Wisdom as a Divine Gift
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Definition and Nature
Wisdom, in the biblical context, is more than mere human knowledge or intelligence; it is a divine gift that enables individuals to discern and apply God's will in their lives. It is often associated with the fear of the Lord, which is described as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This wisdom is characterized by a deep understanding of God's nature, His purposes, and His ways, leading to righteous living and decision-making.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible presents wisdom as a gift from God, bestowed upon those who seek it earnestly. In the Old Testament, Solomon is the quintessential example of one who received wisdom as a divine gift. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people effectively. Pleased with this request, God granted him unparalleled wisdom, as well as riches and honor (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Wisdom Literature
The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, often referred to as wisdom literature, explore the nature and application of divine wisdom. Proverbs, attributed largely to Solomon, is a collection of sayings that provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God. Ecclesiastes reflects on the meaning of life and the limitations of human understanding, ultimately pointing to the fear of God as the path to true wisdom (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Job wrestles with the complexities of suffering and divine justice, emphasizing that true wisdom belongs to God alone (Job 28:28).

New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, wisdom continues to be seen as a divine gift, now fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). This wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere (James 3:17).

Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting wisdom to believers. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation enables Christians to know God better and to understand the hope to which He has called them (Ephesians 1:17-18). The gifts of the Spirit, including wisdom, are given for the common good and the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-8).

Practical Application
Wisdom as a divine gift is not only theoretical but also practical, guiding believers in their daily lives. It influences ethical decisions, interpersonal relationships, and the pursuit of justice and righteousness. The wise person builds their life on the teachings of Jesus, likened to a house built on a rock, able to withstand the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-25).

Conclusion
While human wisdom is limited and often flawed, divine wisdom is perfect and eternal. It is a precious gift from God, available to all who seek it with a humble and contrite heart. Through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers can grow in wisdom and live lives that reflect the glory and goodness of God.
Subtopics

Personification of Wisdom

Statecraft: Wisdom In

The Wisdom of God is One of his Attributes

The Wisdom of God: All Human Wisdom Derived From

The Wisdom of God: Beyond Human Comprehension

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Counsels

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Foreshadowing Events

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Works

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: His Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Actions

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Afflictions of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Heart

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Infirmities of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Minutest Matters

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Most Secret Things

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Time of Judgment

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Want of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Way of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Wicked

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Words

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Works of the Wicked

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Redemption

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Searching the Heart

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Understanding the Thoughts

The Wisdom of God: Incomparable

The Wisdom of God: Infinite

The Wisdom of God: Mighty

The Wisdom of God: Nothing is Concealed From

The Wisdom of God: Perfect

The Wisdom of God: Saints Ascribe to Him

The Wisdom of God: should be Magnified

The Wisdom of God: The Gospel Contains Treasures of

The Wisdom of God: The Wicked Question

The Wisdom of God: Underived

The Wisdom of God: Universal

The Wisdom of God: Unsearchable

The Wisdom of God: Wisdom of Saints is Derived From

The Wisdom of God: Wonderful

Wisdom

Wisdom Literature

Wisdom of Aholiab

Wisdom of Bezaleel

Wisdom of Daniel

Wisdom of Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda

Wisdom of Ezra

Wisdom of God

Wisdom of Hiram

Wisdom of Jesus

Wisdom of Joseph

Wisdom of Moses

Wisdom of Other Skilled Artisans

Wisdom of Paul

Wisdom of Solomon

Wisdom of the Magi (Wise Men from the East)

Wisdom of the Princes of the Tribe of Issachar

Wisdom of Women

Wisdom: Prayer for Spiritual

Wisdom: Spiritual, from God

Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to

Wisdom: Worldly

Related Terms

Wise-hearted (10 Occurrences)

Wise-men (4 Occurrences)

Over-wise (1 Occurrence)

All-wise (1 Occurrence)

Discerning (29 Occurrences)

Mocker (11 Occurrences)

Conceit (14 Occurrences)

Advisers (22 Occurrences)

Scorner (12 Occurrences)

Suggestions (9 Occurrences)

Prudent (40 Occurrences)

Magicians (16 Occurrences)

Stupid (20 Occurrences)

Shrewd (14 Occurrences)

Scoffer (11 Occurrences)

Discernment (43 Occurrences)

Skillful (42 Occurrences)

Skill (26 Occurrences)

Discretion (20 Occurrences)

Brutish (12 Occurrences)

Consultation (8 Occurrences)

Arioch (6 Occurrences)

Senseless (22 Occurrences)

Magi (4 Occurrences)

Skilled (44 Occurrences)

Ability (34 Occurrences)

Discern (49 Occurrences)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Simple (40 Occurrences)

Purposes (67 Occurrences)

Suggestion (25 Occurrences)

Advice (52 Occurrences)

Cunning (43 Occurrences)

Plans (55 Occurrences)

Kill (310 Occurrences)

Dark (234 Occurrences)

Diligently (85 Occurrences)

Men (18419 Occurrences)

Meaningless (32 Occurrences)

Prudence (9 Occurrences)

Bar-jesus (1 Occurrence)

Beth-lehem (49 Occurrences)

Barjesus (1 Occurrence)

Bezalel (10 Occurrences)

Builds (18 Occurrences)

Compared (29 Occurrences)

Counsellors (21 Occurrences)

Conjurers (7 Occurrences)

Counselors (21 Occurrences)

Aholiab (5 Occurrences)

Admonition (8 Occurrences)

Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences)

Astrologers (9 Occurrences)

Sensible (15 Occurrences)

Standards (14 Occurrences)

Season (101 Occurrences)

Star (16 Occurrences)

Designs (118 Occurrences)

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)

Consult (27 Occurrences)

Succeed (47 Occurrences)

Discipline (63 Occurrences)

Mary (50 Occurrences)

Amen (74 Occurrences)

Builder (33 Occurrences)

Puts (197 Occurrences)

Companion (44 Occurrences)

Sense (195 Occurrences)

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)

Assemblies (48 Occurrences)

Blindness (7 Occurrences)

Sayings (134 Occurrences)

Becometh (82 Occurrences)

Considered (80 Occurrences)

Slow (43 Occurrences)

Determined (89 Occurrences)

Wisdom as a Divine Attribute
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