Wisdom
Wisdom in the Bible serves as more than an abstract idea; it stands as a cornerstone principle guiding human behavior, deepening spiritual comprehension, and unveiling God’s intricate plan for humanity.
“This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” ( Isaiah 28:29 )
1. Definition
God’s wisdom combines His infinite knowledge, power, counsel, and understanding, enabling Him to govern the universe and fulfill His divine purposes flawlessly.
“With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.” ( Job 12:13 )
2. Creation and Governance
God’s knowledge is evident in His creation, where every aspect of the universe reflects His perfect design and order.
“O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
( Psalm 104:24 )
God’s knowledge is beyond human comprehension, guiding His plans and judgments with perfection and righteousness.
3. Salvation
“but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
( 1 Corinthians 1:24 )
In Jesus Christ, God’s know;edge is manifest in providing salvation for humanity. Through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, God demonstrates His wisdom in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself.
“so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” ( Ephesians 3:10 )
God’s knowledge is displayed through His redemptive plan, which includes the church as a testimony of His grace and knowledge to all creation.
4. Human Response
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” ( James 1:5 )
Believers are encouraged to seek God’s knowledge through prayer and the study of His Word, relying on His guidance and understanding in every aspect of life.
Etymology
HEBREW
Chokhmah ( חוכמה ):
This is the primary Hebrew word for wisdom(knowledge). It refers to skillful wisdom, knowledge applied skillfully, or practical wisdom for living. It often implies the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
Binah ( בִּינָה ):
Binah refers to understanding or comprehension. It is closely related to chokhmah but focuses more on the ability to discern or comprehend knowledge and truth deeply.
Da’at ( דֵעָה ):
Da’at means knowledge or awareness. It signifies intimate knowledge or awareness, particularly of God and His ways.
GREEK
Sophia ( σοφία ):
Sophia is the primary Greek word for wisdom. It denotes wisdom in a broad sense, encompassing insight, intelligence, and sound judgment. In the New Testament, it often refers to divine wisdom or the wisdom of God.
Phronesis ( φρόνησις ):
Phronesis means practical wisdom or prudence. It refers to the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in practical ways, making wise decisions and choices.
Episteme ( ἐπιστήμη ):
Episteme means knowledge or science. It emphasizes knowledge as a basis for understanding and insight, particularly in philosophical and theological contexts.
THE SEVEN PILLARS
Together, they form a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying knowledge in one’s life, guided by God’s Word and Spirit.
- Prudence:
Prudence refers to the ability to make wise decisions and exercise sound judgment in practical matters. It involves caution, foresight, and careful consideration of consequences.
“The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.” ( Proverbs 14:8 )
- Discernment:
Discernment is the ability to perceive and distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong, and good and evil.
“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” ( Hebrews 5:14 )
- Knowledge:
Knowledge in the biblical sense is not mere intellectual understanding but involves a deep, intimate knowledge of God and His ways.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” ( Proverbs 2:6 )
- Judgment:
Judgment refers to the ability to make fair and wise decisions based on discernment and understanding.
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” ( 1 Kings 3:9 )
- Understanding:
Understanding involves grasping the deeper meaning and significance of things, especially spiritual truths.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ( Proverbs 3:5-6 )
- Counsel:
Counsel refers to seeking and giving wise advice, often based on biblical principles and God’s guidance.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” ( Proverbs 12:15 )
- Discretion
In the Bible, discretion is often associated with knowledge and is valued as a characteristic that leads to right conduct and good outcomes.
“My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion.” ( Proverbs 3:21 )
“That you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.” ( Proverbs 5:2 )
FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
In the Hebrew Scriptures, knowledge (דֵעָה , da’at) and wisdom (חוכמה, chokhmah) are more than mere intellectual pursuits or academic learning; they are fundamentally tied to spiritual insight and obedience to God.
1. Knowledge as Divine Revelation
“The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD.” ( Isaiah 11:2 )
Here, knowledge (da’at) is linked directly with the fear of the LORD, indicating a profound awareness and reverence for God. It’s not merely about acquiring information through human means but receiving divine insight and understanding that shapes one’s character and actions.
2. Receiving Knowledge from God
“All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” ( Isaiah 54:13 )
In this passage, knowledge is depicted as something imparted directly by God Himself. It emphasizes a spiritual education where God is the ultimate teacher, guiding His people in the ways of righteousness and peace. This knowledge surpasses human understanding and goes beyond mere intellectual learning to encompass spiritual wisdom and insight into God’s will.
3. Prophets and Divine Knowledge
While prophets and other figures in the Old Testament were often educated in various subjects, their true authority came from divine knowledge and wisdom.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” ( Jeremiah 1:5 )
Here, Jeremiah’s call as a prophet wasn’t based on formal education but on God’s intimate knowledge of him and His divine appointment. The prophets’ insights and teachings were rooted in their relationship with God and His revelations to them, rather than academic credentials.
4. Wisdom:
The Integration of Knowledge and Righteousness Wisdom (chokhmah) in the Old Testament is portrayed as the practical application of divine knowledge and understanding:
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” ( Proverbs 2:6 )
This verse underscores that true knowledge comes from God Himself, and it involves living according to His truths and principles. It’s not merely about intellectual prowess but about discerning and applying God’s will in everyday life.
FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
In the New Testament, knowledge ( γνῶσις, gnosis ) and wisdom ( σοφία, sophia ) take on profound spiritual meanings, reflecting deeper insights into God’s truth and His will for humanity.
1.) Jesus Christ: The Fullness of Divine Knowledge
In Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” ( Colossians 2:3 )
Jesus, as the Son of God, has perfect knowledge of the Father.
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in the closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. ( John 1:18 )
Christ is the image of the invisible God, in whom all the fullness of God dwells. ( Colossians 1: 15-20 )
These verses highlight that Jesus Christ embodies divine wisdom and knowledge, offering humanity a direct path to understanding God’s will and purpose.
2.) Knowledge as Moral and Spiritual Understanding
Jesus speaks in parables to reveal hidden truths to those who seek spiritual understanding.
Jesus speaks in parables to reveal hidden truths to those who seek spiritual understanding. ( Matthew 13:11 )
Jesus emphasizes that those who are willing to do God’s will will understand His teaching.
1Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God
or whether I speak on my own. ( John 7:17 )
Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent, highlighting the intimate relationship between knowledge of God and salvation.
3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom you have sent. ( John 17:3 )
These passages illustrate that true knowledge in the New Testament is not merely intellectual but involves moral and spiritual understanding rooted in obedience to God and His teachings.
3.) The Role of the Holy Spirit in Revealing Knowledge
Paul describes the wisdom of God as surpassing human understanding.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. ( 1 Corinthians 1:25 )
Paul contrasts human wisdom with the wisdom of God revealed through the Spirit. ( 1 Corinthians 2: 6-16 )
Paul encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds to discern God’s will, demonstrating the practical application of divine wisdom.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ( Romans 12:2 )
These passages emphasize that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing God’s wisdom and enabling believers to understand and apply spiritual truths in their lives. Here it transcends mere intellectual understanding to encompass moral and spiritual insight rooted in obedience to God’s will. Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of divine wisdom, offers believers a pathway to true knowledge of God. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers receive spiritual understanding and discernment, enabling them to live according to God’s wisdom in their daily lives.
DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS OF INSIGHT
1. Earthly knowledge
Earthly knowledge focuses on worldly knowledge, human reasoning, and secular understanding without necessarily considering God’s perspective or moral principles.
“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” ( 1 Corinthians 1: 20-21 )
Earthly knowledge relies on human intellect and often prioritizes material success, self-promotion, and temporal achievements.
2. Intellectual Knowledge
Intellectual knowledge emphasizes academic knowledge and understanding, which can be valuable but does not necessarily lead to spiritual insight or moral discernment.
“For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'”
( 1 Corinthians 1:19 )
Intellectual knowledge may pride itself on knowledge acquisition and logical reasoning but may lack humility and spiritual depth without a foundation in God’s truth.
3. Devilish Knowledge (or knowledge of the Devil)
Devilish knowledge refers to deceptive or deceitful wisdom that opposes God’s truth and promotes falsehood, evil, and disobedience.
“This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” ( James 3: 15-16 )
Devilish wisdom leads to division, strife, and moral decay, often appealing to human pride, selfish desires, and sinful inclinations.
4. Divine Knowledge
Wisdom from above is divine knowledge(true wisdom) imparted by God, characterized by purity, peace, righteousness, and spiritual understanding.
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
( James 3: 17-18 )
Understanding from above is rooted in reverence for God, humility, and obedience to His Word. It guides believers in making decisions that honor God and benefit others, leading to spiritual growth and harmony in relationships.
TRUE KNOWLEDGE
True knowledge, according to the Bible, originates from God and finds its embodiment in Jesus Christ. ‘
1. Jesus Christ: The Embodiment of Wisdom
“And because of him [God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” ( 1 Corinthians 1:30 )
Jesus Christ is not only the Savior but also the embodiment of divine insight. In Him, believers find ultimate insight that leads to righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
2. Source of True knowledge
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” ( Proverbs 2:6 )
True knowledge is a divine gift bestowed by God Himself. It originates from God’s character, knowledge, and understanding, reflecting His perfect will and purpose.
3. Walking in Prudence
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” ( Colossians 2: 2-3 )
To walk in discernment means to live by God’s will and to seek understanding through Christ. It involves aligning one’s thoughts, actions, and decisions with God’s Word and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
4. The Mind of Christ
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
( 1 Corinthians 2:16 )
As Christians, we are endowed with the mind of Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This enables us to discern spiritual truths and make decisions that reflect God’s understanding rather than worldly understanding.
5. Love: The Fulfillment of Knowledge
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ( Matthew 22: 37-39 )
True understanding is inseparable from love. Loving God and others fulfills the greatest commandments and aligns with God’s understanding, demonstrating our understanding and application of divine principles in daily life.
THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ’s teachings were marked by profound wisdom and authority, focusing on spiritual truths and the kingdom of God rather
than secular knowledge.
1. Knowledge and Authority in Jesus’ Teachings
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the
angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep
awake. For you do not know when the time will come.”
( Mark 13: 31-34 )
Jesus acknowledges divine mysteries beyond human comprehension, affirming his authority and understanding as the Son of God.
2. Spiritual Knowledge vs. Secular Knowledge
Jesus’ teachings emphasized spiritual wisdom and eternal truths:
“And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed
authority.” ( Luke 4:32 )“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at
his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and
not as their scribes.” ( Matthew 7: 28-29 )
Jesus’ authority stemmed from his divine insight, which challenged conventional religious teachings and emphasized the heart
the transformation required for entering the kingdom of God.
3. Knowledge Beyond Human Sciences
While Jesus’ teachings addressed moral and spiritual truths, they did not focus on secular sciences or educational development:
Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, emphasizing the folly of worldly wisdom compared to the power of
God’s wisdom revealed in Christ. ( 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 )
Jesus’ wisdom transcends human understanding and educational advancements, offering a path to spiritual enlightenment and eternal
life rather than intellectual knowledge alone.
JESUS’S DUAL NATURE
The doctrine of the Incarnation reveals profound truths about Jesus Christ’s dual nature as fully divine and fully human.
1. Incarnation and Human Experience
The Apostle Paul eloquently captures the essence of the Incarnation of Jesus and willingly sets aside the privileges of his divinity to assume human form, demonstrating humility and sacrificial love in his mission to save humanity.
“but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” ( Philippians 2:7 )
2. Growth and Intellectual Development
As a human, Jesus experienced intellectual growth, deepening his understanding and knowledge over time, while maintaining his divine wisdom.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” ( Luke 2:52 )
3. Questioning and Learning
Jesus, despite his divine insight, asked questions to engage and teach others: Jesus asked his disciples how many loaves of bread they had when feeding the multitude.
“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”
( Mark 6:38 )“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. ( John 11:34 )
He inquired about the location of Lazarus’ tomb, showing his humanity in seeking information. These instances reveal Jesus’ approachable nature and his willingness to interact with humanity on their level, demonstrating knowledge through dialogue and engagement.
4. Emotions and Humanity
Jesus displayed human emotions, including surprise and empathy:
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. ( Matthew 8:10 )
Jesus marveled at the faith of the centurion, showing surprise at his understanding of faith.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” ( Matthew 26:39 )
He prayed earnestly in Gethsemane, expressing human emotions and surrendering to God’s will. These moments underscore Jesus’ full experience of humanity, including emotional depth and vulnerability, while exemplifying profound understanding in his actions and prayers.
5.Knowledge on the Cross
Even in his darkest hour, Jesus exhibited divine wisdom and compassion.
The chief priests accused him of many things. ( Mark 15:3 )
His words on the cross, ” My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ” reflect his intimate relationship with the Father and his redemptive purpose. Jesus’ final words exemplify his profound understanding, demonstrating trust in God’s plan for salvation while expressing the depth of his sacrificial love for humanity. The Incarnation of Jesus Christ not only reveals his divine nature but also highlights his complete identification with humanity. Through his life, teachings, and sacrificial death, Jesus exemplified wisdom in intellect, questioning, emotions, and ultimate surrender to God’s will. His earthly experiences underscore his role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity, offering understanding and salvation to all who believe in him
EMBRACING DIVINE
Throughout the Bible, knowledge is portrayed not merely as intellectual prowess or knowledge, but as a profound understanding that flows from a reverent fear of God, where it is affirmed that with Him are knowledge, might, counsel, and understanding.
13 “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. ( Job 12:13 )
Knowledge embodies essential attributes that reflect God’s nature.
It is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and bears good fruits. These attributes underscore that true knowledge aligns with the character of God and leads to righteous living and spiritual fulfillment.
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. ( James 3:17 )
Knowledge guides believers to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, to acknowledge Him in all their ways, and to depend on His guidance for making wise decisions and navigating life’s challenges. This trust and reliance on God’s wisdom ensure that our paths are directed straight, by His perfect will.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ( Proverbs 3: 5-6 )