MR. D'S NOTES ON WISDOM

By Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.

Copyright 2002

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author, except as provided by U.S.A. copyright laws.

Do feel free to make copies for friends that might be interested as long as you do not make profit from the copies. This is God's work and I don't want anyone to profit from it in a material way.


INTRODUCTION

This is not meant to be a concise work on wisdom, but a brief look at the verses that mention it in Scripture and gaining some insight into the usage. It would make the basis for a good Sunday school or preaching series. I trust that it will assist you in your ministry and life.

The desire of many is wisdom in this life but all to often when we finally achieve that goal of life we are too old and feeble to gain any benefit from that which we have striven. It is my hope that via this study the course to wisdom might be shortened.

It seems to me that wisdom is very slow coming because we gain it for the most part from the school of hard knocks and hard learned lessons from life. If however we can glean some insight from the Word - insight of what life style changes we can work to bring us into conformity with His will more quickly then we might gain wisdom a little sooner and not have to pay so much tuition at that hard knocks school.

Only after some have set themselves to this course of action will we know whether this idea be from a wise man or from one that has not been to the aforementioned school long enough.

It strikes me after saying this that most likely wisdom is wise use of knowledge - knowledge being easy to come by but how to use it may be a little more difficult. But at least if one knows how a wise man lives then he can appear to be wise - that will aid our testimony before mankind until we can gain true knowledge.

I might interject that the flow of the study from verse to verse may seem erratic, but it follows the passages as they are listed for the different forms of the word wise in the concordance.

This is not designed to be a definitive study on the subject, only some observations from the texts listed in the concordance.

I was terribly amused when I sat down to do the final proofing of this work. My wife was taking a class at the local community college for her employment and I have been doing some study at the student services building while she is in class. This evening I walked into my usual table and on the table were some fliers.

“THE WISDOM CIRCLE”

“The purpose of the Wisdom Club is to allow a place for pagans, wiccans and other old world religions to meet without fear of religious discrimination.” Under the quote was a boiling pot. Now I am not sure why they would call it a “Wisdom circle/club” when they have rejected the purest wisdom on earth, indeed the only true wisdom - God. Anyway, let us continue in our search.

Gene 3:6 "And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."

It would seem that wisdom was to be desired even in the Garden of Eden! Imagine that! I certainly won't make any strong comments that it was a woman that first desired wisdom. That could certainly be turned against man and appear to some that man didn't know enough to desire it.

Now, one must observe the obvious fact that Eve was thus proven to be unwise, not only in her decision but also in her created condition. This is not meant to be a put down to women. All are born in the condition of lacking wisdom. I'm not sure it takes much observation of children to realize the truth of this statement. Indeed, one can't miss the obvious that even many young adults have little wisdom! Well, okay many older adults may even be lacking in wisdom - thus the obvious - wisdom must be a learned process.

This term is also translated circumspect, understanding, wisely, and insight. These terms give us some insight into the term - not terms usually associated with those wet behind the ears, as they used to say. Wisdom seems to be something that accrues with life and age.

In Job 22:2 we see that wisdom is profitable to the person. "Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?" It also seems that we can be a benefit to God as well which ought to give us a great desire to gain wisdom!

Psalm 2:10 encourages kings to be wise and to be open to instruction thus we might glean that a wise man does not necessarily know everything - the wise can be taught. "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth."

Psalm 36:3 mentions that one that has left being wise is connected with deceit and iniquity. Not only is the unwise person open to wrong, as was Eve, but we should note that we seem to have a choice between being wise and not being wise.

This rather relates vividly to our profitability to God and self!

Psalm 94:8 relates the brutish and the fool to the category of the unwise. "Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?" Brutish carries the thought of one that ignites and/or consumes or burns - I would assume in the context of the fool it might relate to the thought of one who starts things that cause destruction. So if one is wasteful or troublesome and/or a fool, seek wisdom!

Hard work seems to relate to this wisdom. One that gathers the harvest is wise. This passage always reminds me of the story of the grasshopper that fiddled his way through the good times while the ants prepared for winter. When winter came the grasshopper was unprepared and had to be cared for by the ants. Prov. 10:5 "He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame."

I saw a cartoon of this tale when I was a child and have never forgotten the truth of the story. I trust others will consider it well. May we as believers, be wise in our participation in the Lord's harvest! What are you doing to bring the lost to the Lord?

I must smile with this next text because many are the verbally abusive people that have crossed my path over the years - those that think themselves wise. Prov. 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.

Dare I say more? No. Well maybe a word or two. I have had my detractors over the years. Most of these folks gave witness to their sin when they vented their verbiage toward the unsuspecting.

When I hear someone unleashing on another I often wonder of their Christian life. How can someone be verbally abusive to another child of God?

Prov. 10:19 "The king's favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame." We don't see a lot here but the lack of causing shame - how does that relate to our day?

Might it relate to anything that causes another to feel less than he/she really is? Like maybe teasing, like maybe cutting remarks, like maybe ignoring someone or maybe talking down to someone?

It isn't of small significance that the result of the one causing shame is wrath - that should bring about a change of action even if nothing else does. Do you suppose that one of the results of that wrath coming upon one might bring with it shame? Many that cause others shame by belittlement are themselves feeling less than they desire about themselves so belittle others to build themselves up.

It seems obvious to the believer but isn't that clear to the lost - the wise person seeks to avoid hell - to put it in the 2002 vernacular - WELL, DDUUUUHH! Prov. 15:24 "The way of life [is] above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath."

It also seems clear to me from this text that it is not wrong to seek God just to avoid hell - indeed, it seems that is the clear implication of this verse! Avoidance of the unpleasant seems the clear choice of the wise - not only hell but any unpleasantness.

Let me share two illustrations of these aspects. First the avoidance of hell. Faith, my wife, once gave small gifts of appreciation to some temporary employees. She included with the gift a tract. One of the women returned the tract to Faith with a note written on the back. "I do not believe in Jesus Christ." A woman, I am sure that thought she was being wise to acknowledge her disbelief to avoid further such approaches from a religious nut, was in fact showing how unwise she really was.

Secondly, the avoidance of unpleasantness in general. It seems that some believers live for unpleasantness. They love to stir up trouble and cause problems for everyone.

One serious problem in my mind is that the church does not stop this sort of person. Causing division is basis for church discipline! I have never seen anyone disciplined for this - maybe this is why we have so much division in our churches today. (Rom. 16.17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Parenting is found in the context of wisdom! Prov. 17:2 "A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren."

Actually, can you really believe this one? God actually thinks that a parent ought to control his/her child - should keep that child from doing certain things - my my that sounds like God is getting abusive! At least that is what the world is telling us - keep the child from reaching their full potential by having don'ts is the same as abuse to many in the world today!

Indeed, the one that keeps the son from causing shame will have an inheritance - reward for his good control. At the very least they will have the joy of seeing a good child mature into adulthood. (You might find the account of Eli and his sons of interest in this respect.)

Dan. 12:3 may relate to the thought of the inheritance mentioned in the previous verse "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." The text is not specific but seems to suggest that the wise are very special to the Lord - shinning examples of those that seek wisdom and God over foolishness and its god the world.

Dan. 12:10 speaks of the wise having understanding as opposed to the lost not understanding. "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand wisely"

Again, we see that there is a marked difference between the lost and the saved when it comes to wisdom. This is not a total surprise to the person that believes in the total depravity of man - that doctrine which teaches that man in his natural state has no understanding of God's dealings with man.

David caught the Lord's recognition when he was acting wisely even when he was away from Saul. This might relate to the fact that we should act properly at all times - at the least we are to act properly when we are away from our authority. I Sam. 18:5 "And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants."

Our daughter revealed once that she had not lived in a proper manner (nothing seriously off base, just not as she knew she should live), or as she knew we would have liked, when she was at high school. We did not know this until she was married and safely away from our authority - JOKE - the point being she was not wise in this way of life. God appreciates those that walk circumspectly even when no one knows.

God was able to use this lifestyle of David's in the life of Saul. I Sam. 18:14 "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him." 15 "Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him."

When we live properly we may affect many lives around us. Our circumspectness may bring about the same in others if their fear leads them to God.

I have spoken to many people over the years that have regretted decisions they had made in life. They themselves often wondered what they had not done for the Lord by living incorrectly. I often mention this as "missed blessings" and I do believe that this is a valid truth. At times when we have chosen to go our own way, God's work is stopped in our lives. It is not that God can't do what He wants to do - He most certainly does, but he does it through other people - we miss out on knowing the joy of seeing what God could have done through us.

I Sam. 18:30 "Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, [that] David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by." If you really want a good name this is it - be wise. The "so that his name was much set by." relates to the people’s view of David - he was respected. One translation mentions his name was precious.

Psalm 64:9 "And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing." This text speaks of some of David's hard times, yet there seems to be a looking past what David was facing to the more clear, righteous/unrighteous man.

It seems to speak to the lost before God and their response to Him. Since the response seems positive, we must view this as an end time context - they are going to finally view God as they should - as the God of the universe worthy of their recognition.

Wise action is related to perfection in Psalm 101:2 "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." Our lives should reflect this passage - the fact that our lives should be spent seeking to live perfectly - correctly before our Lord.

Handling matters of life should be done wisely. Proverbs 16:20 "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he." Life is full of choices for each and every one of us and God desires that we each make those decisions as wisely as possible.

When in life should we start with these decisions? We should start at the earliest point in our life as is possible. Few young people come to college with much wisdom. One young man came that seemed to show great wisdom in his choices - he soon was dating a young lady of similar qualities. Soon this couple married. What a joy to watch them through their courtship making all of the wise decisions. They were walking with God and He with them - they certainly found good. We have seen them grow in the Lord and have served the Lord faithfully for many years since.

God desires that we avoid wickedness, however we are not to ignore it nor its end. Proverbs 21:12 "The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness."

We are to consider the wicked so that we may know what wickedness is, as well as consider the way of the wicked and their end - God will overthrow them when the time comes. That “overthrow” should solidify our desire to be numbered among the righteous!

Job 34:35 "Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words [were] without wisdom."

It seems that the people around us may perceive our verbal contributions to conversation as unwise. Hummmm, seems I resemble that comment. In Jobs case his friends were rather closed minded about what he said. This most likely is the case in my life as well. Many are the times when I have talked with people that they have totally taken what I've said wrong, or completely blocked it out of their mind as worthless.

I think that the wise action is to let them rant - you will never change their mind - even if you did they will be too embarrassed to let you know.

Wisdom can somehow instruct the wise. Proverbs 1:3 "To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;"

I think that the concept of keeping your peace when you are taken wrongly may apply here. As we keep our peace, it seems that we vividly see the benefit. We often see our vindication come forth by revelations which God makes evident.

Be sure to understand that the other items listed in this passage also can bring instruction if we allow it.

Gen. 41:8 "And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but [there was] none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh."

Now, to the problem. Why is wisdom completely lacking between the Garden of Eden to Joseph? The text mentions wise men were in existence at the time so the concept of wisdom had been around previously - just not a real high priority it would seem.

It may be of importance that these wise men are in a secular system - wisdom is not a Christian thing it is a human thing - all must deal with it or with the lack thereof.

Gen. 41:33 "Now, therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:"

This may be of interest - the wisest of all the land was a child of God! The wisest of all the land was not an old duffer either, nor was he rich - he was wise and worthy of being given great responsibility in spite of his youth and servitude.

Might we find application in this for our church pastors and leaders? I think it obvious we should!

It was also noted of this future leader that he was discreet - a noted mark of being wise I would think.

Exod. 7:11 "Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments."

Wise men are related to sorcerers - not necessarily a required relationship, but an important point as to where the world often looks for wisdom. Also it may be an indicator of God's sovereignty - the lost seek secular wisdom at times and God's wisdom at other times.

This may also give rise to the observation that there is a difference between God's wisdom and secular wisdom. Apply that - where do we go for wisdom as Christians - it had better be to those with Godly wisdom. I fear this is often not the case - we often go to lost counselors.

Exod. 23:8 "And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous."

This word has the idea of "clear sighted" or "seeing clearly" or "seeing things as they really are." The Net Bible translates it "open eyed" which seems to relate to not being blinded by the gift. “Gift” is translated bribe by the Net Bible. This seems clear from the context and the text. The context is a list of do's and don'ts to be followed - sorry all those that don't like lists of do's and don'ts, but yes, God is a true legalist in your mind.

The term bribe fits much better in the verse. Indeed, the term is translated bribe a number of times in the Word.

Exod. 28:3 "And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." (Exod. 31:6; Exod. 35:10; Exod. 36:4; Exod. 36:8 also)

God gives wisdom for service! Also to note, this was given to non-priests so that they could assist the priest in his service to God! God can and should use laymen in His service. Pastors ought not keep the people of God from assisting in the ministry. God is very interested in having His people assisting Him in His work.

Another possible application even though it will clearly be unpopular in this day in the church is dress in worship. God went to great length to dress his priests - look at the pulpits of today - some have men in them that look like they stepped down off the tractor.

Exod. 35:25 mentions in the context of gathering for the "Lord's offering" wise women. "And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, [both] of blue, and of purple, [and] of scarlet, and of fine linen." Gathering for the Lord is a wise thing - might our preachers take some note of this fact. Wise people - on their own - without twisting of arms, without pleading, without intimidation will gather for the Lord's offering. It may be that the pleading and arm-twisting is because some of the causes are not the Lord's.

I have spent time in two churches where the offering plate has never been passed, nor are there plans to do so. There are boxes/plates at the back door into which the offerings of the believers are dropped. Neither church has ever wanted for the funds they needed.

Exod. 36:1 "Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded. 2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, [even] every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:"

Just a brief comment - God seems quite interested in His sanctuary - why is it that we seem so flip about it? We seem to treat our place of worship with little if any respect. We teach our children by our absence of correction that the sanctuary is where we run, scream and shout until the service starts, then that is when we must be quiet and play with toys and books, eat crackers and maybe take our nap.

The wise man is to be considered as part of leadership. Deut. 1:13 "Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you."

There are two other qualities to be considered - understanding and being known. In other words you don't take a man that is unknown for your church leadership. How does that relate to the way we call pastors in our current church environment? Seldom do we KNOW the men we call and in that we find our problems.

A small church in the Midwest called a man that seemed right for the job. A few months into his pastorate one of the deacons arrived at the pastor’s house unexpectedly for a visit and found his pastor playing poker and smoking with some of the town’s men.

The deacons called one of the pastor's references - a local Bible college - to see why the pastor would have used them for a reference. The college informed the church that no one at the school knew the pastor - he was not known by his church before he was called.

Some would suggest that this is Old Testament so does not relate to calling a pastor. True it is old covenant, but it seems God is interested in these qualities for His leaders. Deut. 1:15 relates the same thought.

The following text pictures what has been mentioned previously - our wise walk will be a testimony to those around us. Deut. 4:6 "Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people."

One might also assume that the reverse of this text might be true - not being wise in life pictures us as fools to the lost. The sad part of this concept is that believers often condemn and scoff at a believer that takes a stand on things of the Lord - often when the lost around us realize and understand our position they have respect for our wise living.

Humm, one further thought, how does the United States appear to the world - we follow not the laws of God yet claim Him - aren't we viewed by the world correctly? As fools?

Again, we see that a bribe is inappropriate - because it blinds the wise man to truth. Deut. 16:19 "Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous."

In this text we see another principle - it is implied in the previous thoughts but here clearly stated - he must be a believer. Deut. 17:15 "Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother."

What would a pulpit committee be thinking of to call or recommend a nonbelieiver to a congregation - not acceptable! Or for that matter why would any congregation place any, lost person in any place of leadership in a church - also totally unacceptable!

In Deut. 32:29 we read "O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!"

This text relates being wise directly with proper understanding - oh, that the Godly would correctly understand the God that they profess to know.

In Jud. 5:29 we see "Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,"

I would not want to be obnoxious, but certainly I should be fair to those readers of the female gender and call attention to the fact that women can be wise as well as men. It might be noted also, though I am not sure this text proves it conclusively, but one of the attributes of a wise female is to be a lady.

I shall not belabor this point, but I personally believe the older women of our generation have not taught the younger women of our generation or the next, to be ladies. There is much to be desired in this area of our Christian church in this society. (II Sam. 14:2; II Sam. 20:16 also mentions that women can be wise.)

II Sam. 14:20 "To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord [is] wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all [things] that [are] in the earth."

Another aspect of wisdom that we have not seen before - angels have wisdom. It should be of little surprise, but it seems to comfort me to know that they are wise as they care for us and guard over us. It would be a lesser confidence we might have if we knew we had unwise angels watching over us!

A second point might be made here as well. We as humans can have the same wisdom that the angels have. Since wisdom, most likely, is generated by God in our beings, through the circumstances of life, we can take solace that He is communicating the same level of wisdom that He has already communicated to them. He gives a wisdom that is equal to our ability to understand it.

Wisdom relates to proper judgment in different situations of life. When we are called upon to act in church discipline or in jury court cases, we can have the wisdom to judge properly. One of the results of knowing this is that we can know our decision is correct - based on wise thought processes.

I sat on a jury many years ago relating to a drunk driving accident. It was of interest to me to see how all but one juror saw the guilt of the man. As the one, hold out, juror expressed herself, she expressed her total lack of wisdom. She made no sense in her thinking about the case. I Kin. 2:9 "Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou [art] a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood."

I Kings 3:12 "Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee."

There is a level of wisdom that can be given it would seem. God prepares His children for the task at hand - if you aren't the most wise, then you may assume you do not need that level of wisdom - otherwise God would have given you more.

It is a comfort to me, many times over, to know that God prepares us individually for the work that He has in mind for us. Many are the time I have wondered at my inability to sing, or to speak with the smoothness of many other men, but I know in my mind that He has prepared me as He has a need for me to be prepared - no more and no less.

Wisdom is God given as we see from this text. This has been mentioned prior to this in the study, but here we see the Biblical basis for it.

It is good to see that secular leaders can see wisdom in God's leaders. I Kin. 5:7 "And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed [be] the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people."

Sad to say in our present age God's leaders are not always viewed in such a manner. It isn't the lost people's perception that is incorrect but the lives of God's leaders. When we have many of the big name television preachers showing such total disregard to wise actions and living - what can we expect?

There have been the major adultery problems. There have been the money misuse problems. There have been other problems - plagiarism, lying, divorce, and appearance of evil. Why would any lost person view these actions as being wise use of God's time here on earth?

It is no wonder the lost hesitate to listen to the Gospel - many of those lost people lead a much more moral life than do the Christian leadership. Why would any sane lost person want to be "saved" out of their moral life into an immoral one? Strong comments? I certainly hope so!

In the following text we see wisdom linked to a counselor - I believe we have made point of this previously - why would anyone want to go to an unwise counselor? Yet, many believers have been sucked into the psychological quagmire of the world. Many so-called Christian counselors take their training from the world and use these worldly principles to treat their unsuspecting clients. I Chr. 26:14 "And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward."

There is an aspect of "prudence and good sense" in the word used here. Common sense might be the thought. Some today lack common sense about counselors. (I Chr. 27:32 also)

We see in Esther that wisdom is related to knowing the times, law and judgment. Esther 1:13 "Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so [was] the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:"

I believe that all three are quite important but I would like to dwell on knowing the times for a moment. There are people that know the times, there are people that are ahead of their times and there are people that are behind their times. Those that are ahead of their times are usually misunderstood and as a result ignored by the mainstream. Those that are behind their times drag down all that is going on around them.

Knowing your times is a great asset to the individual as well as those around them. Knowing and understanding the world in which you live is imperative to being useful to God in that world. I am not saying you have to get down and wallow with the world but you need to understand those you would reach.

This is the problem with the entertainment focus in our church today. We are entertaining to get the gospel out - what are the new believers seeking -- salvation or inclusion in the entertainment crowd?

An item that might be mentioned is the number of times that people have wise men around them. Esth. 6:13 tells us "And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every [thing] that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai [be] of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him."

Nowhere are we told to bring wise people into our presence nor to keep their company, however many men of the Bible did just that. It might be surmised then that having wise men around is not a sign of a lacking in character or mentality but a sign that there is recognition of need. In short, it isn't a short coming to seek the counsel of the wise. Indeed, in my own mind it is a sign of ignorance and/or lack of understanding for a pastor to not have a board of men which he turns to for counsel.

It seems it would take a most arrogant and prideful man to reject the wisdom of the men that God has raised up in their church to assist him in his ministry. Sadly more than once I have heard of pastors disbanding their boards so that they could usurp full control over their church.

It is indicated that the wisdom of the lost is not necessarily real wisdom but maybe a false or skin wisdom. Job 5:13 "He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong."

With craftiness and/or other qualities of dubious nature one can appear to have wisdom. Though it is not stated, I am sure the believer wanting to appear wise could also put on the facade of being wise. This is another good reason for seeking church leadership from among “known” men.

Though this text speaks of the negative, it speaks to the one that takes a stand as one with strength. Job 9:4 "[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?"

Taking a stand in our day takes real strength of character. In the secular world we have recently seen those that try to correct wrong in the maze of organizationalism are often fired or at the least threatened if they don't keep quiet.

In the church I fear it is no better. To speak out against wrong especially of the leadership is totally misconstrued - you become a troublemaker - there need be no investigation of your comments - you are automatically in the wrong.

The word used in the following verse seems to speak of a taken wisdom or of one that is not one's own. The thought of ravish is seen in the word in some contexts. Job 11:12 "For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass's colt." Lost man is not naturally wise it would seem.

The result is rather obvious from the verse and probably needs no further comment other than the admonition to consider your perceived image if you do use this type of false image of wisdom.

In a list of things that seem obviously foolish we see Job 15:2 "Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?"

Of course, the obvious answer is, no - a wise man should not utter vain knowledge. Thus the obvious principle - if you see a person uttering vain knowledge, you know you have an unwise man or an unwise wise man.

When watching a breaking news report of a helicopter rescue that had been going on for five hours on the local television station I was interested that the normally bright news team was babbling to fill time. A shadow on the mountain had caught their attention. They decided that it was a stretcher that was hanging below the chopper but due to the turbulence of the blades was being blown a considerable length behind the plane.

I was totally embarrassed for them when the stretcher began rising from the snow directly below the chopper. Further embarrassment was forth coming when the chopper turned and it became clear that the shadow was from part of the plane. They didn't mean to mislead but in an effort to appear knowledgeable they uttered vain knowledge.

The final phrase of this verse is of note - I don't want to belabor the meaning as I have not studied the meaning, but I might observe that where I live the east wind is always warm - is the verse saying they fill themselves with hot air? Enough said.

There seems to be some dispute as to the exact meaning of this verse but both positions picture the wise man as sharing his wisdom. Job 15:18 "Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid [it]:"

Job 17:10 could indicate that there will not necessarily be a whole bunch of wise men around when you need them. "But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find [one] wise [man] among you."

The following text reminds me greatly of a man that I have little respect for. This lack of respect is due to his lack of wisdom. I hesitate to say it but I think he missed being a great man due to his lack of wisdom. Job 32:9 "Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment."

This man was/is a very intelligent man. Although I disagree with almost every thing he believes politically his intelligence is evident. Sadly his lack of wisdom was also very evident - Past-president Clinton - I trust he will find wisdom and measure up to the greatness he should have achieved previously.

The wise man should listen when others speak - they may reject in their wisdom that which they hear, but an open ear may gain the wise man new knowledge and add to their wisdom. Job 34:2 "Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge." (Also see Job 34:34)

God seems to scoff at those that think themselves wise. Job 37:24 "Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any [that are] wise of heart."

Aren't these people a crack up? I trust you have had the pleasure of meeting one of these people. They can be so very aggravating but when you realize what they are they become quite comical - they are so full of themselves they even believe themselves to be wise in their unwise state.

Ahhhhh, there is hope for me - the simple can become wise! Psalm 19:7 "The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple."

I trust, again, that you have had the honor to meet one of these people - someone that is simple yet made wise by God. You will find them so refreshing - they will make up for those that “would be wise” that you have to put up with.

I have mentioned many times over the years, a pastor I met many years ago. I was on deputation and was invited to share our ministry in his church. At supper I asked him where he went to school. After a long pause and a flushed face he said quietly that he had quite high school and had never gone to Bible college.

His embarrassment was a very sad commentary on the church at large. I told him as much - I told him to never apologize for what Almighty God had made of him. God prepares the man for ministry, not all the preconceived notions of His people.

This man had a fair sized church of quite spiritual people. They were one of the more responsive churches I was pleasured to visit over many years. The man allowed himself to be used in these people’s lives to build them up as He willed.

It is obvious that the wise have no special privileges when it comes to death - they also die. Psalm 49:10 "For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others."

Kind of seems that the wise should not think themselves special nor above any of God's laws. He is just as susceptible to the failings of man as the fool - even though he ought to be wise enough not to succumb to those failings.

The wise will know the loving-kindness of the LORD! That is enough reason to seek wisdom. Few really come to truly understand and enjoy the depth of His love for the believer.

Loving-kindness is translated many ways in the Old Testament – grace, goodness, good etc. all showing a God that deeply loves the believer. This love often is not known by Christians because they never realize all He does for them. We are so wrapped up in ourselves that we think all that is good in our lives is due to our good endeavors when in fact much is directly from God and indirectly all is from Him. It is only through His good grace that we have health to do all we do. Psalm 107:43 "Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD."

A wise man will increase learning. There are those in the church that look down their uneducated noses and ridicule those that seek learning. They despise college and seminary education and turn up their noses at those that do not reject it with them. Hummm to those that fit in this category, and few there will be that admit it, please explain thine position in relation to this, paying special attention to the obvious back side to the verse. One that rejects learning seems to be unwise.

I recently read a thread on an internet forum that was about seminaries. The people were showing their distain of seminaries by calling them cemeteries and they accused all seminaries of teaching false doctrine and causing men to become dead spiritually. I suggested they were demeaning the God that lead all those men into seminary training, to which came a barrage of the same rhetoric of death and false doctrine.

I might give one further observation to these - at the same time that they despise the learning of others, they pride themselves on their knowledge of the Word - which they could only have via learning. Psalm 49:10 "A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings."

Prov. 3:7 seems to speak to the false wisdom of many in our world today. "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

The wise shall inherit glory according to Prov. 3:35 "The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools." Everyone looks forward to gaining an inheritance - it is the subject of many many movies and television shows.

I must admit when my father died there was little concern for any forthcoming inheritance for we had no idea if he had gained an eternal inheritance. He had been confronted with the Gospel many times, but he had never made a profession of faith.

As for the material inheritance there was little left after the bills were paid. He worked his entire life to gain something to leave to us but the world allowed him to acquire little in this life. We hope that he took the opportunity to make gain in the next.

Again, we see the implication that the wise should be learners. (Prov. 6:6; Prov. 8:33) One might want to spend further time on their own considering the related passage Prov. 9:8 "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning."

Prov. 9:12 seems to indicate that we are to keep our wisdom to ourselves in the thought that we not brag of it, however sharing it with others when it is desired would be an integrated part of wisdom. "If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it]."

Prov. 10:1 “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.” Alright we see here that the mother is at fault if a son turns out bad and a father is to be credited with a wise son. Well, maybe that isn't a good interpretation/application of the text indeed, it is a very bad application of it, however it does point out the joy of a parent over the son that turns out well. It also shows the heaviness over one that is lacking.

A comment is appropriate here for mothers and fathers that raised their children to the best of their ability. When they turn out well be joyful at what the Lord has done in their life, but when the child turns out poorly do not concern yourself about what might have been or what you could have done differently. If you raised them in the Lord then they had opportunity to follow God but chose a different path. Children make their own decisions in life - you can guide all you want but they make the choices and are responsible for them.

Many are the preachers of this world that wrongly hurt parents with their unkind comments when the child goes their own way. With a certainty, if you were not raising your child properly then you may be a partaker in responsibility. This however is not a life sentence to whip yourself with the rest of your life - seek God's forgiveness and move on to a better walk with the Lord. Prayer and God are the only answer to the child gone wrong.

I might share that a number of the children I have heard about - going wrong - have later opened their eyes to their error and returned to the Lord - becoming the joy the parent desired. Not all, but many.

Prov. 10:8 "The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall." Hummmmmmm. Well I wonder about those that say God doesn't have a do's and don'ts list - they must be squirming in their beliefs in this study and its combining do's and don'ts with wisdom and doing it so often.

I also wonder at the squirmability of those that feel gaining knowledge and learning are so wrong. Prov. 10:14 "Wise [men] lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction."

The thought of the importance of souls as it relates to wisdom is seen in the next text. Prov. 11:29-30 "He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool [shall be] servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise."

Some today see little else for the believer to do - soul winning is our purpose in life. It is certainly a wise thing to be a part of, but it is not all the wise person is to pay attention to - this study makes this obvious.

At the same time there are those that leave the soul-winning to the pastor. The congregation gets them to the church and the pastor – hopefully gets them saved. This is not only the practical application of the way churches are run but in many churches it is the pastors expressed desire. If this methodology were true then only pastors could be wise.

We have seen that acceptance of counsel is the wise persons’ lot. We are to assume this is wise counsel, otherwise we wouldn't be too wise. Prov. 12:15 "The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise."

In Prov. 12:18 we see what could be embarrassing too many believers. "There he accepts that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health."

Could another believer - or God for that mater, listen to your tongue for a day and call you healthy? Many believer’s tongues are no different than the tongue of the lost.

On one of the computer boards where I used to read, often the members were prone from time to time to discuss at length the pastors or deacons that were or were not doing right. I wonder how this differs from the gossip these same people condemn.

The Scripture is clear that if we have a problem with another we are to go to that person personally. Nowhere do I see a Biblical precedent for discussing church leadership on an internet computer board with people from all over the world. (Also see Prov. 14:3 for further benefit to the wise tongue "In the mouth of the foolish [is] a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.")

Next we see that a wise man will hear his fathers instructions. Prov. 13:1 "A wise son [heareth] his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke."

Some might suggest that this is just simply listening to what he has to say, however the word translated instruction can also be translated chastisement, chasten and correction - not just simply listening. The wise son will realize his father may have "wise" things to say to him!

Wisdom leads to life. Prov. 13:14 "The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." Wisdom itself is not life, nor the source of life eternal, but the wise will certainly seek unto life everlasting.

Those around us that are wise, can also be a fountain or source of life - if we listen. The Net Bible translates it as follows: "Instruction from the wise is like a life-giving fountain, to turn a person from deadly snares"

As young believers, one ought to be sensitive to the learning of those that have gone on before. The older believers often have suffered the pitfalls of wrong decisions and younger believers should learn from the education of life that others may give.

Many are the young pastor that have flung themselves headlong into mistake after mistake in their first work only to realize that they had a wealth of information around them that could have saved the church much sorrow.

Young people please find time to get to know some wise believers and listen to what they have to say, then go to the Lord with much prayer and heed what you hear that is Biblical. You will save God, your church, and yourself much heart ache.

It seems just being around the wise can rub off on you. How great is that - just hang with the wise and you benefit! Prov. 13:20 "He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

“Wisdom by lazy,” it might seem - not necessarily so - hanging with this crowd will have its hard times - like when you foolishly open your mouth with some profound foolishness and they call you on it.

Women and their homemaking can and should use wisdom. The contrast seems to be between building and tearing down. I assume these are the extreme ends of the spectrum and that there are all shades of wisdom and foolishness between.

The believer should shoot for the wise end and seek to do the best they can with the children, using all the material, spiritual, and intellectual, resources available to her. To do otherwise is to be a fool. Prov. 14:1 "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."

Avoidance of sin would seem an obvious side effect or result of wisdom and in this text we see it stated. Prov. 14:16 "A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.”

In Prov. 14:24 we see "The crown of the wise [is] their riches: [but] the foolishness of fools [is] folly." The Net Bible note on this verse states: "Toy suggests that this line probably means that wealth is an ornament to those who use it well (Proverbs, p. 269). Greenstone suggests that it means that the wisdom of the wise, which is their crown of glory, constitutes their wealth (Proverbs, p. 155)."

The second rendering seems more appropriate to me. Certainly wisdom is a crown to the person that possesses it. One that knows he is wise also will know that he is very rich.

Prov. 15:2 seems to say it like it is with no holds barred. "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

Note that picture of the fool with foolishness POURING from his/her mouth. Hard to come up with an illustration so vivid so I won't even try.

Prov.15:7 carries a similar message relating to the wise - that of sharing wisdom and doing it correctly. "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so."

It would be sad indeed, for a wise person not to share their wisdom and even sadder if they were to misguide or misinform others with it.

A scorner is mentioned as one that will not seek out the wise. Prov. 15:12 "A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise."

Why, might be the question. The scourner would be one that scoffs at the wisdom of the wise - giving ridicule to draw importance to him/her self. Thus having built themselves up, why would they go to the one they tore down to gain their own stature?

Again we see the thought of a wise son and his parent’s reaction to their son. Prov. 15:20 "A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother."

Often have been the times when my sons have made wise decisions and let me know of their decisions – to which I have in my mind thrust my fist in the air and hollered YEEESSSSSS!!!! I might add that a certain daughter has brought about the same reaction.

What joy to know that not only have you taught them well, but that they have learned well and have committed to follow what is right before the Lord.

Prov. 15:31 "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise." One that listens to the lessons of life is wise. Life's lessons are usually quite hard and it is difficult to listen to them. Often one is tempted to turn a deaf ear to what is coming one's way - self pity being the preferable action.

Wisdom can conquer wrath. Now, that is an important truth to remember. Often when confronted with an angry person we tend to shrink from what is right so we don't have to deal with an angry person - however if we persist with wise words we will put an end to the anger and win the situation for the Lord. Prov. 16:14 "The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it."

Discernment or prudence is also a trait of the wise. Prov. 16:21 "The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning."

Understanding and decisiveness are part of this word translated prudence. Off the top I'd say that we are talking about not talking off the top of our head but waiting till we have information enough to give wise counsel.

Internet boards have been mentioned previously - you can usually tell the wise from the unwise when a question is asked. The unwise will jump in with both feet and really lay out THE answers, while the wise normally will ask for more information and also will occasionally caution the asker on taking advice from those that answer with little information.

It seems that we have another text that speaks to the wise being careful with their mouth and being sure that the tongue is profitable to the listener. Prov. 16:23 "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips."

The following verse seems to have a poor translation yet it is not entirely incorrect either. The term translated wise is the same word we saw earlier that was translated prudent. The wise man is called prudent so in a loose sense the word is alright translated wise. Prov. 17:10 "A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool."

The term reproof is also translated rebuke so this is a strong term indicating a strong verbal reprimand that is easily accepted by the wise person. I am assuming that this rebuke is something that is just and deserved, not just any rebuke from a know it all.

Years ago when we were planting a small church we were meeting in our home. I knew that we would not grow unless we had more room - we were close too maxed out in our living room. I started making suggestions for possible options. We were planning to make the purchase of an appropriate house in our own name then sell it to the church when and if the time came.

We found a nice simple house with a full basement that would have been perfect. When I suggested we consider it in a service one of the men spoke out in a not very nice manner that I just wanted a nicer house and that there was nothing wrong with where we were other than it wasn't good enough for me - I wanted a nicer house to live in was the only reason I brought it up - according to him. Clearly his view of my suggestion was one of a worldly nature.

I am not sure I was wise but I allowed the criticism to roll off. It became very clear shortly after that the people did not want a shepherd to lead and guide, but a puppet they could control.