South Blue Hill Baptist Church

02/19/2026

HOW TO GET BIBLICAL WISDOM --
Someone has aptly said, “There is no jewel more spoken of in Scripture, and none more seldom possessed, than wisdom.” Men covet gold, applause, and advancement -- but Heaven declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7). Let’s be clear, we are not talking about the philosophy and wisdom of the classroom, political craftiness, or business acumen; we are talking about the divinely gifted skill to see a situation the way God sees it and make right and perceptive decisions accordingly.
The definition of biblical wisdom that we have been using in our Sunday morning Bible Study at church is: Wisdom is the God-given skill that enables us to navigate
the complicated maze of life in a God-honoring and Bible-centered manner.
What are some of the ground rules for gaining biblical wisdom? What are some of the basics for gaining this kind of Bible-based wisdom?
First, there must be conversion. The soil must be broken before the seed can grow. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:14). An unrenewed heart may admire divine truth but it will never willingly submit to it. Wisdom does not dwell where self reigns. The proud heart may be clever, but it is never wise. When Christ becomes Lord, when repentance bows the will to His sovereignty, when grace changes the affections — then is the soul prepared for this wisdom. Not until then.
Second, there must be the fear of the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). This fear is not slavish dread but reverent awe — a deep, burning persuasion that God is holy, that His Word is final, and that every thought and deed stands exposed to His holiness. Where this holy fear abides, sin is restrained, speech is guarded, and motives are purified. Remove the fear of God, and folly rushes in as a flood.
Third, there must be asking in prayer. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). The gravest danger to maturity is self-confidence. Years of experience are no substitute for present dependence on God. The wise man is often on his knees. He distrusts his own judgment. He seeks counsel from above. Heaven does not mock the humble petitioner.
Fourth, there must be a diligent searching of the Word. Wisdom is not scattered upon the surface like dust; it is buried as treasure. Proverbs 2:4 calls us to “…seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures”. The careless reader will never be a wise saint. Casual Bible exposure produces shallow convictions. Meditation must accompany reading. Comparison of Scripture deepens one’s understanding of Scripture. The Word must be hidden in the heart that it might be quickly retrieved in the moment of need. A Bible unopened produces a conscience unenlightened. Wisdom is not accidental; it requires effort and perseverance on our part.
Fifth, there must be obedience. Our Lord declared that “whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man…” (Matt. 7:24). Truth that is admired but not obeyed becomes a witness against us. Obedience sharpens perception, disobedience darkens it. Many pray for wisdom while resisting the light already given. God grants further light to those who walk in the light they already have.
There is much more that could be said but these are five core necessities that we must begin with.
Permit one illustration -- A mariner may possess charts, compass, and seasoned judgment; yet if he disregards the lighthouse, his ship will find the rocks. Conversion places him in the vessel. The fear of God makes him respect the warning beam. Prayer keeps him attentive. Scripture provides the navigation chart. Obedience keeps the helm steady. Neglect any one of these and ruin lurks nearby.

01/12/2026

WHAT IS BIBLICAL WISDOM

Biblical wisdom is not simply knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1). It is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and then make decisions that consistently honor Him (Romans 12:2). In Proverbs, we learn that wisdom is not merely accumulated information, but the skillful ability to use knowledge to discern, decide, and act in ways that please God (Proverbs 2:6–9; 3:5–6). Wisdom sees through deceit and distraction (Proverbs 14:8), knows when to speak and when to say no (Proverbs 10:19; 26:4–5), and chooses the godly path even when others applaud the opposite (Psalm 1:1–2; Romans 12:2).
Biblical wisdom begins with a personal relationship with God, for He is under no obligation to grant His wisdom to those who oppose Him (Psalm 25:14; Proverbs 1:24–29). Wisdom also begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Someone has rightly pointed out that the fear of the Lord begins with the recognition of who God is--and who we are in comparison.
Godly wisdom does not aim at self-advantage but at God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). It weighs every situation from God’s perspective (Proverbs 16:3). Worldly wisdom may offer skill, success, or cleverness, but Scripture warns that such wisdom is often folly before God (1 Corinthians 1:19–21; James 3:15).
Practically speaking, wisdom looks like discretion—knowing when to refuse (Proverbs 22:3)—and discernment—perceiving truth amid deceit (Hebrews 5:14). It is foresight and prudence (Proverbs 27:12), fairness and kindness (Micah 6:8). Wisdom turns knowledge into righteous action (Matthew 7:24–25). It listens well (Proverbs 18:13), responds humbly to correction or rebuke (Proverbs 9:8–9; 12:1), chooses humility (Proverbs 11:2), and acts with compassion and mercy (Colossians 3:12). It makes ordinary decisions sacred because it always seeks God’s honor (Colossians 3:17).
James 3:17 tells us what biblical wisdom looks like when it is lived out in daily life. It describes wisdom as “pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits, easy to be entreated, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). That is not to say that believers follow the pattern of Casper Milquetoast, timid and spineless; on the contrary, in a decadent society it is often necessary to be an Elijah, one who is ready to defend truth and stand unashamedly and firmly against falsehood and apostasy.
Begin today by pausing before making decisions. Pray (Philippians 4:6), consult Scripture (Psalm 119:105), weigh the consequences (Luke 14:28), and seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).
Ask God today for wisdom. James promises that He gives generously to those who ask in faith (James 1:5–6). Open the Scriptures and let the Word dwell richly within you (Colossians 3:16). Choose companions who sharpen your soul (Proverbs 13:20; 27:17). Then, when confusion presses and difficult choices loom, trust that God’s wisdom will guide your judgment so that your life reflects His holiness and brings glory to His name (Psalm 32:8; Matthew 5:16).
Do you want to be a wise man, a wise woman? If you want to be a wise person, then you must be actively involved in building up a repository, a storehouse, of Divine Wisdom gleaned from God’s Word. Moreover, a truly wise man or woman will heed the call to add to that repository, never regarding it as “full enough.” King Solomon reminds us that wisdom is more precious than rubies (Proverbs 3:13–15; 8:11). We must diligently seek it. Is that your goal in 2026?

12/16/2025

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OBTAINING BIBLICAL WISDOM?

Have you ever paused to consider the profound impact biblical wisdom can have on your life? The book of Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the value of wisdom in shaping our character and guiding our daily decisions.

Scripture presents wisdom not merely as knowledge, but as God’s gift—one that influences how we think, choose, and live. Below is a brief list of five benefits. This is only a starting point, intended to awaken our appetite for what God desires to accomplish in us. As we continue through Proverbs, we will discover many additional benefits Solomon highlights. I encourage you to pursue this subject personally for it is both encouraging and life changing.

The Old Testament book of Proverbs stresses the value of God-given wisdom and outlines a number of practical benefits it brings into a person’s life.

Five Key Benefits of Biblical Wisdom

1) Direction and Guidance (Prov. 2:6; 3:5-6)
Proverbs teaches that wisdom comes from the Lord. God-given wisdom provides clarity and insight, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and righteousness. This does not mean our path will be free from hardship, interruptions, or obstacles. God often uses difficult seasons to teach and train us, as seen in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50).
Our responsibility is to place ourselves fully in God’s hands—to trust Him, lean on Him, and acknowledge Him in every area of life. When we do, He promises direction and guidance.

2) Protection and Safety (Prov. 2:7; 4:5-6)
Wisdom acts as a protective shield. Godly wisdom serves as preventative medicine, guarding us from foolishness and deception. It trains us to understand what is right, just, and fair (Prov. 1:3), helping us avoid paths that lead to harm.

3) Understanding and Discernment (Prov. 2:6-7; 3:13)
Biblical “understanding” refers to the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, wise paths and foolish ones. Often translated as “discernment”, godly wisdom goes beyond surface-level distinctions. It perceives God’s perspective on a matter and helps us respond accordingly.
Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not simply knowing right from wrong, but knowing right from almost right.”

4) Longevity and Prosperity (Prov. 3:16
Wisdom enables us to make sound decisions. Obedience to God’s Word can add years to one’s life and quality of life to those years (because of godly living and avoidance of foolish and unwise choices). Wisdom promotes choices that support both spiritual and practical well-being.
“It is statistically true that a life lived in obedience to the Word of God usually leads to a healthier and longer physical life for each individual than it would be otherwise.” (Henry Morris)

5) Peaceful Sleep and Confident Living (Prov. 3:21-26)
How can we experience restful, peaceful sleep in a world filled with fear and uncertainty? Solomon reminds us that walking in the path of wisdom brings assurance of God’s providential care. Proverbs 3:1-22 outlines some of the benefits of wisdom, while verses 23-26 specifically assure us of personal security and freedom from fear and anxiety. The wise live under a double guard: 1) The peace of God within (Phil. 4:7), and 2) The power of God without.
Though we sometimes recognize God’s interventions only in hindsight, these visible rescues are merely the tip of the iceberg. One day we will more fully realize how much we have been protected from. Until then, we can thank Him for His often-unrecognized providential care.

Final Reflection

Obtaining biblical wisdom and living it out daily is life-transforming. As our lives change, the impact extends to our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities, creating ripples that affect countless others.
It is sobering to realize that the choices we make today, wise or foolish, can have far-reaching consequences, even into eternity. Decisions have long tentacles.
It pays rich dividends to think carefully and to make decisions under the guidance of God-given wisdom. That wisdom is available to every child of God. The starting point is to ask Him for it (James 1:5) and then diligently search the Scriptures for His instruction.

“Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives, but well-used Bibles lead to lives God can use.”
--Boyd Bailey

Next time, we will explore what biblical wisdom truly is.

Let’s Get Into the Word
Until then,
HCV

11/20/2025

WHY STUDY THE BOOK OF PROVERBS?

Someone has written, “Proverbs is the greatest "how-to" book ever written, and those who have the good sense to take Solomon’s lessons to heart will quickly discover principles of godliness, prosperity, and contentment…”

The Scriptures are rich with insights into the importance and advantages of seeking biblical wisdom. From making wise decisions to gaining understanding and discernment, the Bible emphasizes the inestimable role that wisdom plays in shaping our character and guiding our paths.

Proverbs are not promises or guarantees. They are principles, snapshots of truth drawn from experience and divine insight. Life may not always follow their pattern, but wisdom grows by listening to and heeding them. Proverbs invites readers to learn how to navigate life with integrity, humility, reverence, and godliness (Pro. 8:1-11).

The beauty of Proverbs lies in its simplicity. In one sentence, a person can receive a lifetime of counsel. The sayings are short enough to memorize but deep enough to ponder for years. The book of Proverbs is written not for scholars alone but for everyone who desires to live wisely in the world God made. The Book of Proverbs has over 700 individual proverbs that offer wisdom on various aspects of everyday life.

Solomon teaches that wisdom is more valuable than material wealth, offering lasting benefits and advantages in life. The benefits of wisdom are vast-- from practical guidance and protection to spiritual insight, understanding, and discernment. Biblical wisdom plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of believers and guiding them on the pathway of godliness. By embracing the teachings of Scripture and seeking wisdom from God, individuals can experience the blessings that come from living a wise and godly life.

In the next two sessions we are going to consider: 1) What are the benefits of biblical wisdom, 2) How do we obtain biblical wisdom? After that, we will start mining many of the individual “wisdom nuggets” that the book of Proverbs enumerate. Stay with us and steer the course.

In Proverbs 8, Solomon pictures wisdom as crying out to us to “hear…” (vs. 6) and to “take…” (vs. 10). Both commands are encouraging us to take immediate action to do whatever necessary to make wisdom an integral part of our life and to follow its dictates!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Each week holds 168 hours that are available for our use.
What did you do to increase your ‘wisdom quotient’ this past week?

Until next time, HCV

11/01/2025

Searching for Biblical Wisdom

How much time would you invest this week to gain $10,000? How much time would you invest to gain wisdom and instruction from the Creator of the Universe? Solomon reminds us that God-given wisdom is more valuable than gold or precious jewels (Prov. 2:4-5; 3:15). How important is gaining Biblical wisdom to you?

Wisdom is not the same thing as knowledge. Wisdom has little to do with IQ or the number of letters after our name. It doesn’t mean going to school or taking in more seminars. A lot of very knowledgeable people make some very foolish decisions. Wisdom has less to do with knowledge than it has to do with skillful application of knowledge.

In the Old Testament the word for wisdom (“hokma”) was used to describe anybody who had exceptional skill in some area (e.g., Exodus 31:3-5 God filled two men, Bezaleel and Aholiab, with wisdom (exceptional skill) in all kinds of crafts so that they might use it in the construction of the Tabernacle). Solomon used that same word in Proverbs to describe the skill needed by anyone who wanted to live life in the superlative – a life of excellence! In Proverbs, wisdom is the ability to live life skillfully from God’s point of view. That is, you will be good at living your life, at facing the problems of life, at handling what comes your way in a God-honoring manner.

The biblical book of Proverbs is concerned with the development of Godly character. One of the main purposes of the book is to teach us the skills we need to lead God-honoring lives (Prov. 1:2-6). The thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs are a gold mine of wisdom principles. Proverbs teaches us how to live skillfully. We desperately need its wisdom for handling money, resolving conflict, taming our tongues, honoring our parents, loving the needy, checking our attitudes, and knowing what to do when faced with temptations and evil. The book of Proverbs offers us a concentrated course of instruction that touches all aspects of our life.

Proverbs is a manual for successful living. It is a “how to” book that addresses life’s most important decisions, questions, and problems. It has been described as a resource book on skillful and successful living, communicated in ways we can easily remember. Commentator Derek Kidner has written, “Proverbs is intensely practical; it is truth in street clothes. It deals with everyday subjects such as laziness, pride, handling money and telling lies. We meet familiar folk such as the bargain-hunter (20:14), the neighbor you see too much of (25:17), the practical joker (26:19) and the ‘morning person’ who forgets that others take a while to surface (27:14).”

Unlike other manuals or guidebooks, Proverbs is the inspired Word of God, a fact that elevates it above all other works. It is reliable.

Two of life’s most tormenting words are “if only”. Those who heed the proverbs will prevent a life haunted by “if only.” The proverbs are like preventative medicine-- those who learn and practice the lessons taught will prevent many problems from ever occurring that otherwise may have crushed them under their load.

A note in Harry Ironside’s Bible reads, “The wisdom that created the heavens now designs to show us a safe path through the world”.

Proverbs invites us to feast on Biblical wisdom but the choice to extract the valuable treasure it contains, or leave it untapped, is our decision alone-- no one else can make it for us. If you are interested in what God has to tell us through the pen of Solomon regarding wisdom, you are invited to join us as we embark on this potentially life-directing journey. Let’s get ready to dig into this gold mine of wisdom, apply it, and watch how God uses it in our lives!

Until next time, HCV
Proverbs 1:2-7

WARNING: Serious contemplation of Proverbs will make you more sensitive to sin –
in your own life!

Send a message to learn more

11/01/2025

10/17/2025

We will be sending out a brief bi-weekly devotional that highlights a wisdom principle from the book of Proverbs. It will go to everybody involved with the church and any who express an interest in receiving it. You might think of it as a mini-devotional, or a spiritual vitamin pill to spur us on in our quest for biblical wisdom. Each email will include a verse, a wisdom principle, and some select observations. Perhaps the best part is that it will be short, easy to ponder, and practical. For now, it will typically be sent out on or about the 1st and 15th of each month; eventually, I hope for it to grow into a weekly devotion.

My suggestion is that we each read the devotional, reflect on the verse and its principle, and intentionally recall its teaching to mind throughout the week. By doing so, I believe we will pave the way for the God to bring His Word to mind when we need His guidance most, or to have it at hand to share its truth with someone else.

Please remember, if we get into the Word of God, we open ourselves to the wisdom of God. Solomon said that we are to search for God’s wisdom as earnestly as we would silver and gold; he describes it as more precious than jewels (Proverbs 3:15; 8:11).

Please make it a habit to check your inbox for each new principle and make an effort to engage with its content as suggested above. For those who prefer, or who do not have an email address, we can send it by way of text message; let us know.

NOTE: Our new church email address is: [email protected]

NOTE: If you are not on our church email list, consider becoming a follower of ‘South Blue Hill Baptist Church’ on Facebook. The devotionals will be posted there.

LET’S GET IN THE WORD, HCV

“A wise man or woman will hear and increase learning. If we pay close attention to the principles in Proverbs, along with the whole wisdom and counsel of God in Scripture, we learn what it takes to succeed and to avoid failure in the most important spheres of life— in business, in family relationships, and in the community. Through a disciplined, lifelong commitment to hearing, studying, and obeying God’s Word, we acquire wisdom for making right choices, living well, and pleasing the Lord.” --Selected

Send a message to learn more