Wisdom

TEXT: Daniel 1:17-20; 2:1-13, 24-30

Worldly wisdom and godly wisdom do not come from the same source, and they bring totally different results. Note the key verse and James 3:13-17. Godly wisdom comes when we ask God and then follow the instructions given us, which are always within the guidelines of the Word of God. These are revealed to us by His Spirit. See Isaiah 11:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16.

QUESTIONS

1. What is wisdom? How do we differentiate between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom? See James 3:13-17.
2. Read Job 28:12-28 and list the different sources from which wisdom was sought and could not be found. Where is wisdom to be found?
3. According to our key verse, the Lord gives wisdom to the man that is “good in his sight.” What are some of the attributes of a person who is good in the sight of God?
4. During a Christian’s life span, he will encounter a variety of trials and direct attempts of Satan to overthrow his faith in God. In no sphere is wisdom so essential, or folly so disastrous, as in the matter of life’s reverses. A clear example of this is found in our text. King Nebuchadnezzar judged that Daniel and his three friends were ten times wiser than the magicians and astrologers in his land. How was this proved by subsequent events?
5. Knowing that wisdom is God-given, how can one obtain and develop this most precious gift? How did Daniel go about receiving this? Daniel 2:17-23
6. What was the prime quality of Daniel’s character as revealed in verse 30? Explain how you arrived at this conclusion and why you feel that this quality is an essential factor in obtaining wisdom.
7. Read 1 Kings 3:7 and compare the attitude of Solomon to that of Daniel. The results of this attitude in Solomon’s life are brought out in 1 Kings 3:11-12. What were these results?
8. There seems to be an important link between humility and the acquisition of wisdom. Why do you suppose this is so?
9. In James 3:17 we read a number of attributes that are related to the wisdom that is from Above. Beside each attribute, give an example of how it is a part of godly wisdom. For example:
   Pure — every decision or motivation will be based on pure thoughts and actions.
   Peaceable —
   Gentle —
   Easily entreated —
   Merciful —
   Possessor of good fruits —
   Without partiality —
   Without hypocrisy —
10. We seek after many things in life. The wisest man gave us some advice in Proverbs 4:7. Paraphrase his counsel.