As we read God’s Word, we find many references to living with wisdom as well as knowledge and understanding. An obvious question that arises is what is wisdom? The Oxford English Dictionary provides a very clear and appropriate definition as the first in a list of definitions. It is: “Capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgement in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, especially in practical affairs: opposed to folly.”
When we want to find out what God says about wisdom, the obvious, but not the only place to find out is in the book of Proverbs. In fact, the two verses after the statement of authorship reveal the purpose of the book. Proverbs 1:2-3 reads: “To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, and judgment, and equity…”
And we find where wisdom comes from in Proverbs 2:6-7: “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.”
We can read examples of God providing wisdom to various ones He has chosen. One was Joseph in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt (Acts 7:10). Another was Solomon who had the wisdom of God to administer justice (1 Kings 3:28). A third example was Daniel and his three friends (Daniel 1:17).
The Bible mentions two kinds of wisdom. One comes from the fear of the LORD and the other is of the world. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 mentions these two kinds of wisdom, one of this age and the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing, and the other is of God, which is for our glory, and will last forever. We can ask God for His wisdom if we lack it, as is mentioned in James 1:5. In fact, among the gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, wisdom is placed first presumably because it determines how we live and succeed in life.
Considering the rulers of this age, many times their wisdom leads them and their countries to hatred and war rather than to peace. However, God in His wisdom recommends in Romans 12:18 for us to live peaceably with all as far as it depends on us. So, we see that worldly wisdom and godly wisdom can have opposite results, one leading to death, and the other, life.
Looking back at the definition, wisdom enables us to have soundness of judgement, and to understand that for whatever action we partake of, it will result in an effect, whether good or bad.
God warns us in the book of Proverbs of things we need to avoid so as not to harm ourselves. A few examples are, with whom not to associate, and also to avoid adultery. These are not only listed in the book of Proverbs, but Exodus 23:2 instructs us not to follow a crowd to do evil, and 1 Corinthians 6:18 instructs us to flee sexual immorality. There are also many positive actions listed in the book of Proverbs, that if we fulfill them, we will receive positive results.
James 3:13-18 provides a very useful conclusion to the importance of godly wisdom compared with earthly wisdom, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
So, to live a righteous life, we must seek and use godly wisdom.
