From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Heritage" <gheritage.ga@verizon.net>
Subject: Joyous Greetings
Date: Sunday, July 07, 2002 6:48 AM

"The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
 But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness (folly)."  Proverbs 15:14

Folly is defines as the state or quality of being foolish; lack of
understanding or sense.  Last week we looked at Scriptures
concerning the fool.  Now let's look at what the Word says of  wisdom.

"Leave the presence of a fool,
 Or you will not discern words of knowledge.
 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way..." Proverbs 14:7-8

Scripture says of true wisdom:
It is to fear (reverence) God:
"And to man He said,
 'Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
 And to depart from evil is understanding.'"  Job 28:28

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
 A good understanding have all those who do His commandments..."
Psalm 111:10

True wisdom is the supreme acquisition:
"Wisdom is the principal thing;
 Therefore get wisdom.
 And in all your getting, get understanding."  Proverbs 4:7

True wisdom apprehends divine truth:
"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
 Whoever is discerning, let him know them.
 For the ways of the Lord are right,
 And the righteous will walk in them..."  Hosea 14:9

True wisdom lays an immovable foundation:
Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-25,
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will
liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock; and the rain
descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house;
and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."
(Not so for the foolish man!  Read verses 26-27)

The Scripture is the source of true wisdom:
The Apostle Paul speaking to Timothy,
"...From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to
make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
2 Timothy 3:15

Paul goes on to say,
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17

True wisdom is filled with Spiritual Fruits:
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without
hypocrisy."  James 3:17

The value of true wisdom is precious and beyond measure:
"Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it,
 Nor can silver be weighed as its price.
 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
 In precious onyx, or sapphire.
 Gold or glass cannot equal it,
 Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.
 Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned;
 And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls.
 The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
 Nor can it be valued in pure gold."  Job 28:15-19

"For wisdom is better than jewels;
 And all desirable things can not compare with her (wisdom)." Proverbs 8:11

True wisdom is a promise of God:
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."  James 1:5

Therefore,
"Acquire wisdom!  Acquire understanding!
 ...Do not forsake her and she will guard you;
 Love her, and she will watch over you."  Proverbs 4: 5-6

Hallelujah!  Praise our good and gracious Lord forever who is Himself
Wisdom!