PART THREE

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.





We see this special wisdom in even a more special way in the next passage. I Kings 4:29 "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that [is] on the sea shore. 30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.” And verse thirty-four “And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom." (I Kin. 5:12; I Kin. 10:4, 6-8; I Kin. 10:23; I Kin. 11:41)

Job jabs fun at those that would be wise. Job 12:2 "No doubt but ye [are] the people, and wisdom shall die with you." These people thought all wisdom dwelled with them but Job had insight into their assumed wisdom.

All right, we have a passage that actually says I might become wise some day. Job 12:12 "With the ancient [is] wisdom; and in length of days understanding. 13 With him [is] wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding."

The old guys can be wise, indeed, it seems that this is one place where you ought to expect wisdom to be found.

This contradicts the conventional thinking - old is bad - old is worthless - old is to be avoided at all cost, our media and society tell us. Not so in the Word of God, age is something that is to be honored and accepted. With age comes wisdom normally, and the wise young person will seek the wisdom of their elders.

There was a church that had their heating in the floor of the sanctuary and the rest of the building. It was heated by running a certain temperature water through copper pipes in the concrete slab floor.

The church voted in a young deacon board that was on an economy kick. They found the system was feeding a mixture of hot and cold water into the pipes. The young men decided that if they cut the cold water off it would heat quicker and save the church on heating the cold water.

The older men of the church warned them that they could not do this without hampering the system.

Youth won out because they had the power and lack of wisdom to bow to the wisdom of their elders.

They cut off the cold water and promptly cranked up the system and blew every solder joint in the concrete floor. Result - digging up every joint in the floor and re-soldering it and redoing the floor.

Not an economical lesson, but one that was well-learned I would suspect.

The text following seems to indicate that the wise are to be counselors to the unwise, yet the unwise are not always open to receiving counsel from anyone - yet the fact remains, God tells the wise to counsel the unwise - do the best that you can. Counsel those that are willing and offer to the other, but being pushy will not help most likely. Job 26:3 "How hast thou counseled [him that hath] no wisdom? and [how] hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?"

Not only is wisdom to be sought, but it is of great price. Job 28:18 "No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies." It is precious not only in the having, but also in the receiving. Job 28:20 "Whence then cometh wisdom? and where [is] the place of understanding?"

Those times when I have been given wise counsel I have been most overjoyed to have received it. It is quite often a relief to know that someone with some wisdom has given advice that you can act upon. Normally this is the counsel that agrees with what God has already led you to do, but having that second - agreeing opinion is of great comfort.

Probably one of the most pointed verses I have run across in my reading of the Word is this: Job 28:28 "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding."

If you gain nothing from this study but this one point - take this point away with you and tuck it back in your mind and keep it there for the rest of your life.

A proper understanding of God - the fear of the Lord - is what is missing most in America. We do not understand Him, or Who He is.

America is thumbing their nose at God and He will one day lower the boom on this country. We have kicked Him out of almost every area of life including our personal lives. We allow Him no part in our moral lives, we allow Him no part in our social lives and we allow Him no part in our personal lives.

Though we reject the teaching that God is dead, or that God does not exist, we relegate Him to being an unwilling participant in such reality. We do not acknowledge Him for Who He is, nor do we give Him any of His due.

The thought of age is again seen in the following passage Job 32:7 "I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom."

Oh, the times I have heard it said that we as Christians are not to judge - guess God didn't know what He meant when He inspired the following text. Psa. 37:30 "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."

We must talk of judgment. There are three ways. In the church we need to be speaking of church discipline. In our lives we need to be speaking of judging our own lives in light of the Word and finally we need to be speaking of the great coming judgment of God upon those that have rejected Him in their personal lives.

We must allow understanding to temper our thoughts of judgment. Psalm 49:3 "My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding."

In our inner being, we know if we are wise or not. Psalm 51:6 "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom."

We don't need to wonder - we don't need to pray - we know down deep, because we are knowledgeable of all our right and wrong decisions in life. When we start gaining in the right column and losing in the wrong column, we can know we are becoming wise.

When we start becoming honest about the wrong decisions and admitting them to ourselves we are becoming wise. When we seek forgiveness for those blunders we are becoming wise. When we see how damaging those bad choices were we are probably wise.

Realizing the reality of James 4.14 "14 Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." we can set ourselves to doing that which is right. Psal 90:12 "So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom."

There once was a little figurine and a poster of a little child declaring "God didn't make no junk!" This passage could well be the basis for the statement. Psal. 104:24 "O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches."

He made all in His wisdom, how dare we question His wisdom by telling ourselves that we aren't adequate to the job He has given us? We need to find our worth in Him, in the knowledge that He don't make no junk!

Psalm 105:22 “To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.”

We have seen a similar text before. Psal. 111:10 "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever."

This is the basis for the fact that the lost cannot have Godly wisdom - they may have wisdom of sorts, but it cannot be Godly wisdom because they do not fear Him and the beginning of wisdom is based on that fear or respect.

When it comes to Proverbs one, let us just say - take a few days away from this work and read that passage over and over and just let it sink into your heart and mind.

I would like to just mention two verses in a row - they picture for us in very clear terms how we are to learn wisdom. We are to LISTEN while God SPEAKS. Prov. 2:2 "So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;" Prov. 2:6 "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding."

It seems that not only does God give us wisdom if we ask, it is indicated that he has it on the shelf waiting for us. Prov. 2:7 "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly."

Now, if He has laid it up for us then we can know that He already has enough wisdom to go around - we don't need to worry about a shortage! He will definitely have it if we get around to asking Him for it.

Okay, at least read all of Proverbs two and take some time to contemplate the implications of it in your life. Wisdom is the key to the life we seek to live, thus you ought to want to know of its benefits.

The Proverbs are full of wisdom related information - this may relate to why they call it the wisdom book. If you truly seek wisdom spend time with it in your thought life - it will change your life.

Wisdom is our happiness. Prov. 3:13 "Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding." If we are wise then we will be happy, while if we are unhappy we are not being wise - chew on that one for a while Christian that is down in the mouth.

Get it and don't forget it. Prov. 4:5 "Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth."

I like the way this passage states the truth - get it but in the getting get something along with it. Prov. 4:7 "Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Don't get a hamburger without picking up some fries - well maybe that is not a low-fat illustration, but you get the idea. One goes with the other is the clear point of the text.

Well, we come to one of those texts that, if we took normal understanding of the family, we would cut this passage from the pages of Scripture. Prov. 5:1 "My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding:"

A son listen to his father? How un-society like can you get? No, self respecting son listens to his father - at least until he is wise enough to know his father knows some thing. I think we have all heard the story of the son that went off to college and when he came home, he couldn't believe how smart his father had become while he was gone.

I had taught a lesson on abortion when our children were in early high school. One day one of them came home and was telling all of us of all the information she had learned at school about abortion - almost point for point to the information I had given. I mentioned this little coincidence and she could not remember me teaching that lesson.

We have seen wisdom in many different lights, but in the next text we see yet another. I believe that it depicts how we should view wisdom - as a woman of our immediate family - as a sister. Prov. 7:4 "Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:"

I must admit that I did not have a sister, and I don't think I would want to treat wisdom as I did my brother, but I can imagine how I might have treated a sister - a sister of mine would have had a lot of respect and protection and honor if she would have allowed it - in my younger days I don't think that would have been a problem, but in our liberated society a man treating his sister as I would have, would most likely be labeled a pig.

Give wisdom a place of honor and respect in your life - give it the utmost care and protection - it is a gift from God and ought to be used as such.

There have been times when in my very small amount of wisdom I have been able to see someone making a big mistake, but the person would not listen. As I would walk away from that situation all I could do is pray. Such a burden for the sorrow the person was stepping into. Prov. 8:1 "Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?"

We may not shed tears, but we certainly will feel for the persons coming pain - in some

cases tears may well come.

From the benefits of wisdom in one's life we might realize that it is worth much, yet Scripture states of its value that is it worth more than anything we can desire. Prov. 8:11 "For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

Now in a materialistic society as ours we can do a lot of desiring - a new huge house - a new car - a new motorcycle - a new RV - a new SUV - a new - well you get the picture and wisdom is yet more precious than all of these. As precious as rubies - you ladies can relate a little more to that than most men, however there is another aspect to desire - other than material gain. Imagine what you might desire for your children in their lives - what you might desire for your spouse in their lives - wisdom is more precious than even these.

One might come to the conclusion that we ought to desire wisdom over and above all things other than God Himself. We may be gaining a little glimpse of how important God views wisdom.

Wisdom personified states he lives with prudence. The word prudence is used in a manner that suggests wiliness or subtlety - even craftiness. Prov. 8:12 "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions."

In a world where the lie is the mode of conversation, this is very needed. The wise person must sort through all the lies and half truths to find what is really being said/done.

Many today lie in their usual conversation for no reason at all - other than they must feel it makes them more important if they embellish the truth with a lie or two.

We have seen wisdom and understanding linked together before, but never quite so directly. Prov. 8:14 "Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength."

It should be obvious that to be wise, one must understand the situation and what is going on to properly be wise. The two must, and are inseparable to be truly wise.

Wisdom personified is quite the "person" as SHE has built a house. Prov. 9:1 "Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:"

I am not all that sure what is meant by she has built her house, but I assume this is to be taken figuratively and that she has built a wise house or is a wise commodity that is fitly joined together in all its aspects as a well built house. There is comfort, there is strength, there is protection and there is security within her walls.

In this text we see two concepts merged together - first the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom, but also that knowing God is understanding. We have just seen that understanding is a close associate of wisdom, and both are derived from a proper understanding of God. Prov. 9:10 "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding." (also Prov. 10:13)

It would seem that folly and wisdom, as well as the fool and the wise, are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Prov. 10:21 "The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom."

In retrospect I find that I am the following text personified in my younger years. Prov. 10:23 "[It is] as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom."

Not the wisdom nor the understanding aspect - but the fool and his mischief. The bunch that I ran with one night collected signs and treasures from all over town. We then decided that we needed to do something with all these items that we had taken. Our wise use of our treasure was to decorate the Bible church lawn where the bunch went to church and where I had been led to the Lord. Again in retrospect I wonder if I had been discipled by that church if I wouldn't have caught enough wisdom to have avoided showing myself a fool.

This is off the subject but, if you lead someone to the Lord please attempt to disciple them or find someone that would be willing to do so. I spent five years drifting in saved limbo because I had no idea what a Christian was to be like, and didn't have the sense to open the Bible to find out.

If one is just, will he be automatically wise, or if one is wise are they automatically just. Prov. 10:31 "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out."

It would seem that it would be the latter of the two. If one is wise, they will automatically be just in their thought and decisions.

As with the preceding point, does lowliness come from wisdom or does wisdom come with lowliness? Prov. 11:2 "[When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom."

It seems to me that one that is lowly might not necessarily have wisdom, but one that is wise automatically knows that there is nothing in him that is worth raising himself up for. He knows that the wisdom is from without, not some attribute to which his genes entitled him to.

Now as to neighbors - I can give you story after story. Prov. 11:12 "He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace."

When just out of the Navy I went to live with my brother and his wife for a few months in California. They lived in a little house behind a larger house and there were great parking problems.

All of us tried to do the best we could, however one of the neighbors insisted on being obnoxious. They were always pulling childish little stunts on my brother to get back at him for their perceived wrongs from us.

One day he forgot to roll the window up on his hotrod - naturally the neighbor took full advantage of the situation and stuck a running water hose in the window. When my brother found it there was about ten inches of water in his car.

I trust as Christians we can be tolerant of our neighbors. It can be a powerful testimony to the lost if we live peaceably with others.

Wisdom will have its reward, but not necessarily in this life. God will settle all accounts and reward us as we have value in His eyes, not the eyes of our peers. Prov. 12:8 "A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised."

I don't consider myself very wise at times, but in relation to some I have worked with, there is a modicum of wisdom to be perceived. Those in mind have not recognized my meager wisdom, nor have they ever rewarded me for it - indeed I have paid for that little wisdom that I have shown.

I often wondered where the justice was, but we know it is in God, not our peer. This will get us off the hook of self recrimination and self pity - if we will only look to Him for our value and our recognition.

We have seen that wisdom is related to learning and accepting wise counsel. Here we see another aspect of that thought - we should take good advice - what - yes, accept advice. Prov. 13:10 "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom."

The emphasis however is on "GOOD" advice. There is another aspect - the wisdom may come from those that advise you well.

I often desired wise words from my father. He was truly a wise man, but seldom did he share his wisdom with me. A time or two he did encourage me through word, but very seldom, and this was a very large empty spot in my life.

I on the other hand have seldom given my children advise because I seldom felt they had need of it - they have made many wise decisions in their life. Now and then I have encouraged them to check into different aspects of their decisions to be sure they have all the facts, but seldom have I given direct advice - not sure the wisdom is there to offer.

This passage is of interest. Prov. 14:6 "A scorner seeketh wisdom, and [findeth it] not: but knowledge [is] easy unto him that understandeth."

The Net Bible note indicates that this is one that seeks wisdom in an arrogant manner to appear wise, when in fact he has no understanding of spiritual things.

All right, we see in the next text that personal inner knowledge of oneself is a product or at least connected to having wisdom. Prov. 14:8 "The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit."

Prudent has the thought of shrewd, crafty, subtle and sly. Thus, one would expect the wise to be very careful of their activity - not to be sneaky, but to be sure they are walking the walk of the true believer. To do less would seem to be unwise, to say the least.

This might even mean you are constantly on the guard and questioning other peoples motives. You want to be careful how you act, react and communicate with some people as they will most likely use something against you one day.

“Way” simply is your journey or your path - watch your step for the pitfalls others might place in front of you. Understand your way. You know you are His and you know you are on the way to live with Him, so be careful how you journey so that you don't get tripped up with sin or the sin of others.

I believe I mentioned a Sunday School superintendent that asked me to take a class in the children’s area rather than the one I was teaching in the adult class.

I knew in my mind the minute he started to talk to me that there was much more behind his asking me to shift classes. I did not let on that I knew, just listened and responded. Then a day or two later I asked the pastor what kind of problems he and the board had with my teaching - he literally spewed forth with his misperceptions of my teaching - proving my inner reaction to the superintendents little talk.

The wisdom which we have been talking about is an integrated part of our life - it is in our heart, our soul, our very being. It is not something that comes and goes as we need it, but rather something that is a part of us - it is part of who we are in our total being. Prov. 14:33 "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known."

Again, we see the fool - he views folly in his life as great joy. How sad that one without wisdom does not even know he is a fool - he just feels he is having a fun time in life. Prov. 15:21 "Folly [is] joy to [him that is] destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly."

This passage is not silent on our present society. The young so often flaunt their sin publicly as if it is wise and mature of them - they don't even have enough wisdom to understand their sin and how embarrassed they should be in what they are declaring publicly.

An interesting passage follows. Prov. 15:33 "The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility."

Here we see that the instruction to him that would be wise comes from the fear of the Lord. The term instruction has the thought of chastisement built into it. It is an education by going through hard times.

Indeed, there are times when we are so rebellious toward the Lord that chastisement is the only understanding we have. Hebrews twelve speaks to this point quite well if you would like a further study.

Well, it would seem that if you could bottle and sell wisdom you would have great gain. Prov. 16:16 "How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"

It might be suggested that because wisdom is related to gold and understanding is related to a lesser metal silver, that wisdom is more to be sought after than understanding, however we have seen before that wisdom pretty much brings understanding with it so there is probably no difference of value - more of a manner of writing style.

It would seem the fool will even try to buy wisdom. Prov. 17:16 "Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?" The last phrase would indicate he just doesn't get it. The American Standard Version translates the last phrase this way. "Seeing he hath no understanding?"

He may want it with all his heart, but he doesn't understand that you can't buy it - it is something that must come from other than monetary, even though it is worth more than monetary items.

Not only does he seek to buy wisdom but the fool looks for it in all the wrong places. Prov. 17:24 "Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ends of the earth."

We have in the next text a discussion of the fool. I will only quote the first verse, but take time to read some of the following passages to understand verse one as well as the fool. Prov. 18:1 "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom."

The American Standard Version translates the last phrase thusly. "And rageth against all sound wisdom." The following verses describe further that raging.

Not wanting to get into a long theological discussion about what the soul is, I would suggest this passage tells us that we should like ourselves. Prov. 19:8 "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good." Indeed, the term translated soul is also translated yourselves in other passages.

The soul basically is our mind and our being - who we are - what we are when you get inside our minds and dig around awhile. I have mentioned often that our spirit is our God consciousness, our soul is our self consciousness and our body is our world consciousness.

There is a truth in some people that their dislike of themselves keeps them from really understanding that they might be wise. They are so down on themselves that they think nothing that they think or decide can be good.

Most likely this is a terrible waste of a wise person.

Since God is the perfect wisdom and since we gain our wisdom from God, then there is no wisdom that would run counter to God, unless it were to be false wisdom. Prov. 21:30 "[There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD."

To apply this one might suggest that if you are walking with God and you are praying with Him on a regular basis asking for wisdom, then any decisions you make will be wise ones.

One might wonder at the linking of two seemingly separate topics in the next passage. Prov. 23:4 "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."

What does “striving for riches” have to do with operating in your own wisdom? The term translated riches is of note - it can be translated "pretending to be rich" thus we might assume that pretending to be rich is just as bad as pretending to be wise. After all, operating in our own wisdom is like pretending we are wise, because true wisdom comes from God not ourselves.

Again, we see the wisdom of not trying to talk to a fool as they will reject - even despise your words of wisdom. Prov. 23:9 "Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words."

The importance of wisdom, truth, instruction and understanding indicates that we should give of our material wealth if we need to for the purchase of them. Prov. 23:23 "Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."

I wonder how you could go about purchasing these four. Truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding. One way would be to put yourself under instruction - this might be college in our day. Along with this you might find some truth, at least you would get instruction and most likely some understanding.

How might we purchase wisdom and truth? We might purchase some truth via books etc. or possibly assisting in a political campaign of an honest candidate. No comment about those possibilities will be forthcoming in our society from me. (Here anyway. :-)

By putting ourselves in positions where we can learn and be subjected to situations where wisdom might be gained would be in essence purchasing it for ourselves. The term quite often is translated "get" thus it may not necessarily mean the use of currency to gain, as the word "purchase" implies.

Again we see the unique relationship between wisdom and understanding. Prov. 24:3 "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:"

Wisdom is the building while understanding is the making of the building into a home. Wisdom without understanding is a shell or framework which yields little until understanding is added.

We see again, that the fool isn't completely ignorant. Prov. 24:7 "Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate."

The gate is where business and court were held in the Old Testament days - this is where the elders of the cities met to care for their communities. Wisdom is too high, or lofty for the fool to attain so he knows enough not to open his mouth and prove his lack of wisdom in the gate.

The benefits of wisdom are again hinted at in Prov. 24:14 "So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."

The Net Bible translates the verse this way. "Likewise, know that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will not be cut off."

Quite a promise! We have a hope, an expectation - naturally there is a chance this is the completion of our salvation - without this there is no hope, however I think it speaks more to the future in this life. The fact that when we know we are wise, we can know that we can figure out our way through the trials of this life.

If we love wisdom our father will be full of joy, however if we keep company with harlots, we spoil or destroy our substance or those things we have. Prov. 29:3 "Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth [his] substance."

The word translated “keepeth company” can be translated shepherd or feed, thus this is a close company with the harlot.

Love wisdom or love the harlot - one leads to joy to your father and the other destroys all you have. Should be an easy choice to make, but I fear many make the wrong choice in life.

Ouch, I didn't want to see this text. Prov. 29:15 "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame."

The verse applies this to children which is of interest - children can learn wisdom. Not that they always do but they can.

The rod and reproof can give wisdom. The hard things of life give wisdom - the trials of life give wisdom - the hurts of this life give wisdom.

That passage that speaks to the fact that all things are for good might well relate here. God gives us things in this life that can give us wisdom to use on His behalf in our own and other people’s lives. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”

We won't take a long look at Ecclesiastes, but suffice it to say that the book has a unique look at wisdom - the search of a man for pleasure and wisdom as it relates to that search. Spend some time just reading through the book and jot down some of the items you find.

It seems that wisdom can perish. Isa. 29:14 "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, [even] a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid."

This perishing seems to relate to the spiritual decline of the people. It seems that wisdom is given, in part, to God's people for the benefit of the rest of his people, but if there is a walking away from God we can know that the wisdom will also be in decline.

We might give application to the church. If the congregation/leaders are on the decline spiritually there can be a decrease in wisdom and the church is open to drastic decline and error in all areas, because it is being led by unwise people.

Wisdom brings stability. Isa. 33:6 "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure."

The one thing young people need in their lives - stability - is lacking due to their lack of wisdom. One must wonder how accountable parents are going to be for the lack of wisdom their children have. The wisdom that should have been brought to the child via the rod and discipline is so missing in many of your youth.

Being a parent ain't for sissys that is for sure. The parent’s responsibility is great before the Lord.

The next text is in the context of one that in pride declares they are "it" and there are no others. Isai. 47:10 "For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me."

False or self wisdom will not only mislead you into self confidence, it will pervert you. You will be prideful to the point of believing yourself which is really big trouble.

The verse prior to the one we want to look at next, pictures wise people speaking falsely and here it seems to picture those men ashamed (probably because they knew they were being less than truthful) and God's estimation is that they have no wisdom - indeed to detract from God as they did in verse eight rather well proves they are operating in self wisdom. Jere. 8:9 "The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?"

The wise man is not to glory in his wisdom, but rather he is to glory in God. This is likely because wisdom comes from God. Jere. 9:23 "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:"

God's wisdom is set in the same category as his power and discretion. Omnipotent, omniwise and omnidiscreet it would seem.

Not sure I've ever heard of two attributes of wise and discreet - might make a good study. Jere. 10:12 "He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion." Jere. 51:15 "He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding."

Ezek 28 speaks of the king of Tyrus, but looks past this earthly king to Satan and His fall. The text mentions of the king that he has become rich with his wisdom, but that the riches have corrupted him.

We should understand that wisdom seems to be useful in the area of finance and material gain, but we should not allow that gain to pollute our thinking of ourselves or our gain.

The use of wisdom for personal gain does not seem wrong, but the gain seems to tend toward pollution.

Some of the captive children of Israel were selected in part due to their ability to be "skillful in all wisdom" (Dan. 1.4). The grammar indicates they were skillful in wisdom, or that they were not only wise, but that they could use it skillfully. Then, it is assumed one could use their wisdom unskillfully. A little item we ought to remember - walking with God would be the way that we can be sure we are being skillful in the use of our wisdom.

The wisdom of these Israelites was not only present, but it was much better than of those in the kings own court. Dan. :20 "And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm."

We might assume this is due to the fact that the Israelites wisdom was from God rather than from self as would be the case in non-believers.

A very clear declaration is made by Daniel as to the source of true wisdom - God. Dan. 2:20 "Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:"

Again, we see the wisdom of the Lord linked to his might or power.

Not only is wisdom from God, it seems to be a gift - for He giveth it to the wise according to verse twenty-one.

Daniel continues by giving thanks and praise to God for this gift. Dan. 2:23 "I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast [now] made known unto us the king's matter."

Just a little side note, as I read this passage a phrase caught my attention. "...thou God of my fathers..." What a blessing that would be to know that your ancestors had worshiped God. I have no such knowledge, though I would guess some may have. This would be an encouragement in hard times - to know that others in your family have gone before you while
following God.

Much later Daniel is known for his wisdom and knowledge that is attributed to the gods - the men did not know the God of the Jews very well it is clear, but they knew the wisdom and understanding Daniel drew from his God. Dan. 5:11 "There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and
wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, [I say], thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, [and] soothsayers;" (also Dan. 5:14)

Christ surprised the leaders of his own area when He began teaching. This is not uncommon even among men - Christ had more wisdom than any, but when a person returns to his own town even today and shows that he is not the bumbling idiot of a teenager he was when he was growing up he surprises those that knew him.

I returned to my home town after a number of years away and took a job repairing appliances and televisions. My employer had a number of townspeople call and tell him not to send me out to their house - they knew my teenage years and wanted no part of me. Matt. 13:54 "And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works?"

Just a theological insert. This would indicate that Christ was nothing special when He was growing up. He did not exhibit any special mental qualities growing up or they would not have been surprised. It is also indicative that He did nothing real special in the way of works either - they did not remember Him for this at any rate.

The next passage shows that he indeed had the wisdom - just did not make a special show of it for the people to observe. Luke 2:40 "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."

The fact that the wisdom was incomplete is of interest. Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

This would indicate that His wisdom was limited and had to increase as He grew. Some say that Christ had all of His attributes fully when on earth, but this would indicate that His attributes were in some way set aside for his time on earth.

The disciples were told that they would be given wisdom to answer their detractors as they went forth for Christ. Luke 21:15 "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist."

The first church deacons were to be full of wisdom. A wise choice in our day. Acts 6:3 "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

In many churches deacons/elders are chosen on popularity rather than qualities or qualification. God has determined they should be wise, not becoming wise.

We gain another brief insight into God's wisdom. Rom. 11:33 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Not only is His wisdom great, but it is deep. Not shallow as man's but deep - of the greatest quality and greatest extent.

The next passage is clear, relating to the difference between God's wisdom and man's wisdom. Man in his wisdom rejected God, rejected Christ, and rejected the work of Christ - man's wisdom stinketh wouldn't you say?

God in all His wisdom sent His Son to die for man yet man thumbs his corporate nose at God. Some are saved - those that bow to the wisdom of Almighty God. 1Cor. 1:19-21 "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (I Cor. 1.17 also)

A stark admission of the apostle Paul might bring us to a more humble opinion of our wisdom. 1Cor. 2:1 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God." If Paul had not great wisdom then I doubt that many of us are excellent in wisdom.

He continues to point out that he was not coming to them with man's wisdom either. It is of note how he did come to them. 1Cor. 2:4 "And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"

He came in the power of the Spirit not wisdom - verse five indicates that there is man's wisdom, then there is a believer with wisdom and finally God's wisdom. He did not want them basing their faith on what he said - what he believed to be true, but rather on the gospel of Christ. Verse five: "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

It seems that even a believer with the wisdom of God ought to be careful when speaking to the lost lest the lost view their speech as their own wisdom.


It seems God is not impressed with our wisdom. I Cor. 3:19 "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." Well, now do you blame Him - He does know us very well.

We, the church, have a task to do - yes the gospel to the world is our command, but along with bringing glory to God we have another major task. Eph. 3:10 "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,"

The church is to display to the principalities and powers in heavenly places the wisdom of God. One must wonder just how successful we have been in the last thirty years at doing this. I rather think we have failed miserably.

Why have we failed, might be the question asked. One might wonder if the outspoken leaders of our "church" in this time period have detracted from this purpose. One of our presidents declared that he disagreed with the apostle Paul on one point of doctrine - not only was he disagreeing with Paul, but with God the Holy Spirit, the author of Scripture.

How foolish some of our leaders are in their declarations of our God. They make Him a fool to the public at large.

Another president behaved miserably in the white house while declaring his Christianity - not only presidents but other leaders/stars of our society. How disgraceful we are in displaying our sin as the wisdom of God.

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians makes it clear that God's will can be known by all believers - in "all wisdom" and "spiritual understanding." Col. 1:9 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;"

Understanding has the thought of having knowledge of information and the ability to comprehend it - or ability to use the information if so desired. Knowing God's will and understanding it may be two different things.

For example, we may know as a young believer that we are to be disciples to all nations, but may not understand the full extent of this truth - that we can be a disciple to all nations in our own backyard, that we need to know some basic truths of the faith before we can be an effective disciple.

Col. 2.2-3 has a neat declaration about God and Christ. "...God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Not only is wisdom found in God, but it is a treasure. Indeed, wisdom is the treasure of man when received from the Lord.

Paul mentions of the works of men Col. 2:23 "Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."

It seems to me that some items of worship and humility appear to show wisdom, but are actually works of the flesh.

Think about that one in relation to some of the worship practices of today's church. How much of worship today is feeding the flesh? How much is for man's enjoyment and how much is actually the worship of God.

It is of note that in our sound Bible churches we interrupt the worship of God to greet one another - clearly an act of enjoyment to man. True, God may enjoy seeing His children getting along for the brief moments, but the gain at the moment is in the flesh - feeling good about being friendly - even if it is orchestrated friendliness in many of our churches.

Only a few verses later we see one of the great "worship" passages taught in many classes as the basis for modern day worship - Col. 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Humm, don't see hand shaking listed. Nor do we see a lot of things listed that pass for worship today.

Moving right along, years ago I was the church janitor and noticed that one of the church neighbors was using our garbage dumpster for their own garbage - it was not a small amount of garbage - it was taking up needed space for the church refuse.

I noticed a discarded envelope from the culprit’s house - informed the pastor of what was going on and gave him the envelope. He said that he would take care of it.

Later he mentioned that he had just tacked the envelope with a church business card to the persons screen door. He said, "My grandfather told me to never do anything that would hinder the opportunity to witness later." He had redeemed the time with wisdom with this neighbor. I don't know if he ever had opportunity to witness to the person or not, but the opportunity would still be open. Col. 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

It is not often that I say “be liberal,” but this is once that it is Biblical. James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

If we would be wise, we have but to ask God and He will pile it on! What a promise as we walk through life. When we have that big decision to make, we can ask God for wisdom. When we have that little decision to make we can ask God for wisdom. When we have any need of wisdom we only have to ask.

Not only does James link meekness to wisdom, but also to good works. James 3:13 "Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

Since good works are the natural response to salvation, then a wise person will definitely be involved in good works. He will also do it in meekness. Someone once said that there was a man that was full of the milk of human kindness, but that he always managed to rattle the bottles. Don't rattle the bottles when you do your good works.

James contrasts the wisdom of this world to the wisdom from above. James 3:15 "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish." with the wisdom of God James 3:17 "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

Some contrast! One devilish and the other is everything else that devilish can never be. I suspect this passage sums up much of what we have seen in this study. Wisdom is something to be desired but it is also something that comes with high responsibilities, as in, how we use this gift from the Lord.

The man, Solomon, that said that he found materialism wanting, that found women wanting, that found power wanting, and that found people wanting, finally realized in the end that wisdom, God, and the Word filled the desire of his life. Prov. 3.13 -16 "Happy[is] the man[that] findeth wisdom, and the man[that] getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it[is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She[is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days[is] in her right hand;[and] in her left hand riches and honour."

I would like to close with a thought from a woman that has emailed me for several years. She has walked through most of the trials of life and still has a cheer that infects those she comes in contact with. During the final work on this book I decided I needed to go to the emergency room with some chest pain and had a heart attach there on the table. In telling this friend of my situation, she replied, "When we are in such a situation we either live or we .... LIVE!" Always a factual knowledge on my part, but never so vividly did it become a spiritual wisdom as when I read those words.

Well, now that this listing is done I suppose there are some that feel it is my responsibility to say something very wise and moving so that we can all feel good. Okay, here goes “I know now that I am not a wise man.”

I trust you find something in this study of interest and blessing. I have summed up most of the points in a brief listing to follow.

These lists are a summation of the text. They are here to give a general overview of the study, not to replace it.

THE WISE

Wisdom in a man is profitable to the man and God Job 22:2.

Wisdom is learned and should be sought Psalm 2:10.

Wisdom abandon is a mark of the unwise Psalm 36:3.

Wisdom is a hard worker in the harvest Prov. 10:5.

Wisdom is favorable Prov. 10:19.

Wisdom in a parent brings forth discipline Prov. 17:2.

Wisdom avoids hell or any unpleasantness Prov. 15:24.

Wisdom is a choice for and toward God Dan. 12:3.

Wisdom produces understanding Dan. 12:10.

Wisdom does right even when no one is looking I Sam. 18:5.

Wisdom is circumspect even when no one is watching I Sam. 18:14.

Wisdom has the respect of those without I Sam. 18:30.

Wisdom is examined by the lost Psalm 101:2.

Wisdom seeks to live a perfect life Psalm 101:2.

Wisdom in decision making will produce good Proverbs 16:20.

Wisdom considers the wicked Proverbs 21:12.

Wisdom is instructed Proverbs 1:3.

Wisdom is not solely for the believer Gen. 41:8.

Wisdom stands out among the crowd Gen. 41:33, 39.

Wisdom is discrete Gen. 41:33, 39.

Wisdom is not bribed Exod. 23:8.

Wisdom serves Exod. 28:3.

Wisdom gives to God willingly Exod. 35:25.


Wisdom desires the best for God Exod. 36:1.

Wisdom leads Deut. 1:13.

Wisdom holds forth a good testimony Deut. 4:6.

Wisdom is gender nonspecific - women can be wise as well as men Jud. 5:29.

Wisdom has been given to the angels II Sam. 14:20.

Wisdom knows its times Esther 1:13.

Wisdom surrounds itself with others which are wise Esth 6:13.

Wisdom utters wisdom Job 15:2.

Wisdom shares itself Job 15:18.

Wisdom may be scarce Job 17:10.

Wisdom listens to others Job 34.2; Job 34.34.

Wisdom can come to the simple Psalm 19:7.

Wisdom does not counter death Psalm 49:10.

Wisdom understands the loving-kindness of the Lord Psalm 49:10.

Wisdom will learn Prov. 6:6; Prov. 8:33.

Wisdom will receive glory Prov. 3:35.

Wisdom keeps it quiet Prov. 9:12.

Wisdom makes a father glad Prov. 10:1; Prov. 15:20.

Wisdom receives commandments Prov. 10:8.

Wisdom lays up knowledge Prov. 10:14.

Wisdom is a soul winner Prov. 11:29-30.

Wisdom accepts council Prov. 12:15.

Wisdom’s tongue is health Prov. 12:18; Prov. 14:3.

Wisdom listens to his father’s instructions Prov. 13:1.

Wisdom leads to life Prov. 13:14.

Wisdom rubs off on others Prov. 13:20.

Wisdom buildeth the home well Prov. 14:1.

Wisdom avoids evil 14:16.

Wisdom’s crown is its riches Prov. 14:24.

Wisdom uses knowledge aright Prov. 15:2.

Wisdom disperses knowledge Prov.15:7.

Wisdom is avoided by the scorner Prov. 15:12.

Wisdom hears the reproof of life Prov. 15:12.

Wisdom counters wrath Prov. 16:14.

Wisdom is prudent Prov. 16:21.

Wisdom educates its mouth Prov. 16:23.

Wisdom accepts reproof Prov. 17:10.

Wisdom holds its peace Prov. 17:28.

Wisdom’s ear seeketh knowledge Prov. 18:15.

Wisdom scatters the wicked Prov. 20:26.

Wisdom is prepared Prov. 21:20.

Wisdom is strong Prov. 21:22.

Wisdom conquers over strength Prov. 21:22.

Wisdom is listened to Prov. 22:17.

Wisdom listens Prov. 23:19.

Wisdom brings joy to its father Prov. 23:24.

Wisdom brings war when necessary Prov. 24:5.

Wisdom is not a respecter of persons Prov. 24:23.

Wisdom reproves Prov. 25:12.

Wisdom answers the fool Prov. 26:4-5.

Wisdom has no conceit Prov. 26:12.

Wisdom in the son is the father’s answer to reproach Prov. 27:11.

Wisdom keepeth the law Prov. 28:7.

Wisdom turneth away wrath Prov. 29:8-9.

Wisdom contends with the fool Prov. 29:8-9.

Wisdom keeps his mind Prov. 29:11.

Wisdom is illustrated by insects Prov. 30:2.

Wisdom strengthens Eccl. 7:19.

Wisdom changes countenance Eccl. 8:1.

Wisdom is discerning Eccl. 8:5.

Wisdom may not be remembered Eccl. 9:15.

Wisdom is heard Eccl. 9:17.

Wisdom prods Eccl. 12:11.

Wisdom builds on solid foundations Matt. 7:24.

Wisdom may not know all Matt. 11:25.

Wisdom bows to all costs Matt. 23:34.

Wisdom acts Matt. 24:45.

Wisdom recognizes value owed Rom. 1:14.

Wisdom is not conceited Rom. 12:16.

THE UNWISE

The unwise are wasteful and troublesome Psalm 94:8.

The unwise detract from the wise Prov. 10:19.

The unwise rush to hell and unpleasantness Prov. 15:24.

The unwise parent restraineth not his prodigy Prov. 17:2.

The unwise reject God and His Dan. 12:3.

The unwise do not understand Dan. 12:10.

The unwise are less than trustworthy apart form authority I Sam. 18:5; I Sam. 18:14.

The unwise person’s decisions produce less than desired results Proverbs 16:20.

The unwise uttereth not knowledge Job 15:2.

The unwise do not become great Job 32:9.

The unwise can be deceived by drink Prov. 20:1.

The unwise may be conceited Prov. 28:11.

The unwise may be conceited Rom. 11:25.

THE SELF PROCLAIMED WISE

Those that think themselves wise will find that God scoffs at them Job 37:24.

Those that think themselves wise seem to be doing evil Prov. 3:7.

Those that think themselves wise are fools Rom. 1:22.

SECULAR WISDOM

It is sought at times Exod. 7:11.

It may not be real wisdom Job 5:13.

It is desired, and possibly faked Job 11:12.

THE DOWNSIDE OF WISDOM

Wisdom is often misunderstood and ignored Job 34:35.