WHAT IS WISDOM?

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Throughout the Holy Scriptures, wisdom is revealed as one of God’s most precious gifts—a treasure far more valuable than earthly riches or worldly power. It is not merely accumulated head knowledge or human intelligence, but rather the divine application of godly principles and the God-given ability to discern what is right and true in the sight of the LORD. The Bible provides us with a detailed and profound understanding of wisdom through the lives of biblical figures and direct, inspired teachings. Let us explore what true wisdom is, how we might attain it, and how it is meant to guide our lives as believers.

The Bible clearly shows us that wisdom is a divine gift from God Himself. In 2 Chronicles 1:11-12, we see God granting Solomon profound wisdom after he specifically asked for it to lead God’s people:

“And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.”

Rather than asking for personal gain like wealth or power, Solomon’s earnest desire was to rule God’s people with wisdom, a request that greatly pleased God. As a direct result, Solomon became renowned throughout the known world for his unparalleled wisdom and was able to make judgments that demonstrated his deep understanding and divine discernment.

One famous example of Solomon’s God-given wisdom is found in 1 Kings 3:16-28. Two women came before King Solomon, both vehemently claiming to be the mother of a living baby, while each accused the other of being responsible for a dead child. Solomon’s inspired solution—to suggest cutting the living baby in two and giving half to each woman—immediately brought forth the true mother’s selfless love and her willingness to give up her child entirely just to save his life. His wisdom led to righteous justice, and the people marveled at his incredible insight, recognizing it was from God.

Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

This verse unequivocally states that true wisdom originates from God and is revealed through His Word. It is not something we can manufacture or achieve on our own strength or intellect—it must be earnestly sought after and humbly received as a divine gift.

In Job 28:1-12, Job reflects deeply on the mystery and elusiveness of wisdom, comparing the search for it to the difficult labor of mining for precious metals. While men can uncover gold and silver from deep within the earth, true wisdom is far more hidden and precious. Job acknowledges that human beings, by their own efforts, do not know the place where wisdom dwells, powerfully emphasizing its divine origin.

Job 28:23 then reveals the profound truth:

“God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.”

Only God knows the source and the path to true wisdom because it ultimately belongs to Him. The chapter concludes with this vital declaration in Job 28:28:

“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

The very beginning, the foundation of all true wisdom, is a profound reverence for God, which brings us to the very essence of biblical wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10 reiterates what Job discovered through his trials:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

True wisdom starts with a deep respect, awe, and holy reverence for God—recognizing His absolute authority, His unmatched sovereignty, and His perfect holiness. Without this foundational reverence for God, genuine, lasting wisdom is impossible to attain.

This “fear of the Lord” is not a cowering sense of terror but a profound and worshipful recognition of Who God is—His infinite greatness, His omnipotent power, and His unfailing love. It is a heartfelt acknowledgment that we are utterly dependent on Him for all true understanding and that His ways are far higher and more perfect than our own.

Proverbs 9:1-6 “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.”

In Proverbs 9:1-6, we see wisdom personified as a noble woman diligently building her house, preparing a lavish feast, and graciously inviting all people to come and dine with her. This beautiful imagery shows that wisdom is proactive and purposeful, offering a life of true fulfillment, divine guidance, and lasting peace to all those who earnestly seek it. Wisdom invites us to her banquet, a life filled with God’s truth, righteousness, and deep spiritual understanding.

In stark contrast, Proverbs 9:13-18 describes folly, also personified as a woman, but she is loud, seductive, and ultimately leads people into destruction and death. Foolishness may seem attractive and enticing at first glance, but it invariably leads to spiritual and eternal death. This clear dichotomy powerfully highlights the critical importance of diligently seeking wisdom and consciously avoiding the deceitful paths of foolishness.

In Proverbs 2:1-8, Solomon, speaking with the heart of a father to his son, passionately encourages the pursuit of wisdom above all else. He advises his son to receive and treasure God’s words, promising that the diligent search for wisdom will lead to divine protection, unfailing guidance, and true spiritual understanding.

Here, Solomon highlights the immense value of actively and diligently seeking wisdom, saying in Proverbs 2:4-5:

“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.”

Wisdom must be actively pursued with the same determination, focus, and zeal that people demonstrate when seeking after fleeting material wealth.

Wisdom, according to the infallible Word of God, begins with the fear of the Lord and can only be truly found in God Himself. It is not merely about making “smart” decisions by worldly standards but about living a life that is in complete alignment with God’s revealed will and discerning right from wrong according to His Word.

To be wise in God’s eyes, we must:

1. Revere God: Understand that wisdom begins with acknowledging His greatness and absolute authority.

2. Seek God’s Word: Diligently study the Bible, for it is there that God has revealed His wisdom to us.

3. Avoid Foolishness: Be ever vigilant against the tempting allure of folly, which always leads to destruction.

4. Pray for Wisdom: Just as Solomon asked, we too must continually ask God to fill us with His divine wisdom, so we can navigate the complexities of this life in a way that truly pleases Him.

Ultimately, true wisdom equips us to live a life that honors God, reflects His holy character, and leads to genuine, lasting fulfillment. Let us, therefore, like Solomon of old, seek wisdom with all humility and trust that God, who gives generously to all who ask in faith, will surely provide it. Amen.