The Wisdom of God
Attributes of God Sermon Series • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Opening Verse: Isaiah 55:8-9
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
PRAY
Introduction to communicable attributes of God — characteristics we can and ought to share with Him; God perfectly displays these attributes, and as Christians we ought to seek to become more and more like Him in these ways.
1. What is wisdom?
1. What is wisdom?
First, let’s consider wisdom in general, then we’ll look specifically at God’s wisdom.
Wisdom is…
More than intelligence or knowledge
Skill for living well under God — proper application of true knowledge
Knowing what is right and doing it
Wisdom begins with reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10; Job 28:28)
Wisdom begins with reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10; Job 28:28)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
28 And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ ”
To fear the LORD is to take Him seriously — to listen to what He says, believe His promises of both reward and of judgment, and act accordingly. Having a proper posture of reverence and awe toward God is the first step toward wisdom.
To deny God’s existence or reject His Word is foolish, and even if someone who does these things is super intelligent by human standards, by God’s standard, that person is a fool — not wise.
Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD.
Wisdom is practical (James 3:13)
Wisdom is practical (James 3:13)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Proverbs also shows us that wisdom is demonstrated in speech, work, money, relationships, and the way we treat others.
When we begin with a proper posture toward God and His Word, it will affect every part of our lives — our thoughts, words, actions, and desires. And all of these things must be brought into line with the reality of who God is and what He has said.
Wisdom is practical. This also means that…
Wisdom is moral, not just mental (Deuteronomy 4:5-6)
Wisdom is moral, not just mental (Deuteronomy 4:5-6)
The LORD says to Israel through Moses,
5 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
Wisdom is not just about knowing God and His commands, but responding properly to the reality of God and His commands. Wisdom means seeking to live in obedience to God.
Wisdom is moral, not just mental.
So we have begun by talking about the wisdom that the Bible describes that ought to characterize our lives. Since wisdom is a communicable attribute of God, it follows that it is a quality that ought to be increasingly present in our lives as we continue to be transformed into the image of Christ. We’ll talk in a little bit about some of the practical applications of wisdom for our lives, but first, let’s consider…
2. What does the Bible say about God's wisdom?
2. What does the Bible say about God's wisdom?
Definition of God’s wisdom from Wayne Grudem:
God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals.
God’s wisdom is unsearchable (Romans 11:33; Isaiah 40:28; 55:8-9)
God’s wisdom is unsearchable (Romans 11:33; Isaiah 40:28; 55:8-9)
Whatever wisdom may be present in our lives cannot begin to compare to the infinite wisdom of God.
Paul says,
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Isaiah says,
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God’s wisdom and understanding are beyond our ability to comprehend. His ways and thoughts are far above us.
His wisdom is unsearchable. Infinite.
God is the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 2:6)
God is the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 2:6)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Not only is God Himself infinitely wise, but any other true wisdom that exists ultimately comes from Him. God is the source of all wisdom.
God’s wisdom is embodied in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 2:2-3)
God’s wisdom is embodied in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 2:2-3)
Paul says to the Corinthians,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
And he tells the Colossians,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Jesus Christ is God in the flesh and perfectly embodies the wisdom of God. If you want to know what God’s wisdom looks like practically, look at Jesus, and consider how He spoke, the things He did — that’s what the wisdom of God looks like.
3. How does God display his wisdom?
3. How does God display his wisdom?
In creation (Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 3:19-20; Jeremiah 10:12)
In creation (Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 3:19-20; Jeremiah 10:12)
24 O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
12 It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
The order and design and beauty in creation point us to a wise Creator who made all things. His creation reflects His glory and demonstrates His wisdom.
In his Word (Psalm 19:7; 119:98-100; 2 Tim 3:15)
In his Word (Psalm 19:7; 119:98-100; 2 Tim 3:15)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
God’s wisdom is on display through His Word, which reflects the glory and beauty of God.
In his providence (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28; Daniel 2:20-21)
In his providence (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28; Daniel 2:20-21)
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
God perfectly orchestrates the events of history and the details of our lives to bring about His good purpose for us and display the greatness of His glory. No one but God could bring together all the good and bad parts of your life to form the image of Christ in you and so bring about the greatest good for you and the greatest glory for Him. And He does that for every one of His people.
In the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
In the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Just as God brought about the greatest good for Joseph and his family and the greatest glory for His name in the book of Genesis, He has done the same in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. God perfectly displays His glory, where His justice and mercy meet, and He brings about eternal good for His people through the death of Christ on the cross.
If we were in charge of planning redemption, I’m sure none of us would have ever thought to do it this way. But it was God’s way, and it displays the glory of His wisdom. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1,
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 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?
21 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.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
So God’s wisdom is displayed through the cross, and then …
In the church (Ephesians 3:10)
In the church (Ephesians 3:10)
Paul tells us in Ephesians,
10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
The wisdom of God’s eternal plan of redemption is on display through the church — through us!
So this is what the Bible says about God’s wisdom and how He displays it. But God’s wisdom and the wisdom of this world are very different, so we need to consider…
4. How is God's wisdom different from the world's wisdom?
4. How is God's wisdom different from the world's wisdom?
Source
Source
God’s wisdom: From above (James 3:17) — God’s wisdom comes from God Himself.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Man’s wisdom: Earthly, unspiritual, demonic (James 3:15) — it is the opposite of God’s wisdom, and it is sourced from God’s enemy.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Moral character
Moral character
God’s wisdom: Pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, sincere (James 3:17) — it reflects His own perfect character.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Man’s wisdom: Marked by bitter envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14-16) — rejects God and leads to evil and disorder.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Starting point
Starting point
God’s wisdom: Fear of the LORD (Proverbs 9:10)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Man’s wisdom: Self-reliance (Proverbs 3:5-7; 26:12)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Outcome
Outcome
God’s wisdom: Life and peace (Proverbs 3:13-18)
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
Man’s wisdom: Fails to know God (1 Corinthians 1:21), ends in nothing (1 Corinthians 2:6)
21 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.
6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
5. Why do we need wisdom?
5. Why do we need wisdom?
To make good decisions and use our time well (Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 4:5-6)
To make good decisions and use our time well (Ephesians 5:15-17; Colossians 4:5-6)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
To lead others well (1 Kings 3:9)
To lead others well (1 Kings 3:9)
Some of us will lead more than others, but we will all have some influence on people around us — our spouse, children, friends, the church, coworkers, and others.
Solomon prayed,
9 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?”
He knew that He needed God’s help to lead His people well, so he asked for wisdom. And even though none of us will ever be the king of Israel, we need wisdom for whatever roles God places us in.
To know God more and grow in obedience to Him (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10)
To know God more and grow in obedience to Him (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10)
We need wisdom to keep growing in our knowledge of God, so Paul prays,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
And he prays for the Colossian church that they would grow in wisdom so that they would bear more fruit of obedience to the Lord.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
We need wisdom. So, …
6. How do we get wisdom?
6. How do we get wisdom?
Seek wisdom from the proper source: God (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:1-6; Psalm 19:7)
Seek wisdom from the proper source: God (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:1-6; Psalm 19:7)
In prayer:
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
In Scripture
1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
If we get wisdom from God’s mouth, it means that it’s through the words He has spoken, which are recorded for us in Scripture. David also says,
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
Seek wisdom with the proper posture toward God: Humility, reverence, and trust (Proverbs 11:2; 9:10; 3:5-7)
Seek wisdom with the proper posture toward God: Humility, reverence, and trust (Proverbs 11:2; 9:10; 3:5-7)
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
Learn wisdom from other wise people (Proverbs 12:15; 13:20; 15:31-32)
Learn wisdom from other wise people (Proverbs 12:15; 13:20; 15:31-32)
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
7. What should be our response to God's wisdom?
7. What should be our response to God's wisdom?
Worship and praise God for His wisdom (Romans 11:33-36; Daniel 2:20-23)
Worship and praise God for His wisdom (Romans 11:33-36; Daniel 2:20-23)
As Paul reflects on God’s wisdom in His plan of redemption, he concludes that section of Romans with a doxology — praising God for His wisdom. He says,
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Daniel exalts God and worships and praises Him for His wisdom and for the wisdom He gave to Daniel. He says,
20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
23 To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”
As we consider God’s wisdom, it should lead us to praise and worship Him.
We should also thank Him like Daniel for the wisdom He gives us when we ask Him for wisdom.
Here is a poem of praise I wrote many years ago, exalting the wisdom of God:
The Wisdom of God
Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts,
Your ways I cannot understand—
The wisdom of Your mind so great,
The power of Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
How unsearchable are the riches, God,
Of Your wisdom and Your ways!
Help me more to know You, God,
And praise You all my days.
Your love for me I long to know,
So that to others I may show
The greatness of my God and King,
For You, O God, know everything!
Your love is higher also, Lord,
Than my frail mind can understand;
Your kindnesses are great to me,
Your love is countless as the sand.
I marvel at Your wisdom, Lord!
I wonder at Your love for me!
I praise You, God, for who You are;
I’ll praise You for eternity!
Humbly rely on God’s wisdom in your life (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Humbly rely on God’s wisdom in your life (Proverbs 3:5-7)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
Trust God’s providence (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)
Trust God’s providence (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)
Our circumstances are often not what we would choose, and we may be tempted to doubt God’s wisdom, goodness, or sovereignty in our lives. Does God really know what He’s doing? Things seem so messy and out of control — but God hasn’t lost control, and He hasn’t stopped being good, and He’s working all things for our good.
His providence in Joseph’s life ought to encourage us in our own:
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
And we have His promise:
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Share God’s wisdom with others (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Colossians 3:16)
Share God’s wisdom with others (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Colossians 3:16)
With the next generation:
6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
With other believers:
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Let me close the message with these words from Paul in Romans 16:27
27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
PRAY
