Seeking Wisdom
Pastor Tan Thai · Jun 1, 2022
This sermon distinguishes between knowledge, morality, and true wisdom that comes from God. True wisdom is not merely theoretical understanding but must be applied to daily life with the fear of God as its foundation. Wisdom in Christ produces good works and a holy life, in contrast to worldly wisdom driven by jealousy, bitterness, and fleshly desires.
The sermon opens by clearly distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is the accumulation of information, facts, and data through study, research, and observation, while wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge skillfully, correctly, and at the right time in order to bring genuine benefit. Scripture warns through the prophet Hosea that God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6), and through Isaiah that the people are taken captive because they have no knowledge (Isaiah 5:13). Yet while knowledge is essential, it is insufficient on its own and can lead to pride, as Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 8:1.
The central portion of the sermon develops the concept of wisdom as taught in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is depicted as a woman calling out to all people to come, hear, and receive (Proverbs 1:20-22), revealing it as a common grace from God available to everyone. Proverbs 8:12 presents wisdom's 'formula' comprising three elements: knowledge, prudent judgment and discernment, and careful deliberate caution. Notably, Proverbs 8:22-24 affirms that wisdom existed with God before creation, and it was by wisdom that He established heaven and earth (Proverbs 3:19). This shows that wisdom is not merely a human capacity but has its origin in God Himself.
The sermon then contrasts worldly wisdom with wisdom from above, drawing from James chapter 3. Worldly wisdom is driven by bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting, and lying — it is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:14-15). The story of Queen Jezebel's plot to kill Naboth and seize his vineyard in 1 Kings 21 serves as a vivid illustration of this kind of wicked wisdom and its devastating consequences. In contrast, wisdom from above is characterized by purity, peaceableness, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity (James 3:17).
On the practical level, the sermon emphasizes that wisdom does not come instantly like instant noodles through a single session or one special prayer, but must be cultivated daily through consistent Bible reading, prayer, and obedience to God's Word. The foundation of true wisdom is the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10. James 1:5 teaches that anyone who lacks wisdom may ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. Wisdom in Christ is not for show or accumulation of knowledge, but to transform oneself and thereby serve others and please God.
The sermon concludes with a solemn warning for believers, pastors, and the church: knowledge and wisdom must never be used as weapons to harm others or for personal gain. Jesus' words in Matthew 11:19 are cited — 'wisdom is justified by her deeds' — meaning that true wisdom must be demonstrated through concrete actions and a changed life, not through mere words or purely theoretical knowledge. Believers must be extremely careful in how they use knowledge and wisdom when dealing with those around them, for misuse constitutes a serious sin against God.