Wisdom Or Folly

By Dr. John Applebach

Discover the transformative power of wisdom with "Wisdom or Folly," a compelling book by Dr. John Applebach. In this insightful guide, Dr. Applebach, a seasoned and wise individual at 62, shares his personal journey of growth and the profound impact wisdom has had on his life.

In his younger years, he, like many, pursued success solely in material wealth, believing it to be the epitome of achievement. However, as life unfolded, he realized that true success lies in cultivating healthy relationships and spiritual growth, ultimately finding fulfillment through his walk with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Throughout the chapters, the reader is taken on a journey of discovery, contemplating essential questions: What is wisdom? Where does it come from? How can we attain it? How can wisdom be practically applied to everyday life? Is wisdom truly vital for each of us?

"Wisdom or Folly" explores the ancient scriptures, particularly the book of Proverbs, which is rich in wisdom and life lessons. Dr. Applebach delves into the essence of wisdom, unveiling its true meaning and significance in our lives. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. John Applebach
• Release date: Jul 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223956211

Book preview

Wisdom or Folly

"Two Roads-Two Destinations

By

Dr. John Applebach

This book is dedicated to my wife of 30 years who has stuck by me through some of the most difficult and challenging times in my life. Her dedication and wisdom have grown me to be the man I am today.

Also, to the man who discipled me Dr. Chris Rohrbach when I was a young prideful arrogant man.

Introduction

Why Wisdom, Why this Book?

At the tender age of 62 I’m finding out just how important and beneficial wisdom is for how I live and govern my life.

This book is born out of my experience in how much in my younger years I lacked wisdom.

I never really understood what it was or how important it was for my life.

In my earlier years, my focus was all about chasing after money.

I wanted to be successful, and I foolishly thought that being rich meant being successful.

Now I’ve come to understand that having healthy relationships with those who challenge me to grow in my walk with the Lord, having my wife and family is what real success is.

My Hope and prayer is that what is shared here will encourage you to grow and point you to the One who gave His Life for me, His name is Jesus Christ.

Dr. John Applebach

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter One

Wisdom

What is wisdom?

Where does it come from?

How do I acquire it?

How do I apply it to my everyday Life?

Is it even important to me?

When I think on these questions I’m led to the Wisdom literature in the scriptures, I’m led to the book of Proverbs.

First, let’s define the word "wisdom"

The Hebrew word is "chokmah"

It means, "skill, masterful understanding, expertise

The Greek word is "Sophia"

It means, skill, expertise, insight, deep understanding

Pr 1:1 ¶ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel

So, let’s define the meaning of the word "Proverb"

Our English word Proverbs comes from the Latin word "Proverbium"

The Hebrew word is "mashal The root form of the word means, to rule"

It also has the meaning of a pithy maxim which has the idea of words that are forceful in meaningful substance and expression

It then can be said that Proverbs are rules for living and stated truths that are to govern our lives.

The Preachers outline and sermon bible says this.

"There are several characteristics that help the reader learn from them, elements such as:

Short and concise sayings

Catchy sayings: constructed in such a way that makes them easy to remember

Candid sayings: convicting and to the point, often making the reader uncomfortable

Ethical sayings: teach only honorable principles

Educational sayings: useful to parents in teaching their children

Familiar sayings: often repeated and quoted, handed down through generations

Sayings that express a general truth

Chapter Two

What is wisdom’s purpose?

Pr 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction,

To discern the sayings of understanding

Pr 1:3 To receive instruction in

wise behavior,

Righteousness,

justice

and equity;

Pr 1:4 To give prudence to the naive,

To the youth knowledge and discretion,

NLT

²Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,

to help them understand the insights of the wise.

³Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,

to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

⁴These proverbs will give insight into the simple,

knowledge and discernment to the young.

Look with me at the keywords in this text.

To "Know to perceive or be consciously aware, to understand."

To "discern to separate mentally, perceive or distinguish."

Receive "instruction The word means discipline, chastisement."

The idea here is education or instruction through correction.

Solomon wants the reader to receive and be consciously aware of, experience and understand what is being taught.

Think about what would be different in your life if you committed yourself to soaking your heart and mind daily in reading God’s Word.

Consider what James tells us regarding wisdom.

Jas 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,

who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

NLT

⁵If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.

He will not rebuke you for asking.

Look with me at the first statement he makes.

He says "If any of you lacks wisdom"

The Greek words are leipetai sophias

The idea of Lack means, to be destitute, to be absent, being without, not having."

The idea of "wisdom" means, skill, expertise, insight, deep understanding.

He then says "Let him ask of God"

The word ask in Greek is a Present active imperative meaning,

We are to keep asking God for wisdom.

Notice that James tells us that God "Gives to all generously"

God gives it willingly and freely, He’s never stingy with it,

He gives it unconditionally.

He says "Without reproach"

This word used here has the idea of "a severe reprimand or casting insults,

To criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner"

God will never criticize you or insult you for asking Him for Wisdom.

He finishes with And it will be given to him

Generously as he tells us.

But also notice what James warns us about in verse six.

Jas 1:6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

NLT

⁶But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.

Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

Notice here that James instructs us as to how we should ask. He says,

He must ask in faith without any doubting

So, what does James mean when he uses the word "Doubt"?

It means "To be divided in one's mind.

This doubting has the idea of an inner moral conflict or a total distrust of God.

It speaks of a person’s divided allegiance, a person who is uncertain.

Here are some questions for you.

Do you trust God?

If you say you do, does trusting Him reveal itself in the way you live and talk about Him?

How many of us today often find ourselves having one foot in God's camp and another in the world?

Do we find ourselves not wanting to commit either because we do not want to give up our sinful desires or perhaps, we really do not trust God because we don't think He'll give us what we want?

We then find ourselves disputing with God because He allowed the painful trial to happen to us in the first place.

We end up putting God on trial.

We are divided in our minds.

We put God on trial.

What ends up happening?

Well, the rest of these verses answers that question.

He says,

"For the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Let’s ask ourselves,

How does doubt reveal itself in your own life right now?

Do you have any turbulence in your