Wisdom is defined as a quality of being wise, and within the Bible the concept of wisdom is a recurrent one. In the Old Testament, the personification of wisdom is seen in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The Pauline writings of the New Testament also contain numerous references to a Divine Wisdom that guides the faithful toward a meaningful purpose within the Lord’s plans. Wisdom is referred to as the application of understanding and knowledge so as to make the right decisions. It is in essence the ability to choose right and make good judgments despite one’s personal feelings or even contrary evidence.
The Bible often uses language that speaks to the importance of wisdom over arrogance, intellectual pride, and selfishness. In Proverbs 8:13, it states: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Proverbs 9:10 also states “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This verse is interpreted as suggesting that knowledge of the Lord and reverence for His rules and teachings are the foundation for wisdom. Jesus himself is often seen as the personification of wisdom, an example of using the knowledge of God’s will to make spiritual decisions and live wisely.
The Book of Proverbs, a collection of moral sayings, is considered to be the major work on wisdom in the Old Testament. It is held that the collection was created by King Solomon, considered to be the wisest of all men, and this is why the book is referred to as “the Proverbs of Solomon.” The book contains many sections that are characterized by brevity and common sense aphorisms that point to a wise life. Proverbs encourages trust in God, and suggests that wisdom makes humans happy, fitting them for free, moral conduct. It is believed that worldly wisdom can never supersede God’s wisdom, and that in living within the divine order of life, humans will obtain joy and peace.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently speaks of a higher wisdom which is Christ-centered, and sees wisdom as ultimate virtue which can only be achieved through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In the First Corinthian letter, Paul also reiterates the importance of having the “mind of Christ” and being spiritually guided by the Lord. Paul goes on to say in verse 6: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” Here, Paul emphasizes that the wisdom of the world is misconceived, and could be detrimental to the development of an authentic faith.
It can be best summarized that, according to the Bible, wisdom can be divided into two distinct groups, worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. The former involves human knowledge and understanding, while the latter involves “the fear of the Lord,” something that can only come through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Wise men, according to the Bible, have always sought after the peace, joy and ultimate insight that is offered in the faith of Christ.
Wisdom & Human Nature
The Bible clearly states that true wisdom must come from the Lord and His will, however, there is still much to be said for human nature’s version of wisdom. As human beings, we are innately drawn to living life to the fullest, understanding our purpose, and and developing our own values which determine the paths we take within life. In this sense, wisdom is shown to provide the ideal framework for leading a fulfilled and meaningful life.
The Bible stands firm in identifying arrogance and self-centeredness as flaw of the mortal spirit, difficulties which further inhibit our true understanding of wisdom. Therefore, by interpreting the Bible’s message in light of our human behavior, it becomes possible to gain true wisdom, and make decisions for the greater good and within the ultimate understanding that the Lord himself is our guide.
Furthermore, men and women have frequently used the Bible as a resource of wisdom, from finding direction in difficult moments of confusion, to seeing a sense of resolution in times of greater pain. In this sense, even nonbelievers can garner wisdom from the Bible, seeing a result of greater understanding and comfort. Indeed, the Bible has been seen to provide a source of wisdom which transcends culture and religion, and holds a value that is undeniably beneficial to all.
Purpose of Wisdom
Having established the two distinct versions of wisdom, it is necessary to identify the purpose they each hold in our lives. According to the Bible, true wisdom is revealed to persons who have both faith and humility. When faith is lacking, worldly wisdom can only offer a distorted version of truth, as it is limited in its understanding of God’s plan. By following the order of the Lord, we can come to understand a version of wisdom that serves us and manifests itself in the greater good. This type of higher understanding allows us to see the blessings of God in new light, and perceive our own purpose in the bigger picture.
On the other hand, it can be argued that worldly wisdom still holds its overall benefit for humans. It is often the case that we are vulnerable to the decisions of our own minds and hearts, which is why it is essential that we use our own knowledge and understanding to make important decisions. This can be a dangerous thing however, as our own selfish desires can unjustly influence the path we choose. In this case, it is argued that one must draw on the greater teachings of the Lord and the Bible, to ensure that the morals of God often provide the true purpose of wisdom, and are placed in front of our own folly.
Influence of Wisdom
It is agreed upon among many believers that God’s wisdom is enough to bring about the best version of ourselves, and lead us to true peace and joy. It is for this reason that we should strive for total submission in the Lord, and use the gifts of His wisdom to better ourselves and truly spread His love and joy to others. In today’s world, the importance of each-others’ well-being has become increasingly relevant in light of the suffering and inequality that is experienced all across the globe.
When we take into consideration the power of God’s wisdom, it is clear that this approach lf loving thy neighbor can bring about true healing and kindness. Jesus Himself often used the principles of humbleness, mercy and understanding to constitute His teachings. He understood that in order to protect each-other, real love was needed, and that this kind of love was only obtainable through the wisdom of the Lord.
Human beings have been crippled in the past due to their own arrogance, and the idea of self-centeredness has been the catalyst for many of the sufferings we find ourselves in today. Therefore, by handing ourselves over to Jesus, and understanding His principles of love and compassion, we can bring about a sense of peace and security, helping all those in need.
Implications of Wisdom
The implications of wisdom are vast, and truly unparalleled. When living in God’s wisdom, we are blessed with peace, understanding, and all of the Lord’s glory. However, it is important to note that the Lord’s wisdom is a constant journey believing in His promises even on the days that are seemingly dark and joyless. In moments of pain, we must remember our faith and His hope, and remember that even the worst day can be fixed by the Lord’s mercy and understanding.
In moments of joy, we must remain humble and full of thanks, always respecting the Lord and being sure to give glory to Him for His gifts. We must partake of God’s wisdom within every small experience, understanding the significance of His grace in our lives and always offering others a sense of their own saving grace. Ultimately, understanding God’s wisdom is the greatest blessing, and by accepting His will into our lives with humility, we can live each day feeling the true peace and joy that have been long promised.
Impact of Wisdom
The greatest impact of utilizing wisdom in our lives is manifested in the incredible joy it can bring. The Bible tells us in verse 9 of Psalm 19, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” This speaks to the lasting power of the Lord, His faith and His promises for us. By finding joy in the peace and understanding of God’s wisdom, we can truly accept that life can be rewarded in each moment, as we look to Him for guidance.
Our world has become incredibly demanding, with deadlines, expectations, and an age of competition that often causes unnecessary pain and suffering. However, by understanding the promise of God’s wisdom, we can move forward with peace and take on each challenge with faith and hope. In situations of hardship, we must understand that the Lord is with us, and use His blessings to help us find our way. We must not take these difficulties too hard, knowing that the Lord has intended our paths with mercy and grace.
In our moments of joy, we must remember that the Lord is kind and loving and accepting of our happiness and thanks. By understanding His wisdom, we can be content in our lives, and each moment can be blessed with wonder and joy, knowing that our lives are in His hands, and that He can do miraculous things for us.
Conclusion of Wisdom
Ultimately, the Bible presents us with a clear understanding of the need for true faith and spirit in order to achieve the greatest wisdom. It is often this wisdom that helps us make decisions that are truly good in the eyes of the Lord, and benefit us as humble and faithful servants. Jesus has given us the gift of free will and understanding, allowing us to make sense of our lives, and helping us to see His beauty in the smallest of things. By using His higher wisdom, we can direct ourselves towards His will, and our lives can be filled with the joy and peace that are promised in the Lord.
