Topical Bible: Wisdom of Women

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The concept of the "Wisdom of Women" in the Bible is a rich and multifaceted theme that highlights the role of women as vessels of divine insight, practical knowledge, and moral guidance. Throughout the Scriptures, women are depicted as wise figures who influence their families, communities, and even nations through their discernment and understanding.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abigail: One of the most prominent examples of a wise woman in the Old Testament is Abigail, the wife of Nabal. Her account is found in 1 Samuel 25. When David was on the verge of destroying Nabal's household due to Nabal's foolishness, Abigail acted with wisdom and diplomacy. She approached David with humility and gifts, successfully averting disaster. Her actions are a testament to her prudence and ability to act decisively in a crisis. David acknowledges her wisdom, saying, "Blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you for restraining me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hands" (1 Samuel 25:33).

2. Deborah: Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, is another exemplar of wisdom. Her account is recounted in Judges 4-5. As a leader, she provided guidance and judgment to the people of Israel. Her wisdom is evident in her strategic planning and encouragement of Barak to lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanite oppressors. Deborah's song in Judges 5 further reflects her deep understanding and insight into God's deliverance and justice.

3. The Wise Woman of Abel: In 2 Samuel 20, a wise woman from the city of Abel negotiates with Joab to save her city from destruction. Her wisdom and persuasive speech lead to the resolution of conflict without unnecessary bloodshed. She is described as a "wise woman" who speaks with authority and clarity, demonstrating the power of wisdom in peacemaking.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs frequently personifies wisdom as a woman, emphasizing the value and necessity of wisdom in daily life. Proverbs 1:20-21 states, "Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech." This personification underscores the accessibility and public nature of wisdom, inviting all to heed her call.

Proverbs 31 provides a detailed description of the "wife of noble character," often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 woman." This passage extols her virtues, including her wisdom in managing her household, engaging in commerce, and providing for her family. Proverbs 31:26 highlights her wisdom: "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the wisdom of women is also evident. The Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies wisdom through her obedience and reflective nature. In Luke 2:19 , it is noted, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Her contemplative wisdom is further demonstrated in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), where she articulates profound theological truths about God's mercy and justice.

Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, is another New Testament figure who demonstrates wisdom. In Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside and explain to him "the way of God more accurately." Her role in teaching and clarifying doctrine highlights the importance of wisdom in the early Christian community.

Conclusion

The wisdom of women in the Bible is a testament to the integral role women play in God's redemptive history. Through their actions, words, and lives, these women exemplify the virtues of wisdom, courage, and faithfulness, serving as models for believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 35:26
And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether the Grace of the Word of Wisdom and Knowledge is Becoming ...
... OF THE GRATUITOUS GRACE CONSISTING IN WORDS (TWO ARTICLES) Whether the grace
of the word of wisdom and knowledge is becoming to women? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the grace of the.htm

Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit...
... Cleverness shall be left for men and wisdom for women. For cleverness kills
wisdom; that is one of the few sad and certain things. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 17 cast your eye.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... received, was a miserable quarrel between two disreputable women. A devout heart,
purged from self-conceit, is often gifted with a piercing wisdom before which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

The Teaching of the Boisterous and Untaught, Desiring to Love: and ...
... Women if they love men are fond, because they know not to keep measure in ... whose love
distracts the wits, perverts and overturns reason, changes wisdom of mind ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxix the teaching of.htm

Women as Well as Men Capable of Perfection.
... the latter was the prophet's associate in commanding the host, being superior to
all the women among the Hebrews who were in repute for their wisdom; and the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chap xix women as well as.htm

The Sins of the Men of Old Time, which Incurred the Displeasure of ...
... announced by the servant of God, while these men despised that wisdom which proceeded ...
spake thus concerning him: "And King Solomon was a lover of women, and he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviithe sins of the.htm

Conclusions Jesus as the Christ of the Creator Proved from the ...
... Luke. The Pious Women at the Sepulchre. ... All Shown to Be in Accordance with
the Wisdom of the Almighty Father, as Indicated in Prophecy. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xliii conclusions jesus as the.htm

Of Divine Wisdom.
... How many poor old Women are there in the World, which have little or nothing of ... Divines
do we see that are over head and ears in their vain Wisdom, and yet ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xvii of divine wisdom.htm

The Finest Wisdom.
... infinitely higher, saving souls, rescuing lives, treasuring up precious men and
women. ... reputation of being the wisest man gives a special definition of wisdom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/the finest wisdom.htm

Wisdom Brevities
... Weary not thyself to be rich; Cease from thine own wisdom; Wilt thou set thine ... Wine
and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/wisdom brevities.htm