The preachers quoted here describe wisdom as knowledge applied: the behaviour that flows from what a person believes, known by conduct more than by learning. They call it man's true strength, say true wisdom is never quarrelsome, and identify it with God's voice showing the way to walk.
In the Bible wisdom is skill in living, the ability to act rightly in real situations.12 It is prized above everything else a person can acquire: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7).
Its starting point is a right relation to God. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding" (Job 28:28). Calvin opened his Institutes on the same note: "Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves."3
It is a gift to be asked for. "The LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). Solomon asked for it and received it (1 Kings 3:9-12). James promises, "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" (James 1:5).
Scripture distinguishes two wisdoms. One is "earthly, sensual, devilish", marked by envy and strife. "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" (James 3:15, 17). Paul asks, "hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1 Corinthians 1:20).
The New Testament finds wisdom in a person. Christ is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24), "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The Scriptures "are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).
Wisdom shows in obedience and in the use of time. The wise man hears Christ's sayings and does them (Matthew 7:24). "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). "Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time" (Ephesians 5:15-16).
- Strong's Hebrew 2451, chokmâh: "wisdom (in a good sense)".
- Strong's Greek 4678, sophía: "wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)".
- John Calvin, The Institutes Of The Christian Religion, "Chapter 1. the knowledge of god and of ourselves mutually connected....".
In their own words
Each line below is quoted exactly from a sermon on this site. Follow the link to hear or read it where it was said.
Wisdom is taking of that knowledge and applying it to a particular case.
Thaddeus Barnum
in Lord, We Need Wisdom!
Listen at 14:43
Wisdom is, if you like, the behavior that emerges from a belief system.
Alistair Begg
in Asking God for Wisdom
Listen at 10:26
Wisdom is known by its behavior, its conduct, not only by facts and scholarly advice or oratations.
Aaron Hurst
in Who Is a Wise Man?
Listen at 13:21
Wisdom is man's true strength; and, under its guidance, he best accomplishes the ends of his being.
C.H. Spurgeon
in He That Handleth a Matter Wisely Shall Find Good
Read in context
True wisdom is never argumentative or quarrelsome.
Zac Poonen
in (Knowing God's Way) 17. the Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Read in context
Wisdom is actually God's voice of truth saying, here is the way to walk in it, choose life and not death.
Shane Idleman
in The Struggle Is Real
Listen at 2:10
Wisdom is universally valued among men as the most precious pearl of all.
G.W. North
in A Pearl of Great Price
Read in context
Wisdom is demonstrated in godly passion for the lost.
Carter Conlon
in Wisdom's Cry
Listen at 22:59
What Scripture says
- Proverbs 9:10 the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
- James 1:5 if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God
- James 3:17 the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable
- 1 Corinthians 1:24 Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God
- Psalm 90:12 teach us to number our days
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