1. Wisdom leads to Better Living
A wise person knows how to apply a practical Proverb

2. Under the Umbrella of Favour
God’s favour is like an umbrella
The handle is wisdom
Hold onto wisdom to stay under the favour of God

3. James 1:1-8
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad.
Greetings!
Faith and Endurance

4. James 1:1-8
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5. James 1:1-8
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

6. James 1:1-8
7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

7. The Book of Proverbs
Written by Solomon who when asked of God what he wanted, asked for wisdom
Solomon highlight the value of wisdom and encourages us to pursue wisdom

8. Where Does Wisdom Come From?
Wisdom comes from God (James 1:5)
“The fear of the Lord is true wisdom” (Job 28:28)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)

9. Where Does Wisdom Come From?
Fearing God means:
We trust Him in every area of our lives
We live in obedience to and apply His Word
We keep an attitude of gratitude continually in our lives

10. An Undivided Heart
Teach me your ways, O Lord,     that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, (or an undivided heart)     so that I may honor you. (Psalm 86:11)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well(Matthew 6:33)

11. PURSUE WISDOM

12. Proverbs 3:1-2 (NLT)
My child never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying.

13. Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT)
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favour with both God and people and you will earn a good reputation.

14. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.

15. Proverbs 3:7-8 (NLT)
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

16. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NLT)
Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine.

17. Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT)
My child don’t reject the Lord’s discipline and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

18. Proverbs 3:13-18 (NLT)
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies nothing you desire can compare with her.

19. Proverbs 3:13-18 (NLT)
She offers you long life in her right hand and riches and honour in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

20. “Wisdom seeks that which will last and is willing to trade immediate gratification for an eternal reward” (Kenneth Boa – president of Reflections Ministries and Trinity House Publishers).
Pursue wisdom