Sunday School Lesson, August 20 2017, Topic: Solomon’s Wisdom

Sunday School Lesson, August 20 2017.

Topic: Solomon’s Wisdom

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (KJV)

Lesson Text: 2Chronicles 9:1-8, Proverbs 1:1-23; Ecclesiastes 12:8-14.

Central Truth: God offers wisdom for daily living.

Focus: To recognize the divine source of true wisdom and live wisely.

OutLine:

1.     Godly Wisdom is Attractive.

A.    An Important Visitor

B.     Glorifying God

2.     Godly Wisdom is Practical

A.    Proverbs Have a Purpose

B.     Proverbs Teach Godly Living

3.     Godly Wisdom Seeks the Essential

A.    Seek Truth

B.     Obey God

                        Learning Objectives.

At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Recognise God’s Word as the fundamental source of wisdom.

2.  Commit to reading God’s Word every day and applying its wisdom to life.

3.  Share the Wisdom of God with others.

                        Introducing  the Lesson.

Question: Why is Wisdom valuable?

   Students will probably suggest practical example of why they need wisdom each day. Some students however, may be seeking wisdom from friends and family who do not serve the lord. This week’s lesson provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of placing God’s wisdom above human wisdom. Emphasis that true wisdom comes from God’s word.        

As you teach this lesson, focus on the value of godly wisdom in daily living. Talk about how student can use wisdom to encourage and influence others to follow Christ.

                                           Commentary and Application

1.     Godly Wisdom Is Attractive

A.    An Important Visitor 2 Chronicles 9:1-2.

       News of Solomon’s wealth and wisdom had spread to leaders of far-off lands (2 Chronicles 9:1). Shabe may be connected to ancient land of Shabe (modern day Yemen).

        The Queen’s visit may have been motivated by economic reasons as well as curiosity. Spice trading was the basic for Shabe’s economy, and Solomon exerted control over major trade routes. Shabe may have wanted to create an alliance of her country’s economy.

        The queen had probably heard that the basis for Solomon’s wealth and wisdom came from devotion to God. She wanted to see for herself this wisdom by asking tough questions. Such tests were part of ancient diplomacy. A king’s intellectual skill showed his knowledge of the affairs and culture in the world his day.

        As the queen plied Solomon with questions, he provided answers. What she had heard about Solomon was true.

Question: How can we gain Wisdom to answer questions about our faith?

         We must be ready to answer such questions (1 Peter 3:15). We can do this as we understand the issues of today’s society and the biblical responses we can supply (see 2 Timothy 2:15;3:16-17). God’s Word provides answer and principles for those who sincerely want to understand what Christianity is all about.

B.     Glorifying God 2Chronicles 9:3-8.

        The queen saw God’s blessing on Solomon ( 2 Chronicles 9:3-4). Scripture indicates that she was overwhelmed and amazed by all that had been shown to her. What she had heard was true. In fact, Solomon’s wealth and wisdom far exceeded anything she had heard ( verse 5-6). Not only did she praise Solomon, but she also praise the God who bless Solomon ( verse 7-8). Even a pagan queen clearly recognize the hand of the Almighty  God on Solomon and the nation of Israel . 

       We did know if the queen, as a non-Hebrew, was simply responding to the manifestations of Isreal’s God, or whether she experienced a commitment to Him. We do see, however that God’s blessings on Solomon drew her to revered God.

Question:  In what ways might God’s blessings to us be a testimony of our relationship with God?

     When we are faithful to God, He often blesses us in visible ways. We can then bless others by sharing the gospel with them.

2.     Godly Wisdom is Practice

A.    Proverbs Have a Purpose.  Proverbs 1:1-6

       Solomon is famous for his proverbs. People look to these words for wisdom, but to truly gain wisdom from these sayings we need to understand their purpose.

        It is important to note that proverbs should be viewed as observation not guarantees. Proverbs  provide insight into how things work. As a result, we need wisdom in knowing how in how to apply particular proverbs.

Question: According to Proverbs 1:1-6, what is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?

         In Proverbs 1:1-6, Solomon stated the purpose for his proverbs. Notice his use of specific words and concepts, such as “knowledge,” “perception,” “understanding,” “discretion.” These words are related to the wisdom found in the book of proverbs.

           The word wisdom essentially means skill, and is applied as such to the crafted who worked on the temple as well as other specific settings, such as administration and counseling ( Exodus 31:6; 2 Samuel 20:22; 1 Kings 3:28). Wisdom gives us the ability to make the right decisions for living a moral lifestyle that honors God. The believer who makes wise decisions is a testimony to the wisdom of God in daily living.

           We can translate “instruction” in proverbs 1:2 as “discipline.” Wisdom does not come without a price.  Rebuke, reproof, and submission are often part of acquiring wisdom. Understanding also involves the ability to discern between right and wrong. We base our decisions and actions on this discernment.

   Receiving the instruction of wisdom means having good sense and insight ( verse 3).  Our hearts must be open to God’s word as He directs us. As we gain wisdom, we can navigate life by making wise decisions rather than stumbling along guided by our instincts. This helps us recognize and choose godly values.

       Wisdom manifests itself through “justice, and judgment, and equity” ( verse 3, kjv) We must treat others fairly. Equity is righteousness and integrity that conforms to God’s word. Because we have wisdom, we act righteously in all our decisions and relationships with others.

      The word “subtlity” in verse 4 (KJV) means shrewdness. Some people associate shrewdness with being underhanded or unkind. However, here it is used positively, in reference to prudence. It keeps us from being enticed by the actions and attitudes of those who would lead us away from God. Instead of being naïve, we avoid  the traps the enemy sets for us through the attitude and actions of other and choose  to follow God.

        Knowledge goes beyond knowing facts; it involves making a commitment based on the facts. Wisdom, then, compels us to increase learning (verse 5). Learning also does not come easily. It involves intentional, consistent effort.

     Obedience rises from knowing God (verse 5). With wisdom, young people can understand God has a plan for their lives instead of trying to figure life out for themselves. Discretion helps us consider the outcome of various choices and avoid those things that would harm our relationship with God.

      Wisdom will also lead us to seek the wise counsel of God’s word godly friends (Proverbs 1:5). The reference to guidance or counsel in verse 5 comes from the act of rope-pulling down by sailors when guiding a ship. We need the wisdom of God to navigate through the storms of life.

       Not all of the teachings of Proverbs are immediately clear. This principle is alluded to in verse 6. A person must gain spiritual insight to understand, discern, and apply the teachings of Proverbs.

B.     Proverbs Teach Godly Living. Proverbs 1:7-23.

          Wisdom is much more than abstract concepts: it provides real practical godly advice for Godly living. This wisdom began with the fear for Lord(Proverbs 1:7).

  Question: What does it means to fear the Lord?

           The concept of fear in verse 7 can encompass reverence, awe, dread, and terror. In this case, the term captures both dread and awe. One commentator notes that it is neither terrifying fear nor polite reverence. God’s holiness and sovereign power compel us toward humble submission to His will, as well as a desire to experience His wise direction and counsel.

      Verse 7 notes two types of people: those who fear God and those who are fools. A fool is stubborn and refuses to submit to God. His or her lifestyle is opposite of those who fear God and obey Him.

     Those who fear God listens to instruction from godly parents (verse 8-9). Parents have the primary responsibility to train their children in godly living. As believers, we can train our children to gain the wisdom they need to navigate life. As adults, we can also fellow advice from our godly parents.

Question: How can the instructions in Proverbs 1:10-19 help us in relationships?

Wisdom offers discernment, helping us choose our friends and the activities of life. Scripture warns us against seeking friends who might lead us into sin, as well focusing on material things. Such associations and priorities are misguided. While the immediate results seems tempting, the outcome is not. Unlike the bird that sees the snare and avoids it, the foolish fail to see the folly of their ways ( verse 17-19).

      In verse 20-21, the writer of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a prophetess speaking to the people who gathered in the city streets. Wisdom is readily available for anyone who wants it. In verse 21, we see the intensity of her cry. It seems those to whom she is speaking have forsaken wisdom. Her cry is proclaiming the urgency of seeking wisdom.

    There is hope for those who turn to God and seek wisdom, but they must  forsake their folly (verse 22-23). The image of pouring out describes the abundance of wisdom that is available to all who turn to God and ask for His wisdom.

3.      Godly Wisdom Seeks the Essential.

A.    Seek Truth.  Ecclesiastes 12:8-12.

         Many scholars believe Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. In spite of failing at the end of life, God had provided Solomon with vast wisdom. Part of that wisdom was revealed from observing life. Why some perceive  cynisim in Ecclesiastes, it in fact holds great wisdom for living (Ecclesiastes 12:8-9).

        God gives us wisdom for the sake of those around us as well as ourselves (verse 9). Solomon wrote proverbs to share his wisdom with others.

Question: In what ways can we share the wisdom God gives us?

      We can use the wisdom we have learned from life experiences to mentor children, new Christians, and others in the church. Fellowship times provide opportunities to share important life truths.  Conducting Bible studies with new believers is another way to convey God’s wisdom.

        Notice that Solomon sought truth (verse 10). While the world is full of knowledge, only that which is true has value for life. Verse 11 describes the value of wisdom, comparing a wise person’s words to goads. A goad was a short piece of iron or stone attracted to the end of a stick. Just as farmer used a goad to guide his oxen as he ploughed, wisdom guides us as we navigate through life.

         Nails provide stability to structures, holding them together. Wisdom provides  stability as we apply wisdom to the various circumstances of life. As we face a  world that promotes values that oppose the Bible, only God can provide us with the wisdom we need.

         We live in a world where knowledge is increasing rapidly. Much of that knowledge helps us in everyday living. But some of what the world calls knowledge contradicts and critics God. As we seek to gain knowledge, we  must understand that study is harmful if we are seeking wisdom from worldly source ( verse 12).

B.     Obey God.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

           While the write of Ecclesiastes did reveal his skepticism about life, he also emphasized some important truths. After surveying life and its various issues, the writer summarized the purposes of wisdom that are most critical to life (Ecclesiastes 12:13); honor and revere God, and obey His commands.

           We often want to know God’s will for our lives. We may even get caught up in trying to understand future events in bible prophecy, or seeking answers to life’s most vexing questions. But God often does not reveal every detail to us. He has, however, provided us with what we need to serve Him.

            God will hold every person accountable for his or her actions ( verse 14). Nothing will be hidden from Him. As believers, we must follow God with our whole hearts, minds, and souls. One day we will give an account for the way we have served Him.

                                          Discipleship in Action

Given the command in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, what do you need to change in your life? Evaluate your circumstances. Where do you need God’s wisdom?

Sometimes the answers to these questions will be obvious. Other times, they will be much more subtle. Poor decisions with regards to relationship will, values, and choice can be difficult to discern without focused prayer and diligent study of God’s word.

          Yet every believer enjoys a marvelous promise. God’s wisdom is available to all who ask (James 1:5-8). This week, commit to asking God for discernment of problem areas, as well as wisdom to make any necessary changes. Commit to reading the Book of Proverbs as part of your daily devotions, praying for God’s help in applying the wisdom from its teachings.

                                      Ministry in Action.

     Wisdom begins with the fear of God. True wisdom leads us to follow Christ, honoring Him with our lives. You may know people who are making unwise decisions because they do not know Christ as Savior. Look for opportunities to share the gospel with them. Help them see that they can have wisdom for life by following Christ.