don’t subscribe to any of the formats say like “Claude” to be used on a regular basis. I am familiar with that one because my son in law that is a software and computer engineer has explained to me how he uses it for his work and he of course is very savvy with it. My daughter in law who is an educator and has her Masters degree in counseling has very negative feelings about the use of AI among students. Actually she is very much against children and the younger generation using technology and being on screens of any kind to much if a degree at all. She would say not at all with littles. She has seen how it has sorely affected the generation that has been raised with it. Statistics over all are quite negative. AI is now adding another level of danger. So for it to be used responsibly and carefully by the general public has pretty much gone out the window. Pornography is a huge example of how pervasive it is and AI is now hugely involved in that format.
The article you offered for us to read is excellent. Thank you for including it. I will be passing it on to several in my family.
This has been a week where I have seen the Lord’s hand repeatedly — my eldest had a milestone birthday so I met him, his wife, and a childhood friend who flew in from Seattle to Indiana to bless him. His childhood friend (whom Patti knows!) is such a godly friend and I am thankful for their long friendship.
My grand-daughter’s Indian wedding was unforgettable — more about that next week.
I also had sweet time with my youngest, Annie, and her family at the wedding. Time with my sister in memory care on the way home.
Now I’m at the car body repair shop as my car was side-swiped when parked on Halloween. It’s going to be pricey, but at least no one was in the car.
Thankful. This life is full of trouble yet He is with us all the way.
Wow Dee,
You have had quite a week. Thanking God for answered prayers for you and all your travels.
Sorry about your car but we do keep perspective about it at this age.
Yes He is with us all the way. I have thought often this week about what Keller taught us last week on the verse that God will never never leave us and will never never never forsake us. 💕
Dear Dee, Thanking God for safe travels and meaningful visits! And you were blessed with a memorable birthday with your son and an unforgettable wedding for your granddaughter! (So thankful that only the car got a bump.) The Lord was truly present with you, dear Dee. So excited to hear about the fabulous wedding! God is always good!
I’m looking forward to hearing about the wedding and so thankful for answered prayer for your safe travels.
Thanks so much Bev, Chris, and Patti!
How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week? This seems trivial, but getting my gut health back on track. It has been something that I’ve been struggling with since my surgery almost 3 months ago. It was around the clock irritation. My daughter-in-law struggled with the same symptoms a couple of years ago and when she told me the regimen that she followed that cleared it up, I started following it and within a week there was drastic improvement. I am very thankful for this.
Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point? I haven’t used it for anything. It pops up on my Google searches and I tend to scroll passed it. The only time I think of AI is when I wonder if some of the “historical” photos and stories that I have read are true or just put together by an AI.
Dawn, I’m happy for you to get back on track with your health. That can be so important and definitely not trivial-it plays a bigger role in our day to day life than we realize. Praising God for that provision.
Hardly a trivial thing — that’s wonderful. A sore toe can pretty much make you miserable, how much more gastric troubles.
So thankful your gut health is returning, Dawn. It is not a trivial thing at all. Thanking God with you.
1. What stands out to you and why? How important wisdom is. It is the thing that you should desire the most.
2. What is wisdom better than? Jewels, silver and gold. Why? Because it gives you prudence, knowledge and discretion.
3. How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?” The hatred of evil.
4. How is evil defined? Pride, arrogance, perverted speech. What do you learn from this? Pride and arrogance are the opposite of wisdom.
5. What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom? Insight and strength.
6. What can wisdom give to kings and rulers? The ability to rule justly.
Monday: First Text
3. Meditate on Proverbs 8:10–16 and then answer.
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
What stands out to you and why? The Lord’s instruction, wisdom, knowledge, prudence, discretion, are better than all you may desire.
What is wisdom better than? All you may desire. Why? There is an eternal reward that is greater.
How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?” The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil.
How is evil defined? What do you learn from this? Pride and arrogance are the way of evil, and perverted speech. Ouch. The way we choose to use pride in our culture with encouraging kids and adults to take pride in themselves, rather than give glory to God for his gifts to us and then to hear it is evil. This makes me think about our general way of speech regarding everyday topics around things we do and accomplish. We should be giving all credit to the Lord and praise as we find ourselves accomplishing things, as we know we can do nothing without the Lord. We do not give near enough praise and honor to Him for all that we have.
What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom? Insight and strength.
What can wisdom give to kings and rulers? Rulers reign, decree what is just, and govern justly.
4. How were ancient societies different than our world today
Ancient societies were not cas oncerned about morality like they were concerned about wisdom. They felt that wisdom was more important and took care of the morality issues.
5. Keller says “you are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a much of their lives because they don’t have wisdom?
I suppose I could point to myself and my husband for this one! I have tried to “do right” my entire life, and have missed the point at times. My husband and I think the worst decision we ever made was to move to the NE without first praying and asking God what we should do. We regret that now and will not repeat that mistake!
What is missing and is the muck they are making?
We missed Jesus being part of our plan.
6. What does James 1:5 tell us?
We should ask for wisdom from God.
How often do you think we should do this?
Often!
Why?
Because God knows what is right for us at all times.
7. What comments do you have on the above?
For me, it’s hard to understand what wisdom really is. Making a wise choice compared to not making a wise choice. How do we know before we make that choice that it’s wise or not? I guess this is where asking God comes in, so if I ask God and I get no response maybe I should not make that choice.
That happened to us recently. We wanted to take the kids to Belize on a mission trip with our church, we prayed and God was not answering our prayer one way or the other. My husband and I decided that maybe it’s not wise to take them right now. So unfortunately, we are not going on our mission trip with our church, which is sad, but we aren’t convinced that God thinks that’s the best thing for our family right now. We will stay home and find local missions to work on that week.
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history?
My mom is a great example here! She chose to do what God wanted in her life. She didn’t care about the worldly things of life. She died a pauper, but was never in need at all.
Laura — I’d like to explore your choice about the kids and the mission trip for if you don’t mind, I think it would be helpful to the whole group.
We do know that God wants us to do missions from His Word, and also to expose our children to need in the world. That doesn’t mean all mission trips are right. I wonder what your prayer was? Was it to provide financially? To give you a peace about it?
Good questions Dee. It wasn’t about the money for me, at least, it was more about the reason. I wanted to take the kids so they could see how others live in the world. So they would appreciate the good life that they have. Ouch. And, I’ve never been on a mission trip like that before, and I don’t know if I’ll ever get another opportunity to go with my church family. So, I guess for all the wrong reasons?
I did think it would be fun to teach people a dance called Witness, and several in the group are dancers. They are teenagers and young adolescents. We would be teaching VBS, which I love and painting, building bunkbeds, building chicken coops, and such like that. In the background of my mind, I just got nervous about human trafficking and if anything would happen to the kids. I couldn’t live with myself if I endangered them that way. So we prayed, and never really heard anything from God. It led me to believe that it just wasn’t the right time. Of course my husband would say we didn’t have the money and we didn’t raise the money so we shouldn’t go, but he did agree with me about the human trafficking thing.
I’m sad, but I think it is the correct decision.
The decision is made so now to trust God. I think you actually had good reasons for going — but perhaps would mean more to the kids when they are a bit older. I will pray God opens another door then!
I should have said “are convinced,” In my first answer above. Stupid autocorrect! Or AI!!!?
Monday: First Text
3. Meditate on Proverbs 8:10–16 and then answer.
What stands out to you and why?
—The value of wisdom. The Psalmist says to choose wisdom over riches. Nothing in this material world has more value than wisdom. God’s wisdom.
We live in a very greedy culture focused on having money and pleasure but the foolishness and lack of wisdom to live life well screams at us from the observance of people’s lives all around us.
What is wisdom better than? Why?
—Wisdom is far more valuable than jewels because riches cannot satisfy the desires of the heart but God’s wisdom can.
How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?”
—It causes a hatred of evil things like pride, arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.
How is evil defined? What do you learn from this?
—Pride, arrogance, corruption and perverse speech characterize evil. When you see these characteristics manifested in people they have no fear of God and lack God’s wisdom.
What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom?
—common sense / a person with common sense knows how to live their life in practical and productive ways
—insight / someone with insight is tuned into their environment and has understanding of the happenings around them
—strength / people with strength are not wishy washy.
What can wisdom give to kings and rulers?
—They will practice justice in their decision making. They have God’s help in in leading the people and make right judgements
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week? I am very thankful to God for opening the door for a collaboration and friendship with the music teacher at the elementary school. We were able to work out a doable schedule over lunch (yay for hospitality ideas from last week). I was thrilled to observe that our musical skills complement each other. Thankful for my husband’s support with this type of outreach to young kids.
Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point?
Yes, I have. I look to AI for knowledge mainly. But I am cautious with asking for wisdom. I find that AI is mostly about head knowledge rather than heart matters. I may stand corrected as I continue to use it. I have used Grammarly to help me with my grasp of the English language, and it has helped me tremendously. AI is also useful when I hunt for recipes or gift ideas.
Great answers on AI! When I remember it is a machine that collects information, I know better how to use it. It amazes me as a writer that I can ask, “In which Tim Keller sermon did he refer to….” and it gives me the name of the sermon! Or I can ask how to open the hood of my Subaru or get a step by step explanation of how to clean my coffee machine.
These are definitely good uses of A I, Bing and Dee. I still find it a bit scary.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week? – I’ve had been participating in a zoom call organized by Thunder Canyon Campground where we have our camper parked. For all of October we read a Proverb a night as we went through the book of Proverbs and then discussed what stood out to us. Sadly, it is over, but the hearts touched by God in this group was amazing. Some poured out their hearts to the group, some didn’t even talk, but they listened and we all gained more insight. When the body of Christ comes together as one, the power of God is there, touching each person in their own way. It was a wonderful way to spend our October nights.
Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point? – I do use it to ask a question here and there but if I want to go deeper, I will use commentary apps or the notes in my study bibles. I like the Enduring Word app or Steve Gregg’s The Narrow Path. I am cautious about AI but find it can be helpful.
Wow, Julie! Love hearing about your zoom Proverbs study. Is this a Christian campground?
Patti, everyone is welcome to come and visit, but it is based on Christian values. When they became bolder in their faith, they lost a lot of followers (they are on YouTube as the RV Odd Couple.) But they want to do what the Lord is leading them to do and didn’t worry about who stopped following them. The first visit would be like any other campground, but they have a membership type campground. They want to have the feeling of security and safety for everyone that comes in.
Oh, Julie, What a sweet fellowship of Christian friends.
Monday: First Text
3. Meditate on Proverbs 8:10–16 and then answer.
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
What stands out to you and why?
Anything the world has to offer (silver and gold) is nothing compared to wisdom. It is a temptation to think that whatever money (education, power, authority) can buy can bring fulfillment in this life.
What is wisdom better than? Why?
It is better than jewels. Jewels can “fly” but wisdom cannot be taken away from us-counsel, sound wisdom, insight, strength.
How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?”
It is the hatred of evil, like pride, arrogance, and perverted speech.
How is evil defined? What do you learn from this?
Pride, arrogance and perverted speech
What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom?
Counsel, sound wisdom, insight, strength
What can wisdom give to kings and rulers?
They can reign and govern with justice
Tuesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part I
1. How were ancient societies different than our world today?
Ancient societies usually had more consensus in the society about morality.
2. Keller says, “You are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a much of their lives because they don’t have wisdom? What is missing and is the muck they are making?
Yes, I can do the right thing based on the world’s rules, but my head and heart can still be deceived and can make a muck of my life.
3. What does James 1:5 tell us? How often do you think we should do this? Why?
We should ask God for it when we lack wisdom. We should do it often. Always. Because God will always give it to us. Without finding fault. He will sift through our hearts’ motives and lead us to a wise decision.
Continue listening/reading
4. What comments do you have on the above?
Wisdom is available to ALL. James 1:5 points out that we only have to ask God when we need wisdom. There is no requirement to go to God for it.
An example for me would be the verse in Ephesians 4:22, 24: “ Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
How do I do this? Through wisdom alone. I cannot get there with just looks, intellect, charisma, and credentials.
5. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history?
I think of some of the elderly in our congregation who have passed on from this life-servants to the end; they weren’t in public, but they have impacted me and others through their faithful Christian walk. Ordinary people, perhaps, but “good and faithful”.
Monday: First Text
3. Meditate on Proverbs 8:10–16 and then answer.
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
What stands out to you and why? – Verse 11, the world thinks that it is more important to have ‘stuff’. Fill in whatever desire is taking priority in your life. But I’ve learned ‘stuff’ can be lost in an instant. They don’t last, they wear out, they break. But just like verse 11 says, wisdom is so much better than all of it. We can gain knowledge, discernment and understanding with the wisdom we seek.
What is wisdom better than? Why? – It is better than jewels and any desire we think would be better. But wisdom cannot compare to any of those things. It is so much better to have. With wisdom comes knowledge.
How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?” – The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. This is good, as Christians we should hate evil and do whatever we can to override it. We need to stand strong in the Lord even more now.
How is evil defined? What do you learn from this? – Pride and arrogance and evil ways. It’s not just our sinful actions, it’s also our words and our hearts that play a part in evil.
What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom? – We have the Lord and His Word to go to for counsel on how we are to live, where we can find wisdom and knowledge. It’s all right in His Word. One book, one discovery and it’s ours to have if we want to take it.
What can wisdom give to kings and rulers? – They can have wisdom and to judge in a just and fair way. It all comes from the Lord, he instructs them, but their hearts have to be open to him, and they need to accept and embrace His wisdom.
Tuesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part I
4. How were ancient societies different than our world today?
—Our world today is a pluralistic society so it is always fighting and arguing about morality. But ancient societies had a greater consensus about it and it’s affects on life.
5. Keller says “you are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a much of their lives because they don’t have wisdom? What is missing and is the muck they are making?
—Sadly we are watching my oldest grandson and his wife display this in their lives. They both make claims of devout Christianity and actually live moral lives at least it appears so far but they are actually self consumed and seriously neglecting their 3 little boys. Even in the most practical ways of physical care. They are a train wreck waiting to happen. There is a complete lack of wisdom in both of their lives. Family members have tried to help them see the changes they need to make but at this point in time they just don’t seem to get it.
6. What does James 1:5 tell us? How often do you think we should do this? Why?
—We should ask God for wisdom who gives it generously. We should ask every single day for his wisdom and guidance. It doesn’t come to us in one shot of brilliance and then we are good. Daily we need the Holy Spirit to guide us into wisdom for each moment of our lives. Without Him we muck it up in a hurry. 🥴
7. What comments do you have on the above?
—Keller’s statement that
“Having great life circumstances, fame and fortune and power and happiness, is nowhere near as important as having wisdom, the ability to handle and grow and flourish in life circumstances no matter what they are”
He added “….only a tiny minority of people ever get their life circumstances where they want them, and no one at all keeps them there.”
But the more important thing is:
“the ability to handle and grow and flourish in life circumstances no matter what they are”
I have close friends at this age of life we are in that have really tough life circumstances but are flourishing in their understanding of God and his place in their lives. They have the true wisdom of God because his Word is strong in their hearts and lives. It is well with their souls even though their bodies are failing them. Heaven is just a breath away and they are ready.
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history?
—My close friend Lynda. Her life has been just plain tough from the very start to this very day but as a professing atheist at 33 years of age she met Jesus through reading the Bible and God became the total focus of her life. She has sought Him passionately and loves Him deeply. She will definitely be commended by her God.
Isn’t it such a lovely thing to be a part of someone’s life who gives such a great testimony of their faith? To watch someone suffering who can still praise the Lord and know that their faith is carrying them is so inspiring and what a blessing you have been to your friend.
So true, Chris.
Bev, Amen to Chris and Dee! I love this sweet example of your friend, Lynda
9. What example does Keller give of being moral and ethical, but not wise?
He talks about helping a family out of poverty. I’m not sure I understand his logic here. He says you can have vision and be ethical but you have to have wisdom to not ruin their lives. I don’t understand this because he doesn’t say how their lives will be ruined if you don’t have wisdom. Can anyone give me an example? What is poverty exactly? I would say not having enough food, clothing, or shelter for yourself. A person with a vision would be able to supply some or all of those things for the person. Hopefully they provide it in an ethical manner (they aren’t stealing to provide for the person). I guess the wiser thing to do would be to help the person find a job to be able to pay for their food, shelter, etc?
10. What kind of decisions only require knowledge and not wisdom? Give an example of something you could ask AI that only requires knowledge or compiling of information?
Why is infrared energy the only energy on the electromagnetic spectrum that is associated with heat?
Hi Laura 😊
For number 9, I’m thinking of a family who have driven themselves to poverty with drugs/alcohol. They are currently a train wreck. They know the gospel and have been to church, but are not living it and never really have. To help them would be enabling, until they are ready to turn from their ways. In this case, I would say they are in poverty spiritually and physically. This case requires first of all prayer for their hearts to turn, and then help to get them to work and re-build their lives. You are on the right track with helping someone get a job.
I just love your science question for AI! HaHa -also, you are doing better than me at getting on here and I am sure your life is more hectic than mine. Love to see you here when you can. 🤍
Chris, that’s a good example! I wasn’t thinking about that kind of situation. Thanks for the idea, it makes sense.
I just keep waking at 3:00 AM and can’t go back to sleepy these days. I think it’s the way of the older people! Hahaha. Here I am Lord! I slept last night, which is good. I have a head cold too so that has been hard as well. Take care and enjoy the moment teaching your “baby.” Learning is fun and we can all still learn something new each day. ❤️
You ask such good questions, Laura. I have a book called “When Helping Hurts” — so many government programs have good motives of helping people out of poverty but end up enabling, wasting vast amounts of money and time…You need wisdom to truly help people. Christian charities have a much better track record because their workers actually care and are not just working for a pay check as so many government employees are.
Oh, that makes sense Dee! Thank you for reminding me of the Christian charities. They do actually care. It’s not just a handout. Our daughter, who voted for Trump, twice, just voted for a Communist to be the mayor of NYC! He has actually said he would seize (his word) property from the wealthy there. No wonder people are leaving the city in droves! He doesn’t care about people, or he would care about the wealthy too! Sarah just wants a handout, which is crazy because she is the hardest worker (not her husband though). This new mayor is also both against Israel, AND a Muslim. It’s all messed up and makes me think that we (America) is going to be taken over from within. The Muslims do have the idea that they will command all the Earth. Scary stuff coming from NYC. The police already aren’t arresting people for crimes, and this guy is not a fan of police. It will end up being Gotham City I fear. I know one thing, she wants me to visit, and there is no way I will now because of the danger. If something happens to my family, I will have no one to help me out. They think the city can run without police! People are crazy, including my daughter 🤷🏻♀️.
I didn’t realize your daughter lived there — is this daughter we’ve met? History shows we don’t learn from history, so I guess New Yorkers are about to learn the socialism does not work.
Yes, Sarah is our only daughter and the one you have met. I our guardianship ends by court order then the kids will go to live with her in that awful place. Our next court date is Dec 2. Please pray. 🙏
Praying with you. There has to be a community of Christians in NY. Keller lived there after all. We should pray for revival.
11. Summarize Keller’s main point.
He basically says that wisdom is needed to answer more personal questions, like “Should I move, Do I get a degree, Should I change jobs?” These are questions that have “heart” to them. It’s not just about knowledge. I guess if I use my example above, the person might ask “where will I get my next meal, coat, or place to sleep?” These are also questions of the heart. The visionary who is ethically providing for the impoverished person, would be the one who has the wisdom (I guess?). They could help the person find a job. This would be wise because then the person would have the money to come out of poverty. It isn’t the person asking the questions who has the wisdom even though they need it. They are stuck. I guess? Now I’m really confused.
12, Share a time, if possible, when the Lord gave you wisdom in a challenging situation. What happened?
I gave up on trying to control a situation with our second oldest son as a teenager. I asked God to take over. He did. It didn’t all turn out how I wanted it to (I didn’t get my way), but he is a happy person and we are fairly close today.
That double rainbow picture is amazing! Is that at your home or on a vacation? Incredible photo!
I saw it on the road (had to stop and take pictures!). This was posted that same night by someone in our area on their back deck. Big Island Pond is near me.
Tuesday
4. How were ancient societies different than our world today? Ancient societies had more consensus on morality, today we have a pluralistic society.
5. Keller says “you are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a much of their lives because they don’t have wisdom? What is missing and is the muck they are making? I’m thinking of young people who have much to learn about life and try to do the “right thing” morally or live by the rules, but don’t have wisdom and so make foolish choices at times. My teenager saved money and bought a car. She failed to think about the fact that this car was old and she needed to save for a new one, even before this one died. This didn’t take a lot of wisdom and really is common sense, but she chose to spend all the money she made on clothes and fast food. Now her car is gone and she needs to get rides to work until she can save enough money for the next car. This is a girl who loves the Lord but is lacking in wisdom and discipline.
6. What does James 1:5 tell us? How often do you think we should do this? Why? If we are lacking wisdom, we should ask God and he will give generously without reproach. We should ask as often as we need.
7. What comments do you have on the above? I like how Keller differentiates knowledge, moral goodness and wisdom. Wisdom is this thing we get from God-it is spiritually discerned. This is something we don’t always KNOW, but we infer from the Lord and his Word and then move forward in faith. Am I wrong?
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history? I have a woman in my life who I don’t see more than once a year now, but in her quiet way spoke her faith into my life. She is my mother’s age, probably 80. She was raised catholic and disowned by her family when she married outside her faith. Her husband left her when she had two small girls and was pregnant with her third. She struggled as a single mom, living on public assistance. The one constant in her life was her faith and church attendance. She raised her girls to know the Lord. She has never had much, but the Lord has always provided. She volunteers at her church and lives a simple life. I am sure the Lord will be glad to welcome her home.
I love that story, Chris. An example of how joy comes from our inner life rather than outward circumstances.
Love the life that you sweet friend has lived for the Lord. Thank you for sharing, Chris.
Wednesday
9. What example does Keller give of being moral and ethical, but not wise? Business schools teach morality, ethical dealings with clients, but it’s not the same as wisdom. Also, helping a family out of poverty. You could give and give to a family, but if they don’t change their ways that led to poverty, they will end up there again and so will you.
10. What kind of decisions only require knowledge and not wisdom? Give an example of something you could ask AI that only requires knowledge or compiling of information? Informational decisions, like which brand of bread to buy at the store or deciding what kind of toothpaste to buy. I could as AI what stores sell the brand of toothpaste I’m looking for in my area.
11. Summarize Keller’s main point. Wisdom is worth more than all the silver and gold and simple knowledge or morality do not compare to her.
12, Share a time, if possible, when the Lord gave you wisdom in a challenging situation. What happened? We had a time when our child was accused of a serious offense. We sought the Lord in prayer and sought the wisdom of other Christians we respected with knowledge about such circumstances. It was a challenging time of 3 months of heart sick prayer and searching of the Lord and how to respond day to day with the circumstances. We invited our whole family to pray and kept the matter before the Lord. Gratefully, he led us out of that time in a favorable way. It was something that could have been devastating, but we were spared, due largely to our careful response and seeking the Lord for wisdom.
Oh, Chris! So thankful for God’s wisdom and protection of your family during that difficult time.
7. What comments do you have on the above?
This is a bit of a rabbit hole….
I believe Real wisdom, can only come from reading, knowing and practicing the Word of God and knowing the Son of God, Jesus Christ, in a personal way. Wisdom is something that has to start in the heart and with motives. It is desiring to know God and to communicate with Him, so you gain wisdom. I guess maybe this would be called Godly wisdom, but those who have it are eternally very different from those who just have worldly wisdom.
Worldly wisdom: According to Wikipedia: “wisdom, also known as sapience, is the ability to apply knowledge, experience and good judgment to navigate life’s complexities. It is also associated with insight, discernment and ethics.”
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or in history.
Money, fame and beauty are short lived and they only offer value for a limited time. I loved Keller’s example in an earlier lesson of Madonna. She has never arrived, because those “highs” are fleeting and she has to keep reinventing herself. It is all about her.
I think of Joni Eareckson Tada, who in spite of her serious injuries has shown wisdom in how she has lived her life praising God and influencing so many, who are disabled and able bodied. Her faith and wisdom have been focused on glorifying God with her life and drawing others to Jesus.
Such a good post, Patti. Colossians tells us that in Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so you are right, knowing Him through His Word and trusting Him is key.
9. What example does Keller give of being moral and ethical, but not wise?
Being moral and ethical are important, yet having wisdom with that will make a great difference. Wisdom gives us discernment, and an added layer of confirmation in decisions we make. Wisdom, is seeking God’s direction and timing in prayer, in all you do. God’s wisdom is more trustworthy than my own.
10. What kind of decisions only require knowledge and not wisdom? Give an example of something you could ask AI that only requires knowledge or compiling of information?
If you are purchasing a car or other item and just looking up facts . If you are searching for a quote or a Bible verse, but not an opinion.
11. Summarize Keller’s main point.
Wisdom is found in the Word of God and in a relationship with Him. It is something that we need to seek, in order to find it. I need to pray about everything I do, every moment of the day. It is about developing a relationship with the One who is Trustworthy. Wisdom is truly from God.
“For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But, seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”
12, Share a time, if possible, when the Lord gave you wisdom in a challenging situation. What happened?
When I moved a year ago. I had looked and looked, after praying for one year about where I should move. My daughter and her husband were helping me, but I prayed about every house I saw (and this was on face time), yet none felt right. I decided to wait a year, since my granddaughter was getting married last October. Then, at a time that seemed impossible, the perfect house, in a good area, came up for sale. I felt it was the house God chose for me, but I prayed daily and for every detail, (and there were lots of details…like selling my house, moving, while going to a wedding in Nashville) …so many impossible things….flying with two dogs…and more. God worked out every single detail and many miracles! It was God and His wisdom, I prayed for Him to do it His way and it was so hard, yet it was so good. I thank Him daily for walking with me still through every detail of my life. Thank you Lord for Your wisdom and timing.
Love this testimony.
Beautiful testimony, Patti.
Tuesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part I
4. How were ancient societies different than our world today? – They realized that morality and what was thought to be right or wrong, hardly every addressed the situation that came up in daily lives.
5. Keller says “you are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a much of their lives because they don’t have wisdom? What is missing and is the muck they are making? – I can think of a couple people in my circle right now that are morally good, but their decisions from what I can see are based on feelings of thinking they are helping, when in reality they are burning themselves out because they are not discerning if they should help or not. This is a hard thing to do, when we want to help everyone, but is our help enabling/hurting in the long run, or truly helping them grow to rely on God.
6. What does James 1:5 tell us? How often do you think we should do this? Why? – We are to ask God for wisdom if we lack it and he will give it generously to all without reproach. I ask all the time. Every time I read his word, have a pray need that needs his guidance. I can’t live my life the right way without His wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
7. What comments do you have on the above? – Oh, this is so true. I was without a job and trying to raise two young boys and someone knew my circumstances and asked how I could have so much peace. I told him that whatever I have, money, jewelry, etc. can be gone in an instant, but my faith in God will never be gone. I knew he would take care of me. We need wisdom, understanding and knowledge to be able to know what God is leading us to do. If we just jump into something because it comes our way, it won’t always work out. Yes, God can use it and help us through it, but when we wait on God, ask him for wisdom and guidance, our path will be so much smoother because of Him.
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history? – I’m blessed to have some of these people in my life. They all work hard; they honor God with their lives and with the things he provides to them. They are good stewards of the things the Lord gives them and freely give it out to others. Their lives, all of them, are ones that show how they serve the Lord and others, there is fruit in their lives and the love they show to others is definitely the love that God shows us all. They all will hear, “well done, good and faithful servant.”
God has used you mightily, Julie. I love reading your testimony in 7. You have faithfully followed the Lore and trusted Him in all ways.
Wednesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part II
9. What example does Keller give of being moral and ethical, but not wise? – He talks about how when we help someone in poverty, it is good and noble, but we aren’t really helping because we don’t know the deeper root, so by just giving money, food, whatever it might be, we are not giving them instruction on how to get out of poverty we are keeping them in it.
10. What kind of decisions only require knowledge and not wisdom? Give an example of something you could ask AI that only requires knowledge or compiling of information? – I can ask AI a question on a symptom I’m having, or what a diagnosis means so I can get a better understanding of what might be happening in my body. But I need wisdom to know if I should follow the treatment plan. Would it be right for me and with other things going on in my body.
11. Summarize Keller’s main point. – Morality is important, but wisdom is so much higher and is so needed. Without wisdom, decisions that we make can be iffy. Without wisdom we will not have God’s peace in situations that we move forward in. Like Tim Kellar said, we have a sinking feeling in our stomachs because the situation becomes out of our control.
12, Share a time, if possible, when the Lord gave you wisdom in a challenging situation. What happened? – I would say for me the most challenging was deciding to get divorced. I prayed daily all the marriage scriptures, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Matthew 19:6; and of course, I Corinthians 13. I went to counseling with my pastor at the time. But in the end, we divorced. He was not a Christian and wanted no part of it. It was hard, I didn’t want to get divorced, but I can see as his life unfolded on the path he was on, it was not good. I’m not sure I would have been able to handle what came after our divorce, but God lead me in the direction I needed to go, and that was away from that situation. I took the boys, and we made a better, godly life, in a new town and with new people around us who helped us grow even more in the Lord. God definitely know what he is doing, and what we should be doing. I am learning to ask Him for wisdom first instead of just jumping into my plan.
So thankful you are where you are now, Julie.
Your story of faith always gives me good chills, Julie.🙏Our God is trustworthy!
Julie, happy for where the Lord has led you.
13. What three things can wisdom help you know? Take one and illustrate it with an example.
a) Wisdom gives you insight, knowing how things really work. b) Wisdom helps you to know how things really are. c) Wisdom helps you to know what you should do about it.
We live in a world where it is often hard to know how to handle difficult situations. If we first go to God’s Word and pray about it, Our hearts can settle and think more clearly, and with God’s wisdom, give us direction on how to handle the situation with a godly response.
14. What stands out from the above?
Noticing details can be important, in people, in conversations, and attitudes. I think it is so important to be sensitive to see through the surface, to the heart of someone who may need prayer and need Jesus in their life. God’s wisdom is so helpful. I need to pray that the Lord will give me His words in these situations, and hopefully plant a seed, with my words and actions, that may draw this friend to Jesus.
15. Read Proverbs 26:4-5 and explain how this illustrates Keller’s point.
With someone who is a scoffer or a mocker, it is best not to get in a conversation about the Lord. I need to have discernment.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God or the wisdom of God this week?
Well, since I resumed I’ve been really really stressed out. Trekking from my hostel to academics has been really hurting my legs, but God has been helping me. The friends He has given to me, surrounded me with have been allowing themselves to be used by God in helping me during this stressful period.
Do you use AI? What thoughts do you have at this point?
Yes, I do. And to be honest, there were times when I ask it stuffs like “what do you do if you have someone around you that…” and it got to a point that I asked it every question, ranging from physical health to emotional situations and even spiritual questions! But over time I realized that I began to replace the Word of God, the leading of the Holy Spirit with words from AI. I began to ask it questions I should ask my friends and people who are in Christ around me. So, to be honest it really depends on what you use it for. I don’t think it’s wrong to ask for recipes. Like how to make pancakes or something, but when you began to rely on it for emotional support and spiritual help “What to do when you’re not reading your Bible daily… What to do when God feels far… ” it’s wrong.
We just really need discernment from the Holy Spirit.
Oh Eunice, — so glad you have discernment now!
Praise God!
Eunice, you are a discerning young woman! You bless me so with your comments! Praying for your schooling these days. How far is your hostel from your school? I pray for strong legs and feet as you be strong in your faith.
Thank you Mama Bing.
Thank you soooo much.
My hostel is on campus actually, but it’s really really far from academics.
Amen, thank you so much.
I pray for you to be safe and strong as you trust in the Lord for the long walk to classes. Thankful you can be on campus.
You are an amazing young woman, Eunice. I pray that God continues to keep you safe and in His care, as you travel across campus from your hostel to your classes. You are a very wise and discerning young woman. You bless all of us on the is blog.
Monday: First Text
3. Meditate on Proverbs 8:10–16 and then answer.
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. 14 I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; 16 by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.
1. What stands out to you and why?
The fact that no desirable thing on earth can compare with wisdom.
2. What is wisdom better than? Why?
Wisdom is better than rubies. I think it’s because they can fade and get lost or stolen, but not in the case of wisdom.
3. How does Proverbs 8:13 define “the fear of the Lord?”
It describes it as hatred of evil.
4. How is evil defined? What do you learn from this?
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech.
Anything that goes against God’s will for us, that doesn’t please Him is evil. The proud and arrogant man this is he can do life without God. And like that.
5. What attributes does verse 14 give to wisdom?
Insight and strength.
6. What can wisdom give to kings and rulers?
The ability to decree what is just.
Tuesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part I
4. How were ancient societies different than our world today?
Ancient societies usually had more consensus in the society about morality. They realized that no matter how many rules you know and try to follow you’ll still make mistakes because they don’t cover every single situation you face day after day.
5. Keller says “you are going to make an absolute muck of your life if you don’t have wisdom. Do you know people who behave fairly morally, but are making a muck of their lives because they don’t have wisdom? What is missing and is the muck they are making?
I think the main thing is it they don’t have Jesus. If they do they won’t try to live by any moral standards but by the Supernatural wisdom of Christ who lives in them because they no longer live.
And even sometimes we Christians make that mistake. Like the time when Christian in Pilgrims Progress goes the wrong way to try to take off the burden from himself by trying to follow the rules of Legality. The issue is there were just too many rules that he was almost buried up in them. He almost got killed.
But when we allow God’s wisdom to lead us there won’t be any reason to follow any moral standards.
6. What does James 1:5 tell us? How often do you think we should do this? Why?
If any of you lacks wisdom to guide him through a decision or circumstance he is to ask of our benevolent God who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.
I don’t think there should be a time when we don’t ask. As long as we identify our lack of wisdom to guide us through certain decisions we should ask.
We need it. It like as a daughter I need to make a certain decision about something, but because I’ve never lived past 17 years in this world I might not know what I’m supposed to do, ski ask my mum, who has certainly lived past 17 years. Likewise, as children of God, growing in Him there are decisions we won’t be able to make rightly except we ask God, who knows all thing. Who knows the end from the beginning. Who knows the right path to take. Who knows the way that does not lead to destruction. Who has plans of good for us, not to harm us.
Love your insight from Pilgrim’s Progress!
Tuesday cont’d
7. What comments do you have on the above?
“Far more important than the greatest of circumstances is the ability to grow and handle and flourish in life circumstances whatever they are. Having great life circumstances, fame and fortune and power and happiness, is nowhere near as important as having wisdom, the ability to handle and grow and flourish in life circumstances no matter what they are. Why? Because only a tiny minority of people ever get their life circumstances where they want them, and no one at all keeps them there…”
It is true. And the part I put here really really spoke to me.
8. There are so many people who have beauty, fame, and money and have made a muck of their lives. Think of someone who may not have what the world values, but of whom the Lord will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Someone from your own life or history?
Ehhh, yes yes. There’s this man in my fellowship. Peace House. He’s one of the best men I know. The first time I met him he bought me Bobo and Cream crackers and I barely even knew him. But he’s not rich and he doesn’t have kids. And he’s almost fifty. His dad was an herbalist and this man abandoned all this to follow God. I keep praying that he has his own kids, but he doesn’t. Yet.
I think he’s one person I can mention.
When we see someone abandon worldly wealth/relationships to follow God, this shows their spiritual faith to us. Great that you recognize this, Eunice. God is leading you.
Wednesday: The Importance of Wisdom: Part II
Listen/Read and then answer:
1. What example does Keller give of being moral and ethical, but not wise?
You want to help somebody who is poor. And you can do that ethically and morally but still ruin their lives if you are not wise.
I am just going to use my own extended family in the Philippines. I can help them financially as a hand-up and not a hand-out. Like helping them develop initiative and a sense of responsibility instead of depending on me to help them each time they have a need.
2. What kind of decisions only require knowledge and not wisdom? Give an example of something you could ask AI that only requires knowledge or compiling of information?
I have asked AI for signs and symptoms of certain diseases.
I have asked AI for substitutes for a recipe ingredient that I do not have in my kitchen.
I have asked AI to transpose tables for guitar and ukulele chords.
Continue listening/reading
Summarize Keller’s main point.
Other decisions are mainly a matter of your principles and your commitments. But for the vast majority of the decisions we actually face, the rules and the facts won’t help you.
Knowledge, smartness, or morality cannot solve our problems if we do not have wisdom from God.
12. Share a time, if possible, when the Lord gave you wisdom in a challenging situation. What happened?
I received a phone call from a very dear friend who wanted to share her heartache over a couple’s situation, presuming that we knew about it, as the wife told her that my husband, as their pastor, knew about it. When I told her that we were not aware of it, she started crying as she felt bad that the news came from her. She called me because she thought I would understand her pain and that we already knew about it anyway.
At that very moment, I cried silently to God for wisdom. It was such a sensitive matter. And this friend is one of those whom I could trust and have worked together for many years. The Lord gave me the words to console her and to assure her that I love her and nothing can change that between the two of us. Although the news caused Richard and me some grief, we both agreed that it was wise to wait on God and to preserve my friendship with this friend. Richard and I are still at a loss about this other couple, but we are leaving this situation in God’s hands.
I appreciate what Keller is sharing here about true wisdom. I believe waiting on God to show me the way instead of knee-jerk reactions is the wisest thing I could do.
Very wise about waiting on God, and so often so hard to do.
Bing, this is so wise. That heartache is so challenging, with news that you would like to resolve. Praying the Lord continues to lead you each day in an unmistakable way.
Thank you, Dee and Chris. It has been several weeks now, and we have not heard from this couple. The Word of God has been my consolation. I am praying especially for my husband and me not to be discouraged. We know we only have the Lord to please and not man.
Such a difficult situation for you and Richard, Bing. I pray for God’s wisdom and direction for you both.
13. What three things can wisdom help you know? Take one and illustrate it with an example. Knowing how things happen in the world, knowing how things really work, and knowing what to do about it (although Keller didn’t mention the last one in the section just above the question) .
How things really are: When tragedy strikes and you want to give in to despair, wisdom will help you see that every event, every moment of your life was planned for His glory and this is part of it.
14. What stands out from the above? That wisdom tells you what to do when the moral rules don’t apply.
15. Read Proverbs 26:4-5 and explain how this illustrates Keller’s point. Both verses tell you how to respond to a fool’s folly, but they are the opposite responses. The wisdom lies in which response is appropriate for the situation.
Wise succinct answers!
I agree with Dee! Love this.
Saturday:
18. Did God give you wisdom for a hard situation? Would you be willing to share?
—I am going to just jump on down to the gist of this question for Saturday. Did God give you wisdom for a hard situation. The jury is still out.
My husband and I are in the thick of a situation in our church that has put us in a very hard place. A place that is requiring wisdom we don’t have in and of our selves. It is reminiscent of a painful time over 30 years ago where we found ourselves at odds with decisions being made by our church leadership. At that time we ended up having to leave that church and we were pretty bruised and battered emotionally and spiritually. Now again we are in a situation watching our church leadership make some decisions that for us are red flags. The timing in doing this lesson on wisdom is much needed for me personally. It is the middle of the night and I have been wide awake so I listened to all of the sermon by Keller and I needed to hear it as it has helped bring some rest and peace to my heart ahead of what will be a major vote taken on Sunday at our church. My husband and I would never have expected to have been put in this kind of situation again in our lives but this time we desire to respond with added wisdom from Jesus. It is taking a great effort to guard my heart and the spiritual battle is strong from the enemy. Personally I just want to cut and run as staying the course and maintaining a quiet spirit is very very hard. Yes Terry and I need your prayers to have wisdom and practice grace.
Oh Father, please give Bev and Terry your wisdom, and confirm it through likemindedness if You will. How painful this as it brings up painful memories. May they be wise, maintain a quiet spirit, and practice grace. I also pray you will work in the hearts of the leadership that this may end in maturing the body and bringing glory to You.
In Jesus Name I pray
Bev, I’m so sorry. Praying in agreement with Dee. I also pray that you and Terry may have confidence that the Lord’s bigger plan has placed you exactly where you are for his greater purposes, as hard as this is. Praying you may see what work it is he has for you in this circumstance.
I join Dee and Chris, in praying for this difficult situation, Bev.
Bev, be praying for you. I hear you in this: Personally I just want to cut and run, as staying the course and maintaining a quiet spirit is very very hard.
13. What three things can wisdom help you know? Take one and illustrate it with an example
Wisdom has insight, prudence, and knowing how to handle problems well.
I think the best example of insight is one when speaking of authority in general. We know what the government is supposed to do, protecting us from intruders and keeping our water clean, but if we are wise and have insight (and have lived a long time), we know internally that politicians want to be famous first and then they will think about the real struggles of the people. Some, who are genuine, unfortunately get caught up in the “pomp and circumstance” and even though they are well meaning, end up voting for things they never would have before they entered the arena. Isn’t the old saying, “…walk the walk?” Have integrity, stand your ground. But no, we know it doesn’t ever change….we have insight about this.
14. What stands out from the above?
”…always do the right thing…”
15. Read Proverbs 26:4-5 and explain how this illustrates Keller’s point.
These two verses seem to contradict one another. I had to go to the amplified translation to help me understand.
“Do not answer [nor pretend to agree with the frivolous comments of] a [closed-minded] fool according to his folly, Otherwise you, even you, will be like him. Answer [and correct the erroneous concepts of] a fool according to his folly, Otherwise he will be wise in his own eyes [if he thinks you agree with him]. [Matt 16:1-4; 21:24-27]”
Proverbs 26:4-5 AMP
I don’t know to explain Keller’s thought.
So true about politicians, Laura. There are some that have integrity, but the desire for applause and fame is so strong. That cannot be where our trust is.
See Bing’s answer below on that proverb and Keller’s point.
Thursday: Importance of Wisdom III
1. What three things can wisdom help you know? Take one and illustrate it with an example.
And suddenly he knows what really happened. Wisdom is knowing how things really happen in the world, how things really work, and knowing how things really are.
I will take my example of my friend in my answer to #11. How things really are: I see the enemy putting a wedge between me and my friend and also sowing confusion in the lives of this couple. He wants me to resent them and write them off. Or be angry with my friend. I believe wisdom is seeing this circumstance as it really is ( a ploy of the enemy) and asking myself how I would respond to it in a godly way.
2. What stands out from the above?
Doing the right thing even when the rules don’t apply.
Action assignment: Keller says wisdom helps you be competent with the realities of life. Often, there are several ways to deal with a problem, but wisdom helps you know the best way in that particular situation. Share a situation you are dealing with, and and ask God for wisdom for the best way to deal with it. On Saturday — let us know if He has helped you!
The latest typhoon has impacted my extended family in the Philippines. They need help, and I am asking God for wisdom on how to do that. I know He is the One who can provide and always meet their needs. I feel prompted to extend some help, but how and who among the many?
3. Read Proverbs 26:4-5 and explain how this illustrates Keller’s point.
If I am being wise using my own eyes, I will be like a fool because I cannot see things the way they really are.
Knowing how things really happen, knowing how things really are, and knowing what to do about it.
Friday:
1. What problem did Absalom have that caused him to be foolish?
He gave in to his fears and vanity.
2. Explain how understanding you are a beloved child of God can help you avoid foolish decisions.
Because I am a child of God, I have the mind of Christ. I have all the resources I need for wisdom in life and for godliness. I am commanded to seek His ways and His kingdom. If I put to the test my thoughts (Philippians 4:8), my actions (Philippians 2:3), and my words against the word of God (Hebrews 4:12), I can avoid making foolish decisions.
Saturday:
3. Did God give you wisdom for a hard situation? Would you be willing to share?
Yes. In the situation regarding how to help my family in the Philippines, the verses that came to mind were all about waiting on God.
4. What is your take-a-way?
True wisdom is important; I should seek and ask for it, and it can only come when we seek it sincerely from the Lord.
Praying for your family in the Philippines, Bing, and how to best help them. It is so hard to wait on the Lord, at time.
Patti and all:,thank you for praying for me. I was listening to a YouTube prayer interspersed with verses from the Bible and God has given me peace about how to help my extended family. I needed to hear from God rather than what my soul is telling me.