Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is a virtue that is often called upon in the face of adversity and is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations regarding courage, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.

One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Bible is found in the account of Joshua. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commanded him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His presence and support. In Joshua 1:9 , God says, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Courage is also exemplified in the life of David, particularly in his encounter with Goliath. Despite being a young shepherd boy, David displayed immense courage by confronting the giant Philistine warrior, trusting in the Lord's deliverance. In 1 Samuel 17:45 , David declares, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

The New Testament continues to highlight the theme of courage, especially in the context of spreading the Gospel and facing persecution. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the message of Christ despite threats and opposition. In Acts 4:29 , the early Christians prayed, "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness."

Courage, therefore, is not merely a human attribute but is deeply connected to one's faith in God. It is the confidence that comes from knowing that God is sovereign and faithful, empowering believers to act righteously and stand firm in their convictions.

Wisdom

Wisdom in the Bible is portrayed as a divine attribute and a highly esteemed virtue. It is more than mere knowledge or intelligence; it is the ability to discern what is true, right, and lasting. Biblical wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord and is characterized by a life lived in accordance with God's will.

The book of Proverbs is a central source of biblical wisdom literature. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse underscores the foundational principle that true wisdom begins with reverence for God and a deep understanding of His nature.

King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is a key figure in the Bible who exemplifies the pursuit of wisdom. When God offered Solomon anything he desired, Solomon chose wisdom to govern the people effectively. In response, God granted him unparalleled wisdom, as well as wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13).

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of wisdom, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that God is willing to impart wisdom to those who earnestly seek it.

Wisdom is further personified in Jesus Christ, who is described as the embodiment of divine wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 1:24 , Paul refers to Christ as "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Through Christ, believers gain access to the wisdom that leads to salvation and a life that reflects God's glory.

In summary, biblical wisdom is a gift from God that enables individuals to live righteously and make decisions that align with His purposes. It is cultivated through a relationship with God, study of His Word, and a life committed to His principles.