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What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?

Wisdom is a crucial quality that every Christian should strive to possess. It is a gift from God that enables us to make sound decisions, grow spiritually, and build meaningful relationships with others.

As Christians, we look to the Bible for guidance in all aspects of our lives, including wisdom. The Bible has much to say about wisdom and offers practical advice on how to obtain it.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about wisdom. We will delve into the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, looking at the wisdom literature, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the writings of the Apostles Paul, James, Peter, and John.

We will also examine the benefits of wisdom and how to obtain it through prayer, study, and obedience.

As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, wisdom is an essential quality that can help us make good decisions and live a fulfilling life.

Through the teachings of the Bible, we can gain the wisdom we need to navigate life’s challenges and become more like Christ. Let us now explore what the Bible says about wisdom and how we can obtain it in our lives.

Wisdom in the Bible

Definition of Wisdom

Before delving into the Bible’s teachings on wisdom, it is essential to understand what wisdom means. Wisdom is the ability to discern what is right, good, and true. It is the application of knowledge and understanding to make sound decisions and live a virtuous life.

Wisdom is not the same as knowledge or intelligence. While knowledge and intelligence are valuable, they do not guarantee that one will make wise decisions. Wisdom involves not only knowing what to do but also having the courage to do it.

Wisdom in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains several books of wisdom literature, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. These books offer practical guidance on how to live a wise and fulfilling life.

The Book of Proverbs

Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings written by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom and applying it to every area of life. It offers practical guidance on topics such as parenting, work ethic, and money management.

The Book of Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is a book that explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. The author, believed to be King Solomon, reflects on the futility of worldly pursuits and encourages readers to seek meaning and purpose in God. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.”

The Book of Job

Job is a story of a man who suffers great loss and hardship but remains faithful to God. The book wrestles with the question of why God allows suffering and encourages readers to trust in God’s wisdom and goodness.

Job 28:28 says, “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'”

Wisdom in the New Testament

The New Testament also teaches about wisdom. Jesus Christ, the embodiment of wisdom, is the ultimate source of wisdom. The Apostles Paul, James, Peter, and John all wrote about the importance of wisdom in the Christian life.

The Role of Jesus Christ in Teaching Wisdom

Jesus Christ taught many parables that imparted wisdom to his followers. One such parable is the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, found in Matthew 7:24-27.

The parable teaches that those who build their lives on the rock of Christ’s teachings will be like the wise builder whose house stood firm, while those who do not will be like the foolish builder whose house was destroyed.

Wisdom in the Teachings of the Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul wrote extensively about wisdom in his letters to the early Christian churches. He emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom from God and not relying on human wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:25 says, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Wisdom in the Teachings of James and Peter

The Apostle James also wrote about the importance of wisdom in the Christian life. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

Similarly, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to grow in wisdom and knowledge. In 2 Peter 3:18, he writes, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

The Importance of Wisdom in the Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation contains several messages from Jesus Christ to the seven churches in Asia Minor. In each message, Jesus encourages the churches to seek wisdom and to overcome the trials they face.

Revelation 3:18 says, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”

The Benefits of Wisdom

The Bible teaches that wisdom brings numerous benefits to those who possess it. Here are a few:

  • Improved decision-making skills: Wisdom enables us to make sound decisions based on God’s truth rather than on our emotions or impulses.
  • Personal growth and self-improvement: Wisdom helps us grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.
  • Improved relationships with others: Wisdom allows us to interact with others in a way that is respectful, compassionate, and loving.
  • Spiritual growth and understanding: Wisdom helps us understand God’s ways and His plan for our lives.

How to Obtain Wisdom

The Bible teaches that wisdom is a gift from God, and we can obtain it through prayer, study, and obedience.

Seeking Wisdom through Prayer and Meditation

We can ask God for wisdom through prayer. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Spending time in quiet reflection and meditation on God’s word can also help us gain wisdom.

Learning from Others Who Are Wise

We can also learn from others who are wise. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Seeking advice from trusted mentors, reading books by wise authors, and attending Bible studies are all ways to learn from others who possess wisdom.

Practicing Humility and Willingness to Learn

To gain wisdom, we must be willing to learn and grow. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Practicing humility and being open to correction can help us grow in wisdom.

Studying and Meditating on the Bible

Finally, studying and meditating on the Bible is crucial for gaining wisdom. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible contains the wisdom of God and offers guidance for every area of life. Regular Bible study and meditation can help us gain wisdom and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible offers valuable guidance on the importance of wisdom in the Christian life. Through the wisdom literature, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the writings of the apostles, we see the significance of seeking wisdom and applying it to every area of our lives.

Wisdom enables us to make good decisions, grow spiritually, and build meaningful relationships with others.

As Christians, we must prioritize seeking wisdom from God through prayer, studying the Bible, and learning from others who are wise. By applying the wisdom we gain to our daily lives, we can live more fulfilling and Christ-centered lives.

As we grow in wisdom, we can also positively impact those around us and bring glory to God.

In all aspects of our lives, let us seek wisdom from God and apply it to our daily lives. Let us be like the wise builders who build their lives on the rock of Christ’s teachings rather than the foolish builders whose houses are destroyed. May we grow in wisdom and become more like Christ every day.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.