The fear of God, Scripture says, is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). It is not the height of wisdom, as many wrongly assume; it is the very foundation of wisdom. Lacking the fear of God is a clear-cut sign that a person lacks wisdom. To give no honour to the One who created the universe is the worst decision anyone can make.
But what does the word wisdom mean? Knowledge refers to the state of being knowledgeable or having information about something. Understanding is the ability to connect the different things you know and comprehend how they relate to one another. Wisdom is the right application of that knowledge and understanding. Knowing that the world was created by a power beyond you is knowledge. Recognising that creation points to a Creator is understanding. Giving honour and reverence to that Creator is wisdom. Scripture tells us that “the fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps. 14:1 NKJV). Contrary to what is now becoming popular, rejecting the truth that God exists does not make a person wise. It means quite the opposite (Rom. 1:20–22).
There are two types of wisdom: the wisdom of men and the wisdom that comes from above. Human wisdom is often limited. As we know, wisdom is the right application of knowledge, and since no man knows everything, human wisdom remains limited to what a person knows, the extent to which they understand it, and their ability to apply that knowledge rightly. Scripture warns us that there is a wisdom that is “earthly, sensual, demonic” (Jas. 3:15 NKJV). It may appear intelligent or reasonable, but it is not necessarily aligned with God.
Human wisdom can also be corrupted by selfish motives. When Judas Iscariot objected to the woman’s use of the expensive perfume on Jesus and suggested that it could have been sold and the money given to the poor, his words appeared reasonable on the surface (Jhn. 12:4–6). But John reveals that Judas did not say this because he cared for the poor; he was a thief who used to take from the money box. What sounded like wisdom was actually motivated by selfishness. Because human wisdom is dependent on fallen humanity, it remains vulnerable to the insufficiency, limitations, and weaknesses of men.
The wisdom that comes from above is the second type of wisdom that exists, and this is our focus for today. James tells us that
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure. Then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”
(Jas. 3:17 NKJV)
The wisdom we receive from God is sincere, with no hidden selfish motives. It is pure and uncorrupted by human bias. It is willing to yield, full of mercy, and produces good works. This is the wisdom that comes from God.
Oftentimes, this wisdom of God is considered foolishness by the world because the world does not understand it. How do you explain to people that a shepherd boy who had never been trained as a soldier, who could not even manage to wear armor, could defeat an almost 10-foot-tall, seasoned battle champion with only a sling and a stone? Yet that is exactly what David did (1 Sam. 17:45–50). What appears foolish by human standards can be perfectly wise in the sight of God, because God’s wisdom surpasses human wisdom (1 Cor. 1:25–27).
The world convinces us to trust our own wits, but Scripture advises otherwise. It says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7 NIV). Like Moses, we must be willing to receive counsel. Proverbs 12:15 NIV says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” The wisdom of God does not make a person think he is self-sufficient. Moses had every reason to dismiss Jethro’s advice. After all, it was Moses God called, not Jethro. Yet Moses listened to his father-in-law and implemented his counsel, and it was exactly what he needed to do (Exo. 18:17–24). Godly wisdom is not threatened by the wisdom or counsel of others.
Because wisdom from God comes from the all-wise Source, it is helpful in every aspect of life. His wisdom teaches us how to speak words that turn away wrath (Prov. 15:1). This wisdom helped Daniel in delivering a very troubling message to the feared King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4: 19). This same wisdom was given to Solomon to govern God’s people (1 Kgs. 3:9–12). Scripture describes it as a joyful and peaceful period in Judah and Israel (1 Kgs. 4:20-25). Wisdom helps us carry out our work, maintain relationships, handle trouble, manage our resources, and navigate the many decisions of life. Ask Joseph, Abigail, or David. The wisdom of God is all-encompassing, including wisdom for ministry and our walk with Him.
How, then, does one get the wisdom of God?
By asking. To receive, one must first ask. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5 NKJV). You must be humble and sincere enough to acknowledge your lack, and then be confident enough to ask for it. Solomon was sincere enough to recognise his need for God’s wisdom, and God gave it to him (1 Kgs. 3:5–12).
Additionally, studying the Word of God makes us wise. Scripture is complete with instructions we can follow, stories from which we can draw lessons, and admonitions that can help us live wisely. Paul reminded Timothy that the Scriptures are able to make him “wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). The more we know God’s Word, the more equipped we become to recognise what is right, discern what is appropriate, and apply God’s truth to the situations we encounter.
God does not withhold this wisdom from those who seek it. He invites us to ask. He gives us His Word to instruct us. He gives us His Spirit to guide us. He gives us godly counsel and the experiences of Scripture to teach us.
But there is something even greater to understand about the wisdom of God. Scripture does not only tell us that God gives wisdom; it points us to One who is Himself described as the wisdom of God.
Next week, we will learn more about this.
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