Wisdom

Skill for living according to God's design and truth

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Overview

Biblical wisdom differs fundamentally from worldly intelligence. While the world prizes clever strategy and self-advancement, Scripture defines wisdom as "the fear of the LORD" (Proverbs 9:10). This wisdom begins with right relationship to God and produces right living before men.

Wisdom is personified in Proverbs, calling out in the streets: "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?" (Proverbs 1:22). This literary device emphasizes wisdom's availability and urgency. She offers life to those who find her: "Whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD" (Proverbs 8:35). Christ Himself is "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24), the ultimate revelation of divine truth.

James distinguishes two kinds of wisdom. Earthly wisdom is "sensual, devilish" and produces "envying and strife" (James 3:14-15). But "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits" (James 3:17). The source determines the character—wisdom from below serves self; wisdom from above serves God and others.

God promises wisdom to those who ask. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). This liberality encourages persistent prayer for discernment. Solomon asked for wisdom above all else and received not only wisdom but riches and honor as well (1 Kings 3:9-13).

Subtopics

The Fear of the Lord

Beginning of wisdom

  • Proverbs 9:10 — Fear of the LORD is beginning of wisdom
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
  • Proverbs 1:7 — Fear of the LORD beginning of knowledge
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
  • Job 28:28 — Fear of the Lord, that is wisdom
    And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
  • Psalms 111:10 — Good understanding to all who do them
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Seeking Wisdom

How to obtain wisdom

  • James 1:5 — Ask of God liberally
    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
  • Proverbs 2:1-6 — Seek as silver, search as treasure
    My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
  • Proverbs 4:7 — Wisdom is the principal thing
    Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
  • 1 Kings 3:9-12 — Solomon's request for wisdom
    Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Christ Our Wisdom

Jesus as God's wisdom

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24 — Christ the wisdom of God
    But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30 — Made unto us wisdom
    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
  • Colossians 2:3 — All treasures of wisdom hidden in Christ
    In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
  • Matthew 12:42 — Greater than Solomon
    The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

Wisdom vs. Folly

The two paths

  • James 3:13-17 — Earthly vs. heavenly wisdom
    Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
  • Proverbs 14:12 — Way seemeth right but ends in death
    There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:19 — Wisdom of world is foolishness
    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
  • Proverbs 12:15 — Fool is right in own eyes
    The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Study Guidance

Topical study benefits from reading verses in their broader context. Click any reference above to view the complete passage and surrounding verses. Consider comparing how different biblical authors address the same theme across various contexts and time periods.

Cross-reference study deepens understanding. Many verses listed here connect to other passages—use the cross-references provided on individual verse pages to trace theological themes throughout Scripture.

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