What if you were wiser?

Mark Estepp - 2/8/2026

God’s wisdom is not an indictment, but an invitation.  

Proverbs 1:20-23

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;

21 on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:

22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.

Wisdom is insight and implementation.  

The 5 wisdom literature books of the Bible:

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

Wisdom literature teaches us how to live fruitfully, suffer faithfully, worship authentically, love deeply, and fear God above everything else.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

How do we gain and grow in wisdom?

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

Matthew 7:24

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

What would the wiser you do?