The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life – Shown Through Solomon’s Foolishness (1 Kings 10)

Scripture is clear that applying wisdom is one of the most important parts of the Christian life. If we don't apply wisdom, which is to say we aren't applying the knowledge we've received, we're being foolish.

We’ve been in a series on wisdom, and in the last two sermons we looked at Solomon. I want you to see how important it is not just to receive wisdom, but to apply it, and Solomon is the best example in Scripture. These verses will help us see that Solomon didn’t apply the wisdom he received.

The importance of going beyond hearing (or reading) to obeying is a theme in Scripture. Jesus said, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it . . . If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (Luke 8:21, John 13:17). We do not learn God’s Word simply for the sake of knowing it. We learn wisdom so that we can apply it.

James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This verse reveals a common deception. People learn God’s Word and believe they have done enough even though they have not applied it to their lives. Husbands and wives make this same mistake when they believe they have a marriage built on Christ simply because they know what the Bible teaches, even though they are not obeying the instruction. Our responsibility goes much further than simply obtaining information. We have to obey what we have learned to apply wisdom.

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00:00​ Sermon Lessons for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's Foolishness (1 Kings 10)

22:03​ Lesson 1: God wants leaders ________________ ______ (Deuteronomy 17:14​-17; Psalms 20:7, 33:16​; Proverbs 14:34​, 11:28​).

Lesson 2: The typology:

32:55​ • Part I: Egypt is a type of ______ __________ (Exodus 1:5 cf. Exodus 12:37​).

34:10​ • Part II: Moses is a type of ______ ______ (Romans 3:20​).

35:36​ • Part III: Joshua is a type of __________ (Hebrews 4:1-10).

36:18​ • Part IV: Israel’s journey is a type of ______ ______________ (2 Kings 18:21​; Isaiah 36:6; and Ezekiel 17:15​).

47:26​ Lesson 3: Wisdom must ____ ______________ (1 Kings 3:14​, 10:26​-29).

Family Worship Guide for The Importance of Applying Wisdom in Your Life - Shown Through Solomon's Foolishness (1 Kings 10)

Day 1: Read Deuteronomy 17:14-17; Psalms 20:7, 33:16; Proverbs 14:34, 11:28, and discuss: Although we don’t have a king, what application do you see from these verses for this presidential election season? Why did God single out horses, wives, and wealth? What might presidents put their trust in today that kings put their trust in in the Old Testament? How can any leaders, including fathers and husbands who serve as the heads of their home, ensure that they are trusting in God versus something else?

Day 2: Read Exodus 1:5, Exodus 12:37, Romans 3:20, Hebrews 4:1-10, 2 Kings 18:21, Isaiah 36:6, and Ezekiel 17:15 and discuss: How is Egypt a type of the world, Moses a type of the law, Joshua a type of Jesus, and Israel’s journey a type of our journey? Why were kings told not to return to Egypt? Do you see any other typology that Pastor Scott did not mention?

Day 3: Read 1 Kings 3:14, 10:26-29, and discuss: Describe Solomon’s compromise before he received wisdom. What are high places? After God gave Solomon wisdom, why did he still tell him he needed to obey? What does it mean to apply wisdom? Why don’t we always apply wisdom? What does it mean to be under Moses vs. being under Joshua? Hint: consider what each man represents.