Wisdom
Intro/Definitions
Wisdom is a capacity of the mind; in the OT it involves both knowledge and the ability to direct the mind toward a full understanding of human life and toward its moral fulfillment. Wisdom is thus a special capacity, necessary for full human living, but one which can be acquired through education and the application of the mind
The Wisdom of God. Although the term “wisdom” is used primarily in the OT with reference to human beings, all wisdom is ultimately rooted and grounded in God. Wisdom forms a central part of the nature of God. In wisdom God created the universe (Prv 3:19) and mankind (Ps 104:24). Those matters which are not understood by human beings or any other living creature are fully comprehended within the wisdom of God (Jb 28:12–23)
Thus wisdom, in its positive connotations, is something inherent in God, reflected in creation, and a part of the reason for human existence. Wisdom in creation is reflected in the form and order which emerged out of primeval chaos; the world may hold meaning for mankind only because it reflects in its structure the wisdom of God. The wisdom of God in the creation of mankind means that human life may also be marked by form and order, and that meaning in life may be found in the created world which contains the marks of wisdom. The wisdom of God is thus creative, purposeful, and good; it is not merely the intellectual activity of God. The potential for human wisdom is rooted in the creation of mankind. Created by divine wisdom, human beings have within them the God-given capacity for wisdom. Thus it is impossible to understand human wisdom without first grasping its necessary antecedent, divine wisdom
wisdom, prudence, discretion, i.e., the capacity to understand, and hence act wisely (Col 1:28; 4:5); 2. LN 32.37 insight, a more or less formal kind of educational teaching in the ancient world, so, the content of what is regarded as wise (Ac 7:22; 1Co 2:6); 3. LN 28.8 specialized knowledge, a skill (1Co 1:17),
4344 περιπατέω (peripateō): vb.; ≡ DBLHebr 2143; Str 4043; TDNT 5.940—1. LN 15.227 walk (around), (Mt 4:18 (and so in the Gospels and Acts); 1Pe 5:8; Rev 3:4; 9:20; 16:15; Mk 16:12 v.r.); 2. LN 41.11 behave, live, conduct one’s life (Ro 6:4 (and so throughout Pauline Epistles); Ro 8:1 v.r.); 3. LN 41.47 περιπατέω τοῖς ἴχνεσιν (peripateō tois ichnesin), imitate (2Co 12:18+)
outsider, those outside a group (1Co 5:12, 13; Col 4:5; 1Th 4:12+)
12 Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
13 “With God are wisdom and might;
he has counsel and understanding
We shall never be able to know ourselves, except we endeavour to know God. By considering His greatness, we discover our own baseness; by contemplating His purity, we discover our own filthiness, and beholding His humility, we shall discover how far we are from being truly humble.
