As the picture below denotes, there are only two types of Wisdom: Godly and worldly. For “true believers,” there should not be any grey area here, but in today’s modern world, with many asking does the Bible really mean that, the grey is very dark.
We need to pray for wisdom, especially when religious “leaders” preach, publish, teach, or otherwise compromise the Holy Word of God. As the article below shows you can twist scripture to your liking, but the Truth will come forward.
DEFINITIONS
Knowledge – True belief that is warranted or justified. A person cannot know what is false, but a mere true belief that is the result of luck or guessing does not appear to constitute knowledge either. Most philosophers therefore agree that knowledge requires a true belief that is justified or warranted or that has been acquired through a reliable process, though there is great disagreement as to what it is that warrants or justifies a belief.
C. Stephen Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 66.
Wisdom – The quality of knowledge, discernment and understanding characteristic of God himself. True wisdom, seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ, is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Scripture affirms that true human wisdom is a gift from God and points out the folly of trusting in mere human wisdom.
Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
Wisdom
See also: Wisdom, p. 418
Hebrew expression: chokmah
Pronunciation: khohk MAWH
Strong’s Number: 2451
KEY VERSES
Deuteronomy 4:6; 1 Kings 3:28; Job 28:12; 32:7; Psalm 104:24
The author of Proverbs asserts that the man who finds wisdom (chokmah, Prov. 3:13) is blessed; that is, not only happy, but fruitful in all His ways because true wisdom is God’s wisdom. But long ago, Job had asked where wisdom could be found (Job 28:12), for to find biblical wisdom is also to find life (Prov. 8:35).
The word chokmah comes from the root of the verb chakam, “to be wise,” “to act wisely.” An adjective, chakam, “wise” also was formed from the same root. But chokmah is the parade word for the various words clustering around the idea of wisdom, understanding, discretion, and prudence. In a secular world, wisdom can be a dangerous thing to have for absolute wisdom breeds absolute power—and power is often a corrupting influence. But in the Old Testament, wisdom was to be pursued because it led one to know how to live successfully before God. Wisdom led to humility, respect, and service toward others.
The most discussed group of people in the book of Proverbs, however, are the fools—so called because they reject, despise, and mock chokmah. Because the Lord gives wisdom, the fools’ rejection is tantamount to rejecting one of God’s good gifts (Prov. 2:6). Wisdom, however, has many practical consequences. Biblical wisdom is not the same as having a high I.Q.—it has, above all, ethical, moral, and religious implications.
Proverbs teaches that wisdom is accessible to all who want it. Wisdom even calls out to people to come and learn from her (Prov. 1:20). King Solomon asked for wisdom, and God granted it to him (1 Kgs. 5:12). In the New Testament, James echoes this Old Testament concept, urging Christians to pray for wisdom and God will gladly give it (Jas. 1:5). Wisdom saves the wise from wicked persons (Prov. 2:12). The Lord created all things by wisdom (Prov. 3:19). Wisdom is priceless, and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 8:11; 9:10). A wise person seeks out advice from others—and that is a mark of chokmah (Prov. 13:10). Self love, in a good sense, is a reward for those who pursue wisdom (Prov. 19:8). The model wife and mother of Proverbs is a woman who has learned to speak with wisdom (Prov. 31:26).
The wisdom of God in the Old Testament and in the New Testament leads to an understanding of life and a true knowledge of God (1 Cor. 1:17–30). The world cannot and does not know God through its misguided and secular wisdom (2 Cor. 1:12; sophia in Greek). Christians are to seek the wisdom from God to truly know Him and live wisely in this life (Jas. 3:13–18).
Eugene E. Carpenter and Philip W. Comfort, Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 208.
ARTICLE
12 Disqualifying Errors In Richard Hays’ ‘Biblical’ Case For Gay Relationships
BONUS ARTICLE
PRAYER
Daily believers should pray for those who minister over the flock and for their wisdom to discern what is being delivered to them.
For all the ministers of God’s holy word and sacraments, the masters of assemblies.
Pray for Grace to Direct your Conscience and Make you Wise
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