Christian Wisdom Guide

Identity: We are made in God’s image (Gen 1:26), His workmanship (Eph 2:10), as a spirit with a soul in a body (1Th 5:23). God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Have faith in God (Mk 11:22), He loved the world and gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Jn 3:16). The Spirit of the Lord is liberty (2Cor 3:17). We have power in our thoughts (Pro 21:5, 2Cor 10:5), words (Pro 18:21), and actions (Pro 10:4). 

   Our Headquarters (head and heart): Govern your thoughts (2Cor 10:5). Think on what is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and practice them (Php 4:8). Do not conform to the world, but be transformed by renewing your mind (Ro 12:2). Knowledge is power (Pro 24:5). Knowledge should govern desires (Pro 19:2). Knowledge is better than gold and wisdom is better than jewels (Pro 8:10-11). God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble, and exalts the humble in due time (1 Pt 5:5-6). The humble have wisdom (Pro 11:2). Wisdom is better than strength (Ecc 9:16). The wise seek knowledge (Pro 18:15), counsel (Pro 12:15), and God (Jas 1:5). Guard your heart, life flows from it (Pro 4:23). The heart can be selfish (Mark 7:21-22). God can give us a new heart and spirit (Ez 36:26). Keep God’s word in an honest and good heart, and be patient for results (Lk 8:15). Be content (Php 4:11), courageous (Josh 1:9), and diligent (Pro 10:4,   21:5). We should sanctify our self, and control our bodies (1Th 4:3-8, Jn 17:17).

Circumstances  

   Truth: The truth will set you free (Jn 8:32). Truth helps us use time wisely (Ecc 8:5). Buy truth (Pro 23:23). Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). God’s anger is against the unrighteous who suppress truth (Ro 1:18). God hates arrogance, lies, murder, who makes wicked plans, who is quick to mischief, a false witness, and who stirs up conflict (Pro 6:16-19). 

   Time: Prioritize and make the best use of time (Eph 5:16), tomorrow is unknown (Jas 4:14). A diligent business person will stand before kings (Pro 22:29). Walk in wisdom around those who are without, redeeming the time (Col 4:5). Teach us to number our days so we apply our hearts to wisdom (Ps 90:12). The hand of the diligent will rule (12:24).

   Health: Our body is the Holy Spirit’s temple (1 Cor 6:19). God’s words give life and health (Pro 4:20-22). Physical training is good (1Tim 4:8), too many sweets are not good (Pro 25:27). A joyful heart does good like medicine (Pro 17:22). 

   Emotions and Thoughts: God gave us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind (2Tim 1:7). Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (Jas 1:19). Being slow to anger gives understanding (Pro 14:29). Don’t fear (Ps 23:4) or be anxious (Mt 6:34). Faith, hope, and love abide (1Cor 13:13). The wise are cautious, the foolish are careless (Pro 14:16). A cool spirit gives understanding (Pro 17:27). Share feelings of other people (Ro 12:15). What we focus on influences us (Mt 6:22, Ro 8:5-6). Transform your mind (Ro 12:2). Think on important topics (Php 4:8). Manage your thoughts (2 Cor 10:5). We are not our emotions and thoughts, we are what we do with them (2 Tim 1:7, Gal 5:16, Eph 6:10-12). 

   Money: Wisdom is better, and more beneficial, than wealth (Pro 3:13-18). Life is not in possessions (Lk 12:15). Better are the poor with integrity, than the rich without integrity (Pro 28:6). The rich rule over the poor and the borrower serves the lender (Pro 22:7). God, and diligent thoughts and hands, bring wealth (Deu 8:18, Pro 21:5, Pro 10:4). Honor God with your wealth (Pro 3:9) and invest (Mt 25:27). Beware, the love of money is the root of many evils (1Tim 6:10). 

Allies 

   Holy Trinity: God sent Jesus to save our soul (Jn 3:16, Ro 5:19). Our help comes from the Lord (Psa 121:2), and all things are possible with God (Mk 10:27). God’s anger is not forever, because He delights in mercy (Mic 7:18). Jesus is the way, truth, and life (Jn 14:6). Jesus said, He came to give life (Jn 10:10), and He overcome the world (Jn 16:33). Greater is the Holy Spirit in us, than us in the world (1Jn 4:4). The Holy Spirit is our comforter and teacher (Jn 14:26). 

   Angels: God’s angels can help us and guard us (Psa 91:11-12), warn us (Mt 1:20), and test us (Heb 13:2).

   Other People: Love God and love people (Mt 22:37-40). Greater love has no one, than to lay down their life for their friends (Jn 15:13, Pro 18:24). Love people through action and truth (1 Jn 3:18). Think for yourself and speak truth in love (Eph 4:15). Science done well reveals God’s natural laws… God is the Father of all, above all, through all, and in all (Eph 4:6). Help people as you have opportunity (Gal 6:10). Hate stirs up anger, but love covers offenses (Pro 10:12).

Adversaries 

   Our Flesh: Desires of the flesh are a daily concern because they are against the desires of the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17). The flesh wars against the soul (1Pt 2:11). The desires of the flesh include lust, idolatry, witchcraft, anger, envy, division, and drunkenness (Gal 5:19). Pride (Pro 11:2) and foolishness (Mt 25:1-13) also work against people.

   The World: God gave all humans free will (Gen 1:28). Woe to those who cause offenses (Mt 18:7). The world promotes desires of the flesh and eyes, and pride (1Jn 2:16). We will have trouble in the world (Jn 16:33), but you are a light in the world (Mt 5:14), go and share the Gospel (Mk 16:15), but don’t judge those who don’t believe it (Jn 12:47).

   Other Forces: We struggle against different levels of wicked spiritual adversaries (Eph 6:12). Our adversary is the devil (1Pt 5:8) who tempts (Gen 3:1-5, Mt 4:3), lies (Jn 8:44), discourages (2 Cor 4:4), deceives and accuses (Rev 12:9-10). So, he can steal (fruit of the Spirit, fellowship, and freedom), kill (body), and destroy (legacy) (Jn 10:10). The devil can disguise himself (2Cor 11:14-15), and cause suffering (Job 1 and 2). Our best offense and defense are in Jesus (Jn 10:10).

Be: God’s image bearer (Gen 1:27), as adopted sons and daughters (Ro 8:15) with a spirit not of fear but of power, love and a sound mind (2Tim 1:7). Be Christ like (Ro 12:9-21). Be virtuous, gain knowledge, and exercise temperance, patience, godliness, kindness, and love (2 Pt1:5-7). Be wise (Pro 4:5), aware (Eph 5:15), humble (1Pt 5:6), honest (Pro 6:17), diligent (Pro 10:4, 21:5), patient (Ro 12:12), strong and courageous (Jos 1:9) and blessed (Lk 7:23). Be prepared to respectfully defend your faith (1Pt 3:15). Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (Jas 1:19). Fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal 5:22).

Know: (Pro 1:5-7). Truth will set you free (Jn 8:32). One God of all, above all, through all, and in all (Eph 4:6). God’s ways are higher than ours (Isa 55:9). The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Pro 16:9). Do not be distracted, God enlisted you (2Tim 2:4). We are of the household of God (Eph 2:19). God is slow to anger, and plentiful in steadfast love (Neh 9:17). God’s love endures (Ps 117, 136), and nothing can separate us from it (Ro 8:37-39). Attitudes are contagious (Pro 15:1). The Holy Spirit can comfort and teach us (Jn 14:26, Acts 9:31). God can give wisdom (Jas 1:5). The Lord is our fortress, deliverer (Ps 91), and avenger (1Th 4:6). We can do all things through Christ (Ph 4:13). We are saved by grace, not works (Eph 2:8). Sin is an obstacle between us and God (Isa 59:2). Guarantees in life include change (Pro 27:1), opportunities (Gal 5:16, Eph 5:15-17, 6:11, Lk 8:15), challenges (Jn 10:10, 16:33, Eph 6:12), and choices (Gen 1:28, Pro 18:21, Ro 12:2, 2Cor 10:5). Communication skills are powerful (Pro 18:21, 15:1-4), and misunderstandings are dangerous (Job 4:1-42:7). Diligent thoughts and actions lead to plenty (Pro 10:4, 21:5). 

Do: Stand and put on the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, the word of God (Eph 6:14-17). Have faith in God (Mk 11:22), submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee (Jas 4:7), and pray against temptation (Mt 26:41). Praise God (Mt 6:9) and worship Him (Lk 4:8). Remember God’s word (Pro 3:1), it is helpful (Mt 4:4). Faith is assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Heb 11:1). We should supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness and love (2Pt 1:5). Love God and people (Mt 22:37-40). Who does not love does not know God (1Jn 4:8). Love is patient and kind, not envious or boastful (1Cor 13). Submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee (Jas 4:7). Respect authority (Ro 13:1-4) and pray for authority (1Tim 2:1-2). Walk as light, discern the Lord’s will and avoid works of darkness (Eph 5:8-10). Pray constantly (Ro 12:12), confess (1Jn 1:9), repent (Acts 2:38), and forgive (Mk 11:25). Trust and acknowledge the Lord and He will guide you (Pro 3:5-6) and bless you (Jer 17:7). Wait for the Lord and He will renew your strength (Isa 40:31). Treat people how you want to be treated (Mt 7:12) and build each other up (Eph 4:29). Seek wise counsel (Pro 24:6). Caution, encourage, and help people (1Th 5:14). Share life’s ups and downs (Ro 12:15). Speak life (Pro 18:21) and speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15), because friends sharpen friends (Pro 27:17). Walk in the light (1Jn 1:7) and in newness of Spirit (Ro 7:6). As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Jos 24:15). Seek first the kingdom of God and needs will be met (Mt 6:33). Look forward and consider your path, do not turn from it (Pro 4:25-27). 

Personal Growth: Get wisdom (Pro 3:13-35), learn (Pro 1:5-7, Php 4:8), and be sanctified (1 Th 5:12-24). Pray, intercede, and give thanks for people (1Tim 2:1). Repent (Mk 1:15). Respect people, and be fair and honest (Mt 7:12). Be courteous (Ti 3:2), and grow with other people (Eph 4:15), knowing all have sinned, and are justified by grace (Ro 3:23). If someone sins against you, first talk with them about it alone (Mt 18:15). Beware of dissension, blessed are peacemakers (Mt 5:9). Speak with grace and know how to answer each person (Col 4:6). Bad decisions will be made (Ro 7:15), wrong words will be said (Jas 3:2), but the gifts and calling of God remain (Ro 11:29). We all have a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7), and we tend to prioritize one or two of our inner worker/warrior, lover, and thinker.

Professional Growth: Obey leaders (Hb 13:17). Everyone has a gift for serving people (1Pt 4:10, Gal 5:13). Let people walk out the calling the Lord has given them (Eph 2:10, 4:1). The thoughts and hands of the diligent lead to plenty (Pro 10:4, 21:5). Those diligent in their work will stand before kings (Pro 22:29). Let no one despise you for your youth, but be an example in word, love, faith, and purity (1 Tim 4:12). All have influence (Pro 13:20). Groups often amplify desires. 

Leadership Growth: To whom much is given, much is required (Lk 12:48). Mercy and truth preserve the king (Pro 20:28). Families will have challenges (Lk 12:52-53), husbands love your wives, and wives respect your husbands (Eph 5:33). Children are a blessing (Psa 127:3-5), raise them in discipline and instruction in the Lord (Eph 6:4). With many counselors there is safety (Pro 11:14). Where there is no vision the people perish (Pro 29:18). Provide for your people willingly, not with greed, and not controlling, but be an example (1 Pt 5:3). Look for people who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place them over people (Ex 18:21). Leaders are held to high standards (1Tim 3:1-7).

Organization Growth: God is not partial (Ro 2:11), be fair to your employees (Eph 6:9). God hates deceptive weights, and a false balance is not good (Pro 20:23). Better is a little with righteousness than great revenue with injustice (Pro 16:8). Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor 3:17). Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Ps 33:12).