BETTER—3
Discovering a Great Treasure
How many of you have important decisions to make?
- WE MAKE OUR DECISIONS AND OUR DECISIONS MAKE US.
Solomon became King—sacrificed 1000 bulls to the Lord
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 2 Chron. 1:10
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Prov 16:16
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Prov 4:7
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DON’T BE A FOOL—GET WISDOM
Fools don’t know they are foolish!
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Act before you think?
Spend all that you earn?
Do something to hurt someone in your family?
Slow to ask for help—get advice?
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- FOOLS ACT BEFORE THEY THINK.
Wise people think before they act; fools don't—and even brag about their foolishness. Prov 13:16 NLT
- FOOLS SPEND ALL THEY EARN.
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. Prov 21:20
- FOOLS HURT THOSE THEY LOVE.
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Prov 14:1
- FOOLS THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL.
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Prov 12:15 NLT
HOW DO I GET WISDOM?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov 9:10
Fear consequences, what people think, failure, rejection—not God
Our culture has become too familiar with God. Too relaxed.
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If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
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- HANG OUT WITH WISE PEOPLE.
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Prov 13:20
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Prov 16:16
Outline/series adapted from Rev. Craig Groeshel: Find resources like this that will help you experience a better life at https://www.craiggroeschel.com/
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. Eccl 9:16-18
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the 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 discipline. Prov 1:1-8
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. 10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer." Prov 9:7-12
17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. Ps 107:17
8 The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. Prov 14:8-9 NLT
2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Prov 18:2 NLT
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. Prov 14:16 NLT
20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. Prov 21:20 NLT
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Ps 111:10
33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Prov 15:33
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Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 (Wisdom) is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Prov 3:13-15
Cadet Sunday Litany
Leader: God’s plan for salvation has been given to us in His word, “written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31
Cadets/Counselors: “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.” Psalm 119:162 (NLT)
Congregation: May each of us find great joy as we read God’s Word.
Leader: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Cadets/Counselors: “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.”
Congregation: May each of us stay pure in obedience to God’s Word.
Leader: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28
Cadets/Counselors: “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15 (RSV)
Congregation: May each of us know and keep God’s commandments for true living.
Leader: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130
Cadets/Counselors: “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.”
Congregation: May each of us find truth and understanding in God’s Word.
Leader: “But the word of the Lord endures forever.” I Peter 1:25
Cadets/Counselors: “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.”
Congregation: May each of us keep God’s Word in our hearts for all the days of our lives.
Leader: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
Cadets/Counselors: “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.”
Congregation: May each of us accept the Word, knowing He came “that [we] may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10