“The Way to Wisdom” | Steve DeFrain

“THE WAY TO WISDOM”

1 Kings 4… ²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹ He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.³² He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.

Proverbs…

Godly PRINCIPLES given to us to guide decision making, character, and behavior that will lead to success in our everyday life!

Proverbs 1… ¹ The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: ² for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; ⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— ⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— ⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Are you a FOOL?

FOOLS THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL

FOOLS THINK THEY CAN DO IT ALL

FOOLS THINK THEY’RE THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE

FOOLS ARE REALLY JUST AFRAID TO BE HONEST

How do I get WISDOM?

1 Kings 3… ⁷ “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. ⁸ Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. ⁹ So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

HOW TO BE WISE…

(POINT ONE) FEAR GOD

Proverbs 1…⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…

Matthew 23… ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

(POINT TWO) ASK GOD

Proverbs 16… ¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. ¹⁹ Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. ²⁰ Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

James 1… ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

(POINT THREE) ANSWER GOD

James 1… ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Matthew 7… ²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 

Group Discussion Guide

1. Welcome & Purpose

• Start by warmly welcoming everyone.
  
• Briefly set the tone: “We’re here to reflect, grow, and encourage one another as we live out our faith.”

Key Takeaways:

1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
2. Wisdom comes from asking God and being willing to follow through
3. Our decisions often determine the destiny of our lives
4. Facts without follow-through still fail you

Discussion Questions:

1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
2. The pastor talked about the importance of “fearing God.” How do you understand this concept? How is it different from being afraid of God?
3. Can you share a time when you asked for God’s wisdom for a decision? What was the outcome?
4. The sermon mentioned that “facts without follow-through still fail you.” Can you think of an area in your life where you know what to do but struggle to follow through?
5. How do you typically make important decisions in your life? After hearing this sermon, is there anything you might change about your approach?
6. The pastor challenged everyone to read a chapter of Proverbs each day. What do you think about this challenge? Are you willing to try it?

Practical Applications:

1. Commit to reading one chapter of Proverbs each day for the next month. Share insights with the group next week.
2. Identify one area in your life where you need wisdom. Spend time this week specifically asking God for guidance in this area.
3. Practice “reverent fear” this week by spending a few minutes each day in silent awe of God’s greatness and goodness.
4. Choose one piece of wisdom or advice you’ve heard before but haven’t acted on. Make a plan to follow through on it this week.
5. Share with a partner one decision you’re facing. Pray for each other to seek and follow God’s wisdom in that situation.

Closing Prayer: Thank God for His willingness to give us wisdom. Ask for His help in developing a habit of seeking His guidance and following through on what He reveals.