Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Wise

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of wisdom in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the character of a renewed heart. A heart transformed by the Spirit of God exhibits wisdom that is both practical and spiritual, reflecting a life aligned with divine principles. Wisdom, as portrayed in the Scriptures, is not merely intellectual acumen but a profound understanding and application of God's truth in daily living.

Biblical Foundation of Wisdom

The Bible consistently emphasizes that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This reverential awe and respect for God is the foundation upon which a wise heart is built. It signifies a heart that is attuned to God's will and purposes, seeking to honor Him in all things.

Characteristics of a Wise Heart

1. Discernment and Understanding: A renewed heart is marked by discernment, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. In 1 Kings 3:9 , Solomon prays, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." This prayer reflects the essence of wisdom—a heart that seeks God's guidance in making righteous decisions.

2. Humility and Teachability: Wisdom is often accompanied by humility, recognizing one's limitations and the need for divine guidance. James 3:13 describes this attribute: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." A wise heart remains open to learning and correction, valuing the insights of others and the instruction of the Lord.

3. Peace and Righteousness: The wisdom from above is characterized by peace and righteousness. James 3:17 states, "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." A wise heart fosters harmony and seeks to live in a manner that reflects God's righteousness.

4. Prudence and Foresight: A wise heart exercises prudence, planning carefully and considering the consequences of actions. Proverbs 14:8 notes, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." This foresight enables the wise to navigate life's complexities with insight and caution.

Wisdom in Action

The renewed heart demonstrates wisdom through actions that align with God's commandments and principles. In Matthew 7:24 , Jesus illustrates this with the parable of the wise builder: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Obedience to God's Word is a hallmark of wisdom, providing stability and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

The Source of Wisdom

Ultimately, wisdom is a gift from God, granted to those who seek it earnestly. James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." A renewed heart continually seeks God's wisdom through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the character of a renewed heart, marked by wisdom, is a reflection of a life transformed by God's grace. It is a heart that fears the Lord, discerns His will, and walks in His ways, embodying the virtues of humility, peace, and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of him that has understanding: but that which is in the middle of fools is made known.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 23:15
My son, if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer Born of Compassion
... But spiritual compassion, the kind born in a renewed heart, which is ... "Brethren, my
heart's desire and ... the pledge of labourers in numbers and character to meet ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/x prayer born of compassion.htm

Messiah's Entrance into Jerusalem
... His birth to the shepherds; and wise men from the ... Christ, which is revealed to the
renewed heart by the ... righteous in the Beloved, but of their real character. ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xi messiahs entrance into.htm

The Soul Winner
... is the natural outgrowth of a renewed nature, not ... Holiness, purity, loveliness of
character, these make a ... the sinner's conscience, to make his heart rock and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the soul winner.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... habits, and habits have crystallized into character, and you ... When Saul, converted
and renewed, gave up all his ... There is many a worldly heart under a monk's cowl ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... token of friendship, a last appeal to his heart? ... sharper test of national or individual
character than the ... deliverance, a relapse, punishment, a renewed cry to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... is often too strong; draws away his heart from God ... Those of this character when they
find themselves destitute ... thy will, that we should be renewed and sanctified ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... and in all those graces which have their root in the renewed heart, which mark ... They
largely determine its character and its work ... A wise and understanding heart,. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

Love's Logic
... to God is as natural to the renewed heart as love to ... fountain of the grace of love
in any man's heart. ... and marked the inimitable beauty of the character of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... all-sufficiency of Christ; their will is renewed; they engage ... As an essential part
of the character of God's ... within thee, whatever thy deceived heart may think ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... an essential branch of every good man's character; for he ... Philippians 3:19,) for
having your heart on earth ... and liberal principle of a nature savingly renewed. ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm