STRATEGIES TO INCREASE IN WISDOM - Proverbs 2

We seek for things like more money (most make millions in a life time), more time (most spend 9 years of their life watching TV) or a better spouse (when we need to be a better spouse).  We should not seek these things, we should seek more wisdom from God.  We need wisdom in our work, our relationships, our family, our mouth and our money.

Proverbs 2 starts with ‘IF’. Promise and blessing is CONDITIONAL on our action.

1. Accept His Word – Proverbs 2:1

Accept means to lay hold of, to seize.  The bible is our handbook or manual for living.  We need to learn it and live (do what it says).  It makes sense that the manufacturer knows best what to put in the manual and how to operate the item.

2. Apply Our Will –  Proverbs 2:2

Heart is referring to your mind, your thinking, the determination of your will.  Wisdom does not happen on its own; we need to seek after it.  Why do we let other's decisions guide our actions?  We need to be determined to be wise and make good decisions.

3. Ask For Insight  – Proverbs 2:3

Insight is clear understanding of complex situations.  You don't need counsel on situations that are pretty obvious, but for complex situations, you can ask God for insight.  We don't need worldly wisdom but godly wisdom.  James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom.  He has a generous portion for you!

4. Actively Pursue  – Proverbs 2:4

Seek wisdom like it is a treasure!  Don't be casual in your seeking or you may not find what you are looking for.  What you need is already there, you just have to search for it.  It may be an inconvenience or put you out of your comfort zone.  When you are looking for treasure, you can't always look pretty; sometimes you have to get messy or get out of your comfort zone.  We need to realize there is value in being wise!

BENEFITS OF SEARCHING FOR WISDOM - Proverbs 2:5-20

• Knowledge Of God - Proverbs 2:5
• Victory And Protection - Proverbs 2:7
• Good Judgment For Living - Proverbs 2:9
  Discretion is forethought, foresight, caution in practical affairs - a word from God does not displace getting wisdom; in fact, in justifies getting wisdom all the more!
• Deliverance From Evil People - Proverbs 2:12
  'Perverse' means foolish or deceitful
• Empowerment To Live Right - Proverbs 2:20

We need to become treasure seekers.  The treasure of wisdom will empower us to live blessed and not stressed!

5. THE GREATEST BENEFIT OF SEEKING WISDOM IS THAT WE WILL GROW IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST!

In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden - Colossians 2:3

If we gain godly wisdom then the effort to actively pursue that wisdom was all worth it.  Wisdom is the beginning of Exponential Increase!