Topical Bible: Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty

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The concept of man being made wise by the inspiration of the Almighty is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the divine source of true wisdom and understanding. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the distinction between human wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God.

Divine Source of Wisdom

The Bible consistently affirms that true wisdom originates from God. In the book of Job, Elihu declares, "But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding" (Job 32:8). This verse underscores the belief that human wisdom is not merely a product of intellectual effort but is imparted by the Spirit of God. The "breath of the Almighty" is a metaphor for divine inspiration, suggesting that God actively imparts wisdom to those who seek it.

Wisdom in Creation

The creation narrative in Genesis reflects the wisdom of God in the formation of the world and humanity. Man, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), is endowed with the capacity for wisdom and understanding. This divine image includes the ability to discern, reason, and make moral choices, setting humanity apart from the rest of creation. The wisdom given to man is intended to enable him to fulfill his role as steward of the earth, exercising dominion with justice and righteousness.

The Fear of the Lord

Proverbs, a book dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom, repeatedly emphasizes that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). This foundational principle suggests that reverence for God is the starting point for acquiring true wisdom. The fear of the Lord involves recognizing His sovereignty, submitting to His authority, and aligning one's life with His commandments. Such a posture opens the heart to receive divine insight and understanding.

Wisdom Through the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit in imparting wisdom is further elucidated. Jesus promised His disciples that the Spirit of truth would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). The Apostle Paul echoes this in his letters, praying that believers may be filled with "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation" (Ephesians 1:17). The Holy Spirit, as the agent of divine inspiration, equips believers with the wisdom necessary to navigate the complexities of life and to discern God's will.

Christ as the Embodiment of Wisdom

The ultimate expression of divine wisdom is found in Jesus Christ. Paul writes, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Christ, the fullness of God's wisdom is revealed, offering a model for living a life that is pleasing to God. Through His teachings, parables, and example, Jesus imparts wisdom that transcends human understanding, inviting all to follow Him and learn from His ways.

Practical Application of Wisdom

The wisdom imparted by the Almighty is not merely theoretical but is intended to be applied in everyday life. James exhorts believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that it will be given generously (James 1:5). This wisdom is characterized by purity, peace-loving, consideration, submission, mercy, and sincerity (James 3:17). It is a practical wisdom that influences decisions, relationships, and actions, reflecting the character of God in the world.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of man being made wise by the inspiration of the Almighty highlights the transformative power of divine wisdom. It calls individuals to seek God earnestly, to revere Him, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Through this divine inspiration, believers are equipped to live lives that honor God and reflect His wisdom to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 32:8,9
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Temple of Wisdom
... of the science of things as God has made them; wherein ... which has ever ministered
to the good of man; and that within there await you all the wise and good ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon ii the temple of wisdom.htm

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... These are "able to make us wise unto salvation." Let us ... on the heart is expressed
in the outward man in walking ... object before it see it, it must be made like to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

Jeroboam
... was in a position to bring about wise reforms in ... who claimed to be a prophet and
who made false representations ... and the invitation urged until the man of God ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

A Wise Desire
... into the pit as necessary to his being made a king ... is the hand of God in everything
the man does!" and ... its clearness, so that you must see that a wise hand was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a wise desire.htm

The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and ...
... the most favoured of Christian lands, that a man should be ... You will take, if you
are wise, far, far higher ground ... strict account of the use we have made of the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon iv the plenary inspiration.htm

At this Time He Received a Letter from Pope Boniface Exhorting Him ...
... in them.' For how can they have power to help any man, that are made out of ... never
had the breath of life in them, nor could in any wise receive feeling ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap x at this time.htm

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
... of old, puts out not a finger to help a man to bear ... to Christian people, is that
they will be wise for the ... and if we desire our lives not to be made placid and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/full of the holy ghost.htm

What is Man?
... Here is a curious machine, "fearfully and wonderfully made." It is ... force of the heart,
in a strong man, to be ... is a marvellous instance of the wise and gracious ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 109 what is man.htm

The Man Christ Jesus
... over temptation, in the crowd he is greatly wise in answering ... Yet consider how great
this man was in his death ... The Lord had made to meet in him the iniquity of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

Brief Statement of the Reformed Faith, 1902.
... in history, and in the heart of man; that He has ... Spirit; and that Jesus Christ, the
Word made flesh, is ... Purpose."We believe that the eternal, wise, holy, and ...
/.../brief statement of the reformed.htm