Wisdom
“Chokmah, wisdom, skill, or shrewdness; Greek sophia”
Summary
Wisdom in Scripture encompasses practical skill, moral insight, and spiritual understanding, with its ultimate source in the fear of the Lord and its personification pointing to Christ.
☩Nature and Source
Biblical wisdom (Hebrew chokmah, Greek sophia) includes practical skill in crafts, administrative ability, moral discernment, and spiritual insight. True wisdom originates with God—'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' Job's great poem asks where wisdom can be found, concluding that God alone understands its way, and He declares to mankind: 'The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.' Wisdom is more precious than rubies; all things desired cannot compare with her.
☩Personification in Proverbs
Proverbs dramatically personifies Wisdom as a woman calling out in public places, inviting the simple to learn, promising life to those who find her and death to those who reject her. In Proverbs 8, Wisdom declares she was with God before creation, brought forth before the earth, rejoicing always before Him and delighting in mankind. This personification approaches the later identification of Christ as the Wisdom of God.
☩Christ as Wisdom
Paul declares that Christ Jesus has become for believers 'wisdom from God'—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The message of Christ crucified, though appearing foolish to the world, is actually the wisdom of God and the power of God. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. James encourages believers lacking wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.
Related Verses445 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Wisdom," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Wisdom," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).