Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? These rhetorical questions elevate the wise person above ordinary humanity. The Hebrew pesher (פֵּשֶׁר, interpretation) means to explain, solve, or discern meaning—particularly of difficult matters. The truly wise possess rare ability to understand what perplexes others.
A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Wisdom transforms both inner character and outward demeanor. The 'shining face' (ya'ir, יָאִיר) recalls Moses' countenance glowing after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-30). Wisdom brings radiance, joy, and confidence. The phrase 'boldness of his face shall be changed' (yeshuney, יְשֻׁנֶּא) can mean either harshness softened into gentleness or anxious uncertainty transformed into confident composure. Wisdom produces visible transformation—both gravitas and grace, both authority and approachability. This anticipates New Testament teaching that transformation renews the mind (Romans 12:2) and Christ's glory transforms believers (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Historical Context
In ancient royal courts, interpreters who could explain dreams, omens, or complex problems held high status—Joseph (Genesis 41:15-16) and Daniel (Daniel 5:12) exemplified this gift. The 'shining face' metaphor appears throughout Scripture, connecting wisdom with divine encounter and blessing (Numbers 6:25; Psalm 31:16). Solomon's courtiers would have witnessed how wisdom literally changed people's appearance—anxious petitioners relaxed when receiving wise counsel, troubled faces brightened when problems found solutions. The transformation from hardness to grace reflects covenant theology: God's wisdom softens hard hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). Early church fathers saw this verse as prefiguring how Christ's wisdom transforms believers from glory to glory.
Questions for Reflection
How has wisdom—particularly knowing God's truth—visibly transformed your countenance, speech, and demeanor?
What 'interpretations' or solutions to difficult problems has God's wisdom enabled you to discern that human cleverness alone could not grasp?
Analysis & Commentary
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? These rhetorical questions elevate the wise person above ordinary humanity. The Hebrew pesher (פֵּשֶׁר, interpretation) means to explain, solve, or discern meaning—particularly of difficult matters. The truly wise possess rare ability to understand what perplexes others.
A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Wisdom transforms both inner character and outward demeanor. The 'shining face' (ya'ir, יָאִיר) recalls Moses' countenance glowing after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-30). Wisdom brings radiance, joy, and confidence. The phrase 'boldness of his face shall be changed' (yeshuney, יְשֻׁנֶּא) can mean either harshness softened into gentleness or anxious uncertainty transformed into confident composure. Wisdom produces visible transformation—both gravitas and grace, both authority and approachability. This anticipates New Testament teaching that transformation renews the mind (Romans 12:2) and Christ's glory transforms believers (2 Corinthians 3:18).