Self-help books abound. People want to be successful. But what is needed to be successful is to live according to God’s wisdom. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7). God’s wisdom is opposite of the world’s wisdom. It’s not about fame, riches, power, and control.
Godly wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10). This is more than reverential respect. It’s an attitude that’s open, eager, and anxious to serve and obey the Lord. It’s a proper understanding that God is the infinite holy Creator and we are finite sinful creatures. That’s where true wisdom begins. “For wisdom is better than rubies, and all things one may desire cannot be compared with her” (Prov. 8:11).
God’s wisdom shows how to live from His perspective; by His principals; and by His power.
1. His Perspective – God sees us as fallen creatures separated from Him. He provided the only way back to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing God’s perspective requires humility. It requires acknowledging that we are helpless sinners unable to save ourselves from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. I see myself as He sees me. Apart from Him I can do nothing of spiritual value (John 15:5).
2. His Principals – He has given us His word to show us how to live life His way. Only then can we become the functional and fruitful children He intended for us to be. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105). “Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path” (Prov. 2:9).
3. His Power – But we need His strength to do things His way. He has given the believer the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to enable us to live out His principals – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22). When we depend on the Spirit of God through the word of God, we will live successfully because we are depending on His wisdom; not on human wisdom. We will be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11).
True wisdom is Godly wisdom. “For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord” (Prov. 8:35).
You can listen more about Godly wisdom at: http://calvarybaptistirwin.org/sermon-archive—the-book-of-proverbs.html
Assurance of Heaven 