Wisdom: How It Is Obtained

Aspiration

Aspiration

Aspiration implied settings one's rights sights on a high, lofty, worthy goal without ulterior or self-centered motives. Setting goals (i.e., to have aspirations) for such worthy ends is not evil.

Aspiration

Many people never become wise or accomplish great things for God because they have no desire or aspiration to do so. They waste their time, opportunities, and institutions. They fritter away their time doing things that will count for nothing when they stand before God.

Attention

Attention

Breakdowns in communication in business, politics, society, or the family can create serious problems, but a failure to listen and hear properly in the spiritual realm can be devastating. Sadly, Christians are also poor listeners. Say what you will, most people in our churches at any given time are not listening to what is being said.

Resist Distractions

Examine Your Motives

Identify the Speaker's Purpose or Theme

Outline the Message

Retention

Meditation and Reflection

Meditation and Reflection

To avoid forgetting what we have memorized, we must make it a part of us and review what we have learned by daily meditation

Meditation and Reflection (Psalms 119:9,11,15)

• Aspiration - the goal is to cleanse (purify) his way (v.9)
• Attention - he gives attention to God's Word (v.9)
• Retention - hiding God's Word in his heart (v.11)
• Meditation and reflection - "I will meditate" (v.15)

Supplication

Proverbs 2:3 tells us the next step: crying out (praying) for knowledge and understanding. Here we see supplication, or prayer.

Separation

The final step is revealed in Prov. 4:23-27: separation. Note the following commands for separation:

- Keep (watch over) your heart (v.23)

Separation

• Put away from yourself perverse speech (v.24)
• Let your eyes look right on (straight ahead) (v.25)
• Ponder (watch over) the path of your feet (v.26)
• Turn not to the right hand nor the left (v.27)
• Remove (turn) your foot from evil (v.27)

Retention

Not only should we listen to God's Word but also memorize it. We're commanded to hide (treasure) God's commandments (Prov.2:1), and to write them upon our hearts (Prov. 7:3). You must find the best way for you to retain what you hear.