What is Wisdom in the Bible | Its Definition & How to Get It

This world is all about self development! We gain degrees and certifications, attend trainings and seminars, and read countless self-help books.

We demand people on the internet “educate” themselves and “gain some perspective.” I mean, growth is essential, am I right?

But…what is wisdom in the Bible? Because worldly wisdom and the wisdom of God are different things, right?

The fact is that conventional wisdom and biblical wisdom look and feel very different from one another. So let’s talk about it. What is wisdom in the Bible?

The Biblical Definition of Wisdom of God

In exploring the essence of the wisdom of God according to God’s Word, you’ll discover that it encompasses divine insight, moral integrity, and a profound reverence for God. Fundamental to this understanding are several key tenets: wisdom is a divine endowment, intertwined with righteousness, and inseparable from the fear of the Lord.

Wisdom as a Gift from God

Wisdom in the Bible isn’t merely about intelligence or knowledge; it is portrayed as a gift from God.

James 1:5 emphasizes that if you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Recognizing the wisdom of God as a gift highlights that it’s accessible to all who seek it sincerely.

Wisdom as Righteousness and Purity

The wisdom of God is deeply linked with moral righteousness and purity.

It’s not only about what you know but also about how you apply that knowledge in a manner that is pure and sincere. You’re encouraged to live out wisdom in your relationships and actions, embodying virtues that reflect God’s own character and truth.

Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 9:10 describes the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.

This fear isn’t about being afraid, but entails a profound respect and awe for the Creator. You’re to approach life with a mindfulness that respects and acknowledges the sovereignty and holiness of God, which is the foundation from which true wisdom springs.

Wisdom Throughout the Scriptures

As you explore God’s Word, you’ll find that the wisdom of God is celebrated as a treasured commodity, deeply interconnected with knowledge and instruction and stemming from a profound reverence for God.

Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is rich with wisdom literature that provides not just knowledge, but invites you into a deeper, more discerning way of living. 

The book of Proverbs, attributed mostly to King Solomon, is a collection of sayings that serves as a manual for wise living, echoing the sentiment that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Chapters in this book are filled with succinct sayings that offer guidance on various aspects of life.

Another intriguing book is the book of Job, which addresses the complex relationship between suffering, justice, and the wisdom of God. The character Job’s plight offers an exploration into the sometimes perplexing nature of God’s wisdom versus human understanding.

Ecclesiastes, another book of the wisdom of Solomon, presents a more philosophical take, contemplating the purpose and value of life. You’re encouraged to glean wisdom from its often-debated passages like “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief” (Ecclesiastes 1:18).

New Testament Teachings on Wisdom

Moving to the New Testament’s wisdom literature, your understanding of the wisdom of God expands further. 

Jesus Christ is often depicted as true wisdom personified, embodying divine insight in his teachings and parables. The book of James emphasizes that true wisdom is a gift from God, advising believers to ask God for wisdom “who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5).

The writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in books like Colossians, instruct followers in wisdom as it relates to living a life that honors God. Paul explicitly states, “Let the message of Christ Jesus dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16), advocating the role of wisdom in community and personal conduct.

Wisdom in Practice

The Bible teaches us that the wisdom of God manifests itself not just in words but in actions and their outcomes. Here’s how you can recognize and cultivate biblical wisdom in your day-to-day experiences.

Wisdom in Speech

Your words have the power to build up or tear down. Proverbs 18:21 states that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.”

With so much at stake, true wisdom demands that we are mindful of our speech. It should “speak” to an overflow of the wisdom of God.

• Speak truth: Be honest and trustworthy in your communication.
• Be silent when needed: Sometimes wisdom means knowing when not to speak. “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise” (Proverbs 17:28).
• Offer discerning advice: Good counsel is a marker of true wisdom. Aim to give advice that aligns with godly principles.

Wisdom in Deeds

Your actions echo the condition of your heart. As James 3:13 says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

• Practice virtue and discipline: Consistently choosing what is right demonstrates the wisdom of God (Proverbs 4:7).
• Show mercy and good fruit: Be compassionate and full of mercy, which yields good fruit (James 3:17).

The Fruits of Wisdom

Wisdom’s fruits are evident in the quality of your life and relationships. James 3:18 assures us that a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace, indicating the tranquil and fruitful outcomes of wise living.

• Embrace discipline: Discipline may not be pleasant, but it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).
• Foster good relationships: Being peace-loving and considerate contributes to harmonious connections with others.

By integrating wisdom into your speech and deeds, and pursuing its good fruit, you can manifest a life that reflects the very character of the true wisdom described in the Bible.

The Source of Wisdom

In the Biblical context, the wisdom of God is more than knowledge or experience. It’s a divine principle that begins with reverence for God and culminates in the character of Christ Jesus.

The Fear of the Lord as the Foundation

The fear of the Lord is often described as the beginning of wisdom. You’ll find that this isn’t about being afraid but rather involves a profound respect and awe for the Creator.

This fear is the starting point for spiritual wisdom. It’s where you begin to understand life from God’s perspective.

Christ as the Embodiment of Wisdom

Jesus Christ is portrayed in the Bible as the wisdom of God personified.

By looking at Christ’s life and teachings, you encounter the power of God translated into human action. Learning from Christ’s example, you’re engaging with wisdom that has the power to transform your life from the inside out.

Acquiring and Growing in Wisdom

In your journey through life, wisdom is more than just knowledge; it’s the practical application of what you know, guided by understanding and moral integrity. To weave wisdom of God into the fabric of your daily life requires intentionality, a humble posture, and an openness to learn from various sources.

Asking God for Wisdom

If you’re seeking wisdom, start by asking God.

He generously gives to those who approach Him with humility, as noted in the book of James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach” (James 1:5). It’s a matter of coming before God in prayer, acknowledging that He is the fount of all wisdom and expressing your earnest desire to reflect it in your daily life.

Wisdom in Daily Living

Living wisely isn’t confined to extraordinary circumstances; it’s about making thoughtful choices every day. Whether you’re faced with a significant decision or a commonplace dilemma, wisdom helps you navigate through with discernment. 

Take the opportunity each day to apply biblical principles; this is how you grow in wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 highlights trusting in the Lord rather than your own understanding as the foundation for a wise approach to daily life.

The Role of Community and Counsel

No one lives in isolation, and acquiring wisdom often involves the community of believers around you. The wisdom of the aged and the insights gained from counsel are invaluable.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” This underscores the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and valuing communal thoughts and insight.

As you live and interact with others, embrace each opportunity to both receive and contribute wisdom within your community.

How does the Holy Spirit give us wisdom?

The Holy Spirit is often seen as a source of God’s wisdom for believers, providing guidance, insight, and understanding that goes beyond human reasoning. According to Christian theology, the Holy Spirit imparts wisdom in several ways:

1. Through Scripture: The Holy Spirit is believed to help individuals understand and apply the teachings of the Bible in their lives. As believers read and study the Bible, the Holy Spirit can illuminate their minds to understand the depths of God’s Word and how they can apply it to their lives.
2. Through Spiritual Gifts: Wisdom is listed as one of the gifts of the Spirit in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12:8). This gift is understood as an endowment from the Holy Spirit that allows a believer to discern God’s will and make decisions that align with God’s wisdom and principles.
3. Through Prayer: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit intercedes for them in prayer, often in ways that they cannot express with words. In this process, the Spirit can provide God’s wisdom and direction in response to their prayers, guiding them according to God’s will.
4. Through Revelation: Ephesians 1:17 speaks of a “spirit of wisdom and revelation,” which suggests that the Holy Spirit can reveal deeper insights into the nature of God and His purposes, leading to a greater understanding of spiritual truths.
5. Through the Community of Believers: The Holy Spirit also works within the community of the church, providing wisdom through the counsel and advice of other mature believers. This communal aspect of wisdom helps individuals to grow in their faith and discernment as they live out their beliefs in fellowship with others.

These modes of imparting wisdom are not exhaustive but represent some of the primary ways that the Holy Spirit can impart wisdom to believers.

The Impact of Wisdom

Wisdom in the Bible isn’t just a trait—it’s a powerful force that shapes lives, guides decisions, and leads to a long life of fulfillment and purpose. Here’s how it influences different aspects of living.

Wisdom’s Protection Against Foolishness

In biblical terms, wisdom acts as a safeguard against foolishness, an undesirable trait marked by disregard for God’s guidance.

The book of Proverbs warns that the foolish often succumb to deception, sometimes their own, leading to destructive outcomes. On the contrary, wisdom equips you with discernment to recognize and avoid such pitfalls, securing you on a path of righteousness and justice.

Wisdom and Personal Fulfilment

Your pursuit of biblical wisdom is deeply connected to personal happiness and fulfillment.

It isn’t about accumulating knowledge; rather, it’s applying that knowledge in ways that align with God’s will. This intentional living fosters an internal sense of peace and joy, as it anchors your life in purpose and hope.

Wisdom’s Role in Leadership and Governance

Leaders who embrace wisdom inherently seek justice and fair governance, critical elements in creating harmonious societies.

The right application of wisdom can strengthen leadership more than power or might, affecting positive change and promoting long life and honor among communities. A wise ruler understands that true authority comes with the responsibility to protect and serve justly, cultivating an environment where people can thrive in peace and redemption.

Paradoxes and Challenges of Wisdom

Navigating wisdom in the Bible reveals numerous paradoxes and challenges. You’ll encounter the limitations of human understanding and the profound depth of divine insight, which often stands in stark contrast to earthly wisdom.

The Limitations of Human Wisdom

Your quest for knowledge can be humbling as you face the limitations of human wisdom. The Bible acknowledges that even the wisest among us sees through a glass, darkly (1 Corinthians 13:12), grappling with the mystery behind divine purposes.

In Proverbs 3:5, you’re cautioned to trust in the Lord rather than lean on your own understanding, a clear nod to the finite nature of human discernment. Revelation of true wisdom comes not from human intellect alone, but through a relationship with God.

The Contrast Between Divine and Earthly Wisdom

While philosophers throughout history have sought after earthly wisdom, the Bible presents a compelling contrast.

First Corinthians 1:25 mentions the “foolishness of God” being wiser than men, a statement that flips conventional wisdom on its head. The wisdom that comes from above is described as “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

This divine wisdom is deeply intertwined with holiness, unlike mundane knowledge that can be mired in ego and ambition. Remember, what is esteemed on earth is often folly in heaven (Luke 16:15).

So…what is wisdom in the Bible? Now you know!

It won’t come all at once! But with time, practice, and placing your faith in God’s leading, you’re sure to develop godly wisdom throughout your lifetime. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions About What is Wisdom in the Bible

In this section, you’ll find concise answers to some common questions about wisdom as it’s portrayed in the Bible. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or apply biblical wisdom to your life, these insights can guide you.

How can one gain wisdom according to the Bible?

To gain wisdom from a biblical perspective, you should seek God through prayer as James 1:5 suggests—asking Him for wisdom openly. Studying the Scriptures is also essential in acquiring wisdom.

What are the differences between wisdom and knowledge in Scripture?

Wisdom in the Bible is often seen as the proper application of knowledge, where wisdom is more than just facts, it’s understanding how to apply those facts in the right manner. Knowledge can be seen as the acquisition of facts and information, while wisdom is discerning what to do with that information.

Which Bible verses provide the best guidance on understanding wisdom?

Several Bible verses are central to understanding wisdom, including Proverbs 4:7 which encourages valuing wisdom above all else, and James 3:17 which describes wisdom from Heaven as pure and peace-loving.

In what ways does the Bible suggest using wisdom in our daily lives?

The Bible suggests using wisdom practically in daily life by making decisions that are just, fair, and aligned with God’s will. Proverbs 3:13-18 talks about embracing wisdom as a path to a fulfilling and long life.

How is spiritual wisdom depicted in the Bible?

Spiritual wisdom in the Bible is depicted as insight that is God-given, transcending human intelligence. It’s a deeper form of understanding that aligns one’s life with spiritual principles and God’s guidance, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 2:13-14.

What role does wisdom play in decision-making and discernment as per biblical teachings?

In biblical teachings, wisdom is crucial for sound decision-making and discernment. It helps to discern truth and make choices that reflect righteousness, and understanding the will of God, as encapsulated in the book of Proverbs and that of James.

Who is Lady Wisdom in the Bible?

Lady Wisdom in the Bible is a personification of God’s wisdom, depicted as a woman in several passages, particularly in the book of Proverbs.

This literary figure represents wisdom, offering guidance, instruction, and warnings to the reader. The portrayal of wisdom as a woman can be seen in passages like Proverbs 1:20-33 and Proverbs 8:1—9:12, where she calls out to people to follow the path of insight and understanding.

The choice to personify wisdom as a woman is linked to the Hebrew word for wisdom, “chochmah,” which is grammatically feminine, thus leading to its personification as a female figure. Additionally, this personification is not merely about gender but also encompasses roles beyond traditional ones, showing Lady Wisdom in a variety of roles, including that of a prophet and a source of counsel.

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