Listening to the Voice of Wisdom– message #2 in the series The Way of Wisdom

1. I hear the voice of wisdom in the – the of .

⁵ Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
⁶ Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
(Proverbs 30:5-6, ESV)

2. I hear the voice of wisdom in the of my and .

⁸ Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching, (1:8, ESV)

²⁰ My son, keep your father’s commandment,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching. (6:20, ESV)

3. I hear the voice of wisdom in wise .
   (1) I need it because my thinking will to be , even when it’s not.

¹² There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death. (14:12, ESV)

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice. (12:15, ESV)

(2) I should actively it; not wait passively until it comes to me.

Wisdom says: “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” (8:17, ESV)

(3) I should get it from than person.

¹⁴ Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (11:14, ESV)

²² Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed. (15:22, ESV)

¹⁷ The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him. (18:17, ESV)

(4) Why would I not seek it? and .

² Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
haste makes mistakes. (19:2, NLT)

¹² Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask for advice from those who are wiser. (15:12, GNT)

(5) When should I seek it?

– When I’m facing something .

– When there’s likely to be or .

¹⁸ Plans succeed through good counsel;
don’t go to war without wise advice. (20:18, NLT)

⁶ So don’t go to war without wise guidance;
victory depends on having many advisers. (24:6, NLT)

– When lots of is involved.

– When many will be impacted.

– When the decision and consequences are – .

(6) From whom should I seek it? A person . . .

– with Christ-like character

– who values and submits to the authority of God’s Word

– who has more expertise or experience than I have

– with a proven track record of

– who has no personal in the outcome

4. I hear the voice of wisdom in words of and .

⁷ Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
⁸ Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
(9:7-9, ESV)

When I hear words of unsolicited rebuke or criticism, I most often . . .

• “Return the fire” with equal or greater ferocity

• Adopt a “win at all costs” and “don’t give an inch” defensive approach

• “Clam up tight” while on the inside I’m seething with a “who do you think you are” attitude

• “Play the victim” and retreat to the shelter of an “I’m doing the best I can” so “how could you dare expect more of me” attitude

• Follow the way of wisdom and . . .

(1) carefully before I speak.

³¹ The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
will dwell among the wise. (15:31, ESV)

(2) Evaluate is offering the rebuke and discern what their might be.

⁶ Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (27:6, NLT)

(3) Ask God to help me and because of the criticism.

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
will suddenly be broken beyond healing. (29:1, ESV)

(4) Express to the person who offered the correction or criticism.

“reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” (9:8b, ESV)