God's Way To Health, Wealth, & Wisdom 


What would you do if you had just one wish? Solomon found himself in that situation. Second Chronicles 1:7 tells us that God appeared to him one night and said, "Ask what I shall give thee." Solomon could have asked for anything – health, wealth, and power. But instead, he asked for wisdom.

God isn't in the business of keeping His wisdom locked away from us; any more than good parents want their children to be ignorant. You need wisdom in choosing a school, in selecting a career, in finding a mate, in making any decision – and God is prepared to pour it out! Let's read Proverbs 2:1-9 to learn more.

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.”

1. How would you define wisdom?

2. According to Proverbs 2:1, what is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?

3. Briefly summarize the "hearer's" responsibility in Proverbs 2:1-5.

4. Read 2 Chronicles 1:7-10. What general observations can you make about God?

5. What can you conclude about Solomon from this passage?

6. Read 2 Chronicles 1:11-12. Why do you think God gave Solomon riches, wealth, and honor?

7. What do you think the difference is between knowledge and wisdom?

8. How does the Spirit teach us wisdom according to 1 Corinthians 2:13?

9. Read 1 Corinthians 2:4-7. Contrast the world's wisdom with that of the Spirit.

10. Why has the Spirit's wisdom been "hidden" from men?

11. In 1 Corinthians 1:20-21, what does "the foolishness of preaching" mean?

12. We come to God "heart first, not head first." Why does this make all of us equal?

13. As you pursue Scripture, explain what is meant by each of the following in light of the Scripture from Proverbs 2:1-2 listed:

Appreciating God's Word (Proverbs 2:1 – “…if thou wilt receive my words…”)

Appropriating God's Word (Proverbs 2:1 – “…and hide my commandments with thee.”)

Assimilating God's Word (Proverbs 2:2 – “…incline thine ear unto wisdom.”)

Activating God's Word (Proverbs 2:2 – “…apply thy heart to understanding.”)

14. Explain what is meant by each of the following:

Praying with intensity

Praying with persistency

Praying with expectancy

15. Why is the presence of the Savior the most essential requirement in attaining wisdom?

16. Using television, newspaper, and other media, write down five statements that reflect the world's wisdom, or "conventional wisdom."

1.
2.
3.
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5.

17. How do the above statements stand up to God's wisdom?

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