Article by: Sarah Koontz
One of the main reasons we decided to make the big transition to a non-profit ministry was so I could have time to produce more free online Bible studies.
Instead of being alone in ministry and wearing all the hats, I’m sharing my hat collection with others so I can spend more time wearing my very favorite hat:
Writing free Bible studies for you.
I cannot tell you how blessed I am by your enthusiastic support of my Bible studies, because it means I get to spend my days studying the Bible.
There is no greater gift in this life than the gift of spending time in God’s Word!
There is no greater gift in this life than the gift of spending time in God's Word!I got the idea for the Wisdom Whispers study in 2017 while I was working my way through the Old Testament in my yearly Bible reading plan.
King Solomon began his reign with wisdom, but ended it with folly, and I wanted to explore what went wrong so I could learn from his mistakes.
Solomon was a man who spoke/wrote more wisely than he lived, and if I’m being honest, one of my greatest fears is that I will make the same mistake.
I don’t want to be the person who inspires others to live according to God’s design, while secretly failing to do it in my own life.
No! I want to be the kind of person who lives the truth I teach and experiences the freedom I write about.
The Wisdom Whispers study was uniquely challenging to write because Solomon’s life and writings are spread throughout seven books of the Bible.
That’s a lot of ground to cover!
But, somehow, by the grace of God, it came together.
I packed all the juicy details of King Solomon’s wealth, wisdom, and worldliness into a 31-day study that takes less than 15 minutes per day to complete.
As always, this free online study is packed with biblical truth and lots of digital goodies!
In the spring of 2023, we updated the study and created a printable PDF version to include in the daily e-mails. This printable also includes brand-new application questions for each and every day of the study. This new version will be available when you register on or after March 21, 2023.
Sarah Koontz packed all the juicy details of Solomon's wealth, wisdom, and worldliness into a FREE 31-day study that takes less than 15-minutes per day to complete. #wisdomwhispers #womenbydesign
As it goes with all of my studies, I didn’t really choose Solomon.
He chose me.
I made a commitment to read through my Bible chronologically last year, giving me the unique opportunity to read Solomon’s story and Solomon’s writings at the same time.
As I read his story from a bird’s eye view, I was captivated by his wisdom and confused by his life choices.
I wanted to know more!
There’s just something intriguing about a man with vast wisdom and immeasurable wealth who ends his days in sorrow, shame, and regret.
What went wrong?
There’s just something intriguing about a man with vast wisdom and immeasurable wealth who ends his days in sorrow, shame, and regret. What went wrong?For the first twenty years of his reign, King Solomon walked in the footsteps of his father, David. He loved the Lord and was loved by the Lord.
Solomon’s wealth, fame, and wisdom were world-renowned. Israel was at peace and neighboring nations paid tribute to Solomon’s glory.
He truly did have it all!
But Solomon’s reign did not end as it began. Somewhere along the way, Solomon’s heart was led astray, and he fell from greatness. He began to oppress his subject and worship idols.
How could a man who truly loved God—a man with so many God-given blessings—turn away from God and engage in idol worship?
It’s scandalous!
Solomon was a wise man who didn’t always make wise decisions—a biblical example of this common expression, “the higher you rise the harder you fall.”
King Solomon, in all his glory, failed to realize that “wisdom whispers.”
Solomon, in all his glory, failed to realize that “wisdom whispers.”
Today I’m sharing my seven favorite truths from the Wisdom Whispers study, in hopes that they will inspire you to join us for this 31-day study of King Solomon’s life and writings.
#1 – Satisfaction is found in Christ alone.
Satisfaction is not an external need, it’s an internal longing. God has placed within our hearts a desire for Him (Jer 24:7), and that desire will drive us mad if we strive to fill it with anything but Him.
#2 – Biblical wisdom begins with a relationship with God.
When we confess our sins and receive the free gift of salvation, we are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13).” The Holy Spirit is our spiritual GPS, faithfully guiding us to our biblical destination. Without the Spirit, it is impossible to understand and apply biblical wisdom to our lives (1 Cor 2:14).
Join us! Free 31-day online Bible study of King Solomon with Sarah Koontz.# 3 – Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge.
Wisdom isn’t something you learn, it’s a choice you make every single day! Solomon spoke and wrote more wisely than he lived. How often have we done the same? Yet, James 4:17 teaches us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
#4 – Obedience is a necessary component of the Christian life.
Although King Solomon possessed an abundance of knowledge, he failed to obey several of God’s commands—making him the un-wisest wise man I’ve ever known. Sometimes it’s difficult to trust God. I struggle with this myself. But the more we know God’s character the easier it is to trust and obey His commands.
Are you ready to learn how to listen for the whispers of wisdom in your life? Join us for this free online Bible study of King Solomon.
#5 – Life is meaningless without God.
Solomon used the word “vanity” to describe life under the sun 38 times in the book of Ecclesiastes. The phrase “under the sun” describes a way of viewing life from a purely human perspective. And when we do this, nothing makes sense! Without God, life here on earth is incomplete—full of futility and disappointment.
#6 – Sin always has consequences.
Solomon’s idolatry was a major turning point for his people. When he worshiped idols, so did his people. When he suffered God’s consequences, so did his people. Sin is like smoking a cigarette in a room full of people. One person’s choice leads many to suffer. And the longer they are stuck in the smoke-filled room, the more severe the consequences.
#7 – Biblical wisdom is viewing our life through the lens of God’s truth.
Dr. Roy Zuck defines wisdom as, “observing and following the Creator’s principles of order in the moral universe.” This special kind of wisdom gives order and purpose to our lives and teaches us how to build our lives on God’s truth.
Life is full of noise, distraction, and stress. If you long to hear the whispers of wisdom in your daily life, join us for this 31-day study of the life and writings of King Solomon.Our key verse from the study is Proverbs 3:13, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom.”
Wisdom whispers, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor.1:24).
Wisdom reminds, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” (Pr. 9:10).
Wisdom beckons, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4).
Will we listen for the whispers of wisdom, or will we repeat the mistakes of Solomon and turn away in pride?
Sign Up for the Wisdom Whispers Study Today!
King Solomon began his reign with wisdom and ended it with folly. We will explore what went wrong and do our best to learn from his mistakes. I know how busy life can be, so I’ve kept each lesson short and sweet (10-15 minutes per day).
Register today and don’t forget to invite your friends to join us as we learn how to listen for the whispers of wisdom in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. You will receive a welcome letter (+ a free gift!) within an hour, and the first devotional will arrive in your inbox tomorrow morning.
Article originally published on March 12, 2018.
