IntroductionLast week we studied how the fear of the Lord is

the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom.

Wisdom should be diligently taught by godly parents and grandparents so that it will be desired and chosen when the children grow

up.

Children are motivated to learn by stickers, words of praise, medals, trophies,

scholarships, and God motivates His creation with rewards also.

God’s wisdom will not only deliver you from evil (bad company, the perverse man, and the adulteress woman) but will also bless you

everyday as you apply these valuable truths to your life.

Prize of Wisdom (Prolonged Life)

This is the 1st command with God’s promise to those who honor their parents (Ex. 20:12;

Eph. 6:1-3).

God has promised this many times (Pr. 3:2a, 16a; 4:10; 9:11; 10:27; Deut. 6:2) and it was fulfilled in the lives of Abraham & Job (Gen.

25:8; Job 42:17).

You will generally live longer if you obey your parents (pray, study, live right, eat right,

drive carefully)

But Jesus emphasized eternal life over the fleshly life. (John 6:63, 66-68; 10:10)

Since we will all die no matter how long we live, let us focus on the eternal things (2 Cor.

4:16-18).

Prize of Wisdom (Prosperous) Wisdom is worth much more than all the money, possessions, or jewels in this world

(Pr. 3:13-15).

In Jesus Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3).

He left the riches of heaven to be poor so that we might be richly blessed (2 Cor. 8:9; Eph.

1:4).

Since nothing we may desire compares with wisdom, we should be willing to give

everything up in order to redeem it (Pr. 3:15; 8:11; Mt. 13:44-46; 16:26).

Godliness is not only profitable for the present life but also for the life to come (1 Tim. 4:7-

8).

Prize of Wisdom (Peace)This does not mean that there will be an absence of conflict, war, or disputes in our lives, because we are in the world (1 Peter

5:8; Eph. 6:12).

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, overcame the world and is our peace as we were reconciled to God through Him (Isa. 9:6-7; Eph. 2:14ff;

John 16:33).

We do not have to worry or be anxious about anything because we can pray to God

knowing that He won’t ever give us more than we can bear. (Phil. 4:6-7;

Matt. 6:34; 1 Cor. 10:13).

“Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).

Prize of Wisdom (Protection)In this world we need to have protection from

our enemies (burglars, kidnappers, rapists, murderers, terrorists) and insurance protection (life, auto, health, home,

accidents).

But more importantly we need protection for our souls which can only be provided by God’s wisdom so that we can sleep securely and not be fearful from our spiritual enemy (Pr.

1:33; 3:19-26; Heb. 2:14).

Through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, faithful Christians are protected by the

power of God to a heavenly reward which will never fade away or end (1 Peter 1:3-6).

ConclusionEverybody loves to get a prize and there is no

greater gift than wisdom. Without it we are fools.

God wants to give it to you but you must refuse to do what seems right to you & obey Him

(Pr. 14:12).

The prize of wisdom is that we will have a prolonged life (eternal life over fleshly life),

be prosperous instead of being bankrupt (spiritual blessings), be at peace instead of being worried, and have protection from our

spiritual enemy.

You will reap what you have sown (Gal. 6:7-8).

Obey the gospel of Jesus Christ today (Heb. 5:9).