"Wisdom"

Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom is a profound and valuable virtue. Rooted in the fear of The Lord.

It is not merely intellectual knowledge or practical skill, but a deep Spirtual understanding that guides a person in righteous living and decision making.

In The Bible wisdom begins with a proper

Biblical Teaching on Wisdom

Intro: In the Bible, wisdom is portrayed as a profound and valuable virtue, rooted in the fear of the Lord and reverence for God’s ways. It is not merely intellectual knowledge or practical skill, but a deep, spiritual understanding that guides a person in righteous living and decision-making. Here are key elements of wisdom from a biblical perspective:

1. The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

In the Bible, wisdom begins with a proper understanding of who God is and a corresponding reverence for Him. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This “fear” is not terror, but awe, respect, and humility before God. It involves acknowledging God’s sovereignty and aligning one’s life according to His will.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

2. Wisdom is a Gift from God

Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is a gift from God. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Unlike human wisdom, which is often self-reliant, godly wisdom comes from above and requires us to seek God’s counsel and guidance in all things.

James 1:2-8

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5If 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. 6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

3. Wisdom is Practical and Relational

Biblical wisdom is always practical, impacting how we live and treat others. It is not abstract or purely philosophical. In James 3:17, it is written, “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.” Wisdom is not just about making the right decisions; it is about living in ways that promote peace, justice, and mercy.

17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

4. Wisdom is Linked to Righteousness

Wisdom and righteousness are inseparable in Scripture. Proverbs 2:6-9 explains that God grants wisdom to those who walk uprightly: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding…He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” True wisdom leads to a life of integrity, fairness, and moral clarity.

Proverbs 2 KJV 1900

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, And liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, And searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, And preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, And equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, And knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, Understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, From the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, And delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, And they froward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, Even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, And forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, And her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, Neither take they hold of the paths of life. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, And keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, And the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

5. Wisdom Involves Humility and Teachability

A wise person is humble and open to correction. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Those who are wise recognize their need for growth and correction, remaining teachable and willing to learn from God and others. Pride blocks wisdom, while humility invites it.

Proverbs 11:2 KJV 1900

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom.

6. Wisdom Points to Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24 declares, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found (Colossians 2:3). To know Jesus and to live according to His teachings is to walk in true wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV 1900

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Colossians 2:3 KJV 1900

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Application of Biblical Wisdom

1. Seek God’s Wisdom through Prayer – Regularly ask God for wisdom in daily decisions and challenges, trusting that He gives generously (James 1:5).

2. Study Scripture – The Bible is the source of godly wisdom, offering insights on how to live in alignment with God’s purposes (Psalm 119:105).

Psalm 119:105 KJV 1900

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.

3. Embrace Humility – Be open to correction and growth, recognizing that wisdom flourishes in a heart that is humble and teachable (Proverbs 12:15).

Proverbs 12:15 KJV 1900

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: But he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

4. Live Righteously – Let wisdom shape how you treat others and how you navigate life’s complexities, striving for integrity, fairness, and mercy (Proverbs 3:13-18).

Proverbs 3:13–18 KJV 1900

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, And the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; And in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

Ultimately, wisdom in the Bible is about aligning one’s heart and life with God’s truth, allowing His Spirit to guide every decision and interaction. This kind of wisdom leads to a life that honors God and brings peace, justice, and love to those around us.