Wisdom of Man
We live in a world where God is despised and yet man seeks after spiritual wisdom!
A world where my wisdom is wise for me and your wisdom is wise for you – an epoch when humanity wears a necklace of pride – as they seek to right all wrongs!
An era of insanity, as natural man plans humanities next move – on the chessboard of life: but God has made foolish the wisdom of this world. 1Cor.3:19 And a young child, brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord has greater wisdom, than the anti-theist minds of the world’s ministers, who so love to play “god“.
Wisdom of God
Why?
God has confounded the wisdom of the wise – but he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. 1Peter.2:6.
The one dead in trespasses and sins has no capacity to know the things of God: for the wisdom of God is from God and can only come from spiritual discernment, and yet …out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, God has ordained praise.
Mind of Christ
You must be born again to have this field of wisdom unveiled to your eyes.
It is only the new creation in Christ who is able to apprehend spiritual things, for true wisdom is spiritually discerned, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit – given at rebirth..
Need for Wisdom
‘Ahh’ you say, ‘I am saved, and yet there are many things I do not understand.
I get confused with all the different teachings that abound – I just cannot understand.’ Ahh – but Scripture supplies your answer: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally..
Acts 17:11 – and remember the context in which spiritual wisdom is given to the believer.
Spiritual Understand
Do you see that – 1) spiritual understanding is connected with patient endurance of trials, but if any of you lacks wisdom, (spiritual understanding), let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him, (but not necessarily immediately). Do you see that?
– 3) spiritual understanding can only be given to believers, but not all believers gain spiritual discernment and Godly wisdom.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom, and revelation in the knowledge of Him; having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know... (Ephesians 1:17,18)
God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. (1 Corinthians 1:20 NLT)
The Lord said: ow hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God!I think if He had been in another world from the one in which He was at the time, if He had been in the Western world He would probably have said: ow hardly shall they that have knowledge enter the Kingdom.The boasted knowledge, wisdom, and intellect of the Western world is the great obstruction to the Kingdom.
When Paul got outside of the Jewish world, that was the kind of thing he was saying all the time, that the wisdom of this world was the great hindrance.
Mystery Of God
Just as God’s directed light followed darkness and dawn at the world’s creation... just as dazzling light filled the newly formed clay vessel (Adam) with spirit and life – so is the new creation called from darkness to light, and from death to life. And here, in these wonderful words, God’s purpose was seen. The first sight of God’s amazing purpose was proclaimed:- a mystery and a plan... formed in the heart of God from before the world was created. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world…..” Rom.13:8. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery – even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world, unto our glory.” 1Cor.2:7
The way of His wisdom is the way of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Proverbs 3:17 But only those that follow His footsteps have quietness of spirit and amity with God. Only those who trust His love are in concord with themselves and with others. Only they who truly know how to die to self, utterly and completely – only they are truly at peace with life’s circumstances. They find no strain within; no hostility without; no alienation from God. They have no pricks of an accusing conscience; no unsatisfied longings or desires, for they trust in His love completely – for they know that: “all things work together, for good…” Rom.8:28
I am not saying that; but I am saying that if that represents for them their spiritual life if they must have that, if that is the realm in which they live... that they do not see beyond that and are not free from that as a thing in itself then they have missed the meaning of Calvary, and they are bound to miss all the meaning of Christ crucified the wisdom and the power of God.
Here is the word: ...that NOW unto the principalities and the powers in heavenly places might be made known through the Church the manifold wisdom of God not in the coming age, but now.
Thus, a rich knowledge of the Scriptures, an accurate technical grasp of Christian doctrine, a doing of Christian work by all the resources of men's natural wisdom or ability, a clever manipulation and interesting presentation of Bible content and themes, may get not one whit beyond the natural life of men, and still remain within the realm of spiritual death.
God is speaking, He has something to say, but there must be a Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your heart being enlightened.
When you look at 1 Corinthians what a lot of soulicalism there is: this wisdom of words, this wisdom of the world, these likes and these dislikes and preferences and partialities and antipathies, and then their jealousies.
It is true that He is many other things, as well as light: He is the Spirit of Power, He is the Spirit of Wisdom; yes, He is many other things; but, with them all, He is this.
Let me point out that in Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden, and the Lord's will for us is to come to an ever-growing realization and personal appreciation of Him in Whom all the fullness dwells.
So it is not our study, our learning, our book knowledge, but it is a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of our hearts being enlightened, and it is that seeing which brings the note of authority that is so much needed.
Every kind of appeal was made to Him to persuade Him on the impulse of the moment, or in response to an entreaty that seemed to promise success, or by an argument that appeared to be the truest wisdom, to move, act, speak, do something as out from Himself....
At times the suggestion wouldbe influenced by necessity of circumstances, at times by thepromise of effectiveness in His service, or again byrepresentation of the utter un-wisdom of the line that He wastaking, as when His own brethren, who did not believe in Him,chided Him for delay, saying, Go up to Jerusalem and showyourself!
Christ … loved the church and gave Himself for her, … that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. § Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.The peace of God … surpasses all understanding. § Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body.May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. § [God] will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. § Can you search out the deep things of God?
Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory. § The mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.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. § The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, wiling to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
We have done what was our duty to do.”Our boasting is this … we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshy wisdom but by the grace of God. § We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. § Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. § Christ Jesus … became for us wisdom from God– and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. § Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. § The hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts.
It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory … give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him … that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. § 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. § The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men… God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise… that no flesh should glory in His presence.The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. § Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. § No man ever spoke like this Man! § Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God– and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
Jesus … said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. § He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise. § To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers it the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. § That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. § You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. § 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. § Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. § Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry… The Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. § You will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me… Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart. § Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. § I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies.
While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”—Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. § You cannot serve God and mammon.You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. § Serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. § For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. § Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
He indeed was … manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God … that your faith and hope are in God.Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. § Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. § 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. § Love suffers long and is kind.In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. § Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.
This is my beloved, and this is my friend.All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. § He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. § The sword of the Spirit … is the word of God. § The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. § The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Take careful heed to do the commandment and the law … to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul. § Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. § Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. § Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. § I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another. § Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. § Death and life are in the power of the tongue. § The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.
Get understanding! § The wisdom that is from above. § The deep says, “It is not in me”; and the sea says, “It is not with me.” § We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might … but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord.” § The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. § In [Him] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. § Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. § Christ Jesus … became for us wisdom … and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. § He who wins souls is wise.
For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. § 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. § When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. § Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. § Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord. § I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. § Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? § Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.Brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. § We desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. § Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. § You will hear of wars and rumors of wars.
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.How can a young man cleanse his way?
With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.
We … do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. § That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. § Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
This is the true God and eternal life.We … do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. § The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, … give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. § But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. § Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory … give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.
Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. § He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.We did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. § Your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me! § Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God … and it will be given to him.Who is sufficient for these things? § I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells. § My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me. § It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. § Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate … Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. § Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
They may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. § There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. § Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. § The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence.I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.Praise the Lord!
What shall I give you?” And Solomon said to God: … “Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people.” § God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power … O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” So the LORD struck the Ethiopians before Asa.O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come.
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. § Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. § Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. § Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected.Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. § For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. § I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.“Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. § This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it… Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. § You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased. § All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.You are worthy… for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.
His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor. § Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding. § Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. § Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. § Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. § Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. § He knows the way that I take. § A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. § This is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.
Therefore take heed how you hear. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. § Above all, [take] the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble … How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
And they realized that they had been with Jesus.My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit … He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. § We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. § Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. § I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. § Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says. § He who is spiritual judges all things. § Take heed what you hear. § I know your works.
The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. § He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.To you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” § Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. § Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.
Eve … bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens.” … The Lord scattered them. § Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan … It was well watered everywhere … like the garden of the Lord … But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly.
For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. § I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards … I also gathered for myself silver and gold … Then I looked on all … and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. § He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. § What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?Surely the people are grass.
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord.I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. § I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. § I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.Whom have I in heaven but You?
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. § The love of Christ … passes knowledge.Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. § In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. § The unsearchable riches of Christ. § Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.Happy is the man who finds wisdom … Length of days is in her right hand … She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her. § Christ Jesus … became for us wisdom.
In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground. § We commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. § Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands.Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. § The night is coming when no one can work.Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. § Always [abound] in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.There remains … a rest for the people of God. § To us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day. § “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest,” and, “This is the refreshing.”
The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. § I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. § My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.Those who are called, sanctified by God the Father. § Both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.“Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord. § The fullness of Him who fills all in all. § I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. § This is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. § Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
It is excluded. § Christ Jesus … became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption … “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”You He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. § You were washed … you were sanctified … you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
His delight is in the fear of the Lord.Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?
Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things … Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.”The Lord of hosts … is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. § 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. § Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. § We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
My speech and my preaching were … in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God … But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.
They lie down alike in the dust, and worms cover them.My flesh … will rest in hope. § After my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God. § The Lord Jesus Christ … will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. § So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. § He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Cor. 2:13).
Our Father chooses His opportunities to teach us these things, and when He has accomplished this work the special communications of His wisdom and love no longer continue, for He desires we should walk by faith, according to what we know we possess in the Lord Jesus.
Let my circumstances be what they may, if I can see them ordered for me unfailingly by One in whom infinite wisdom, power, and goodness combine, and whose love toward me I am assured of, my restlessness is gone, my will subjected to that other will in which I can but acquiesce and delight. -F.W.G.
Christ is made unto us wisdom to enable us to walk aright in a perplexing world, righteousness to replace our sinfulness, sanctification to impart the growth we so greatly need, and redemption of the body to consummate the whole.
Is not the reason of all this that we want to grasp the hidden wisdom of the Father with our mind alone, forgetting that the Holy Spirit intends to work it into the heart and inner life also? -A.M.
The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. . .
God's elective purposes are carried out in such an incomprehensible way through the internal and external influences of infinite love and wisdom that man is at no time conscious of any external compulsion, but only of choices and decisions in the exercise of his own free will.
My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom (1 Cor. 2:4).
Men may be saved through hearing the Word of God that it contains but, unless they get purer light later, their dependence for life and service will be primarily upon human strength, and not upon the power and demonstration of the Spirit.' Paul (in spite of the Corinthians' demand for it) refused to permit any human wisdom to enter into his ministry for that reason - because he wanted purely spiritual fruit: converts who have seen the power of the Spirit and expect to know it in their lives and service.
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5).
In humble, but like manner, regardless of what man or Satan plan against us, God set a greater plan from before the foundation of the world for us – O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
and His grace continually draws you and me: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus – that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church, to the principalities and powers in heavenly places.
God’s Wisdom
Have you ever considered His love for you as less than it is for someone else… because of some deep secret or painful disappointment hidden in your own life?
Or do you find it difficult to understand His apparently careless dealings with you – dealings you consider negligent towards many of his blood-bought bond-servants? If so you question the truth of God’s immutable wisdom and inerrant word.
In attempting to comfort Job, each friend offered their own, self-acquired wisdom, and like Job, the creed to which they held was was an incomplete reality of God.
to live with Him in the eternal ages that are to follow: That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of his grace in His kindness towards us through Christ Jesus to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church (that is through you) to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Yet in his wisdom, Paul admonishes us that:- bodily “exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things. 1 Timothy 4:8 And in the leading of the Spirit, he again reminds us – My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
I applied my mind to seek and to search out by wisdom and by REASON of things.Ecclesiastes 7:25
He laughs at sinful humanity’s foolish philosophical floundering, for it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the reasoning of the clever. 1 Corinthians 1:19 God has made foolish the reason, the wisdom..
Wisdom of God
Oh yes..
Wisdom from God
God of wisdom, God of love, guide my reason from above, that I may know and walk Thy way – every day.
Wisdom unsearchable,God the invisible,Love indestructible,In frailty appearsLord of infinityStooping so tenderlyLifts my humanity..To the heights of His throne
Study - GOD, All I Need
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORDIsaiah 11:2
Gift of Wisdom
True wisdom and childlike understanding is a precious gift of God – not the wisdom of this world..
The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God, but the wisdom of the wise is a tree of life and a flowing river.
We read in Ecclesiastes 2:26 that God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight, and a man’s wisdom makes his face shine – the sternness of his face is changed.
Scriptural Example
We all know the lovely occasion when wisdom was granted to the young king Solomon.
Oh, but how I love the wisdom that was granted..to another man..
wisdom that was given to the young craftsman, Bezalel.
We read about him in Exodus 31:30 – I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.
Link With Humility
Wisdom does not only come in words from God but in works of God, for all your work carried out in the Spirit of God – is the wisdom of God in you.
Godly wisdom and reason is closely allied to humility and child-likeness - a willingness to learn and a childlike faith and trust in the steadfastness of God.
but the one with wisdom has a God-ward vision and is the one that looks to Jesus.
Link With Love
But what is the purpose of your desire and prayer for wisdom?
Do you like to flaunt your God-given wisdom before the amazed approval of men?
Be careful of your pursuit of wisdom..
and if you have all wisdom and have not the love of God and love for God – Paul tells us that you are nothing.
Price of Wisdom
In answer to Job’s question – Where is wisdom to be found..?
And in response to his query – what is the price of wisdom..?” God provides him with the answer in pure simplicity:- Behold…the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom and to depart from evil, that is understanding.
Job 28:28 I’ve seen more wisdom in a 3-year old child than in many mature men of the world..
for God gives wisdom liberally and ungrudgingly to all who are deficient therein.
Wisdom Personified
It is not the spirit of ‘know-it-all’ nor that of ‘what a knowledgeable guy / gal I am!’ – but a spirit being renewed – a heart being conformed into the lovely image of Christ.
Wisdom divine – Who tells the price..Of Wisdom’s costly merchandise?Wisdom to silver we prefer..And gold is dross compared with her.
Happy the man who wisdom gains,Thrice happy who his guest retains,He owns and shall forever own:-Wisdom, and Christ and heaven as one.
And God in His wisdom needs to demolish all self-dependence in order to build real faith, as one by one He removes every particle of support on which we’ve come to rely..whether it be a person or a place; a creed or a reputation– whether it be through bereavement; ill-health; poverty; pain or disappointment.
God, Himself, has made each and every blood-bought child complete in Him. For of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom in God’s Word
While ever we live in this fallen world of sin and suffering we will face mounting pressures, but we have the written word of God and the indwelling Holy Spirit of God to guide our path and to guard our ways and Christ has promised that His grace is sufficient.
Never forget that God’s word is life and health and wisdom and truth and His grace is sufficient, for Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path – forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heave
How important to take heed to the scorching words of Paul. That we do not remain in or revert back to babyhood, but launch out into the deep: now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
As I have seen the physical walk of Old Testament saints translated into spiritual reality, I have been awed by the wisdom of God: how unsearchable are His ways.
an example of God’s grace to angelic principalities and powers – an example of God’s and wisdom and power and love towards you.
The Mystery of the Church
Paul said: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1Cor.2:7.
through the manifold wisdom of God. Creation alone would never have brought out the nature and character of God. There was infinitely more than the power and the wisdom reflected in creation. There was LOVE, MERCY, PATIENCE, TENDERNESS and GENTLENESS. There was HOLINESS, GOODNESS, GRACE and LONG-SUFFERING.
God’s Wisdom
He knew us as we were secretly being formed in the womb of our mother. He scheduled each day of our lives and knows the future plans He has for each of us.
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God..
STUDY - Character and Attributes of GOD
Blessed be the name of the Lord… for wisdom and might are His and He gives wisdom to the wise..
True and Wise
Oh yes, God is the only true and wise God and eternal wisdom is His.
But the unbelieving mind will not be persuaded of the truth of God’s wisdom, and the true believer must not be influenced to think of any other alternative..
for the wisdom of God is unique and unlike all its earthly counterparts.
Infinite Wisdom
His understanding is infinite, and so there is no earthly comparison.
His knowledge is immutable, for He knows all, and is all in all. In the presence of the solitary, unending, limitless, established wisdom of God..
God’s Wisdom
God in His wisdom has bestowed understanding on those that know Him, and God willingly gives wisdom to those that lack it..
The wisdom of Solomon exceeded all the seed of man - those born of woman.
The wisdom of angels pales into insignificance against God’s understanding.
And though God will give generously to those that ask for wisdom, it is but a paltry, reflection of the likeness of the uncreated wisdom of God, that cascades a never-ending river of understanding through the universe.
Groaning Creation
Creation was one visible verification of the endless wisdom of God... and God saw everything that He had made and it was very good.
Saved and Unsaved
Well, God in His wisdom, proclaimed an end of the groaning creation..
True Faith
If we trust the truth of Scripture, we cannot question the plan God conceived. If we’ve confidence in God’s revealed attributes we cannot doubt His word. God certainly gives a portion of His immutable wisdom to those that ask Him, but God in His wisdom has so designed it... that we trust Him unreservedly.
God in His wisdom continued with His eternal plan and purpose for man – as in the womb of time His wise plan unfolded and the Saviour was born.
Superlative Attributes
If the wisdom of God is immutable and the if knowledge of God eternal - should we not trust in every superlative attribute that has been revealed in Him, even when it appears diametrically opposed to sight or circumstances?
Faithful God
All he asks of us is to have faith in Him and to trust our all-wise God. All we have to do is to trust in His eternal plans and purposes. All we have to do is to believe in His immutable wisdom: faithful is he that called you, who also will do it.
Wonder of Redemption
The wonders of redemption and the glories of heir-ship with Christ, plumb the depths of our grasp and scale the heights of our imaginations. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
Christ-Clinging
It is not by self-wrestling, but by Christ-Clinging that we shall be most blessed. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Oh the DEPTH OF HIS LOVE. How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
A Deep Yearning
Yes, God in His wisdom has placed a deep yearning for Himself in our inner beings. He knows our deepest need is clear, clean, beautiful fellowship with Himself. But God also knows that man’s heart is intrinsically wicked and riddled with sin, and in His wisdom has withheld much that prideful man desires to know of God.
Childlike Wisdom
This simple childlike logic demonstrates a wisdom towards God we often lack... Like maybe, just maybe there are things about God that we don’t understand!
O Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Teach us to redeem the time we have left and use it to praise of the eternal God.
Willing Submission
The astonishing thing is that God in His self-sufficient wisdom and grace, has chosen to condescendingly work in and through His servants.
Manifold Wisdom
Oh yes, the church that is His body will be used to show His grace to angels: to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the Church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, to the glory of God… and to the praise of His Holy Name.
to contrast in ever stringent tones with His immutability and constancy. God in His wisdom knows nothing can ever satisfy the cravings of a human heart.. save Himself.
personally? God has spoken to man – through nature, which speaks of His power. God has spoken to man – through man, which speaks of His wisdom. God has spoken to man through His Word..
Priority of Man
How often people will take time and effort to learn some foreign language. How they delight to read writings and manuals that increase their knowledge. Or how avidly they drink in the thrill of a novel or pour over text-books of wisdom. All have a place, all can be enjoyable and none need be sinful..
Isaiah and Daniel fell on their faces, as God imparted heavenly wisdom to them.
Every word of Scripture is a megaphone of warning to the believer, for as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Yet many ignore the words of wisdom that pepper the pages of the Holy Bible.
Unsaved Man
But unsaved man knows nothing of God’s wisdom, as it is spiritually perceived. Natural man..
the unsaved man, knows nothing of God’s wisdom – for God’s wisdom is spiritually discerned. Natural man knows little of God’s character – and the church mirrors their progress. The Church often shadows the trail of the natural – and discovers half-truths.
The awe-inspiring magnificence of His wisdom and power has seeped away.
Know God
We must know Him as our Light, our Wisdom, our Assurance and Truth. We must trust Him as our Anchor, our Courage, our Provider and Defender. We must love Him as our Saviour, our Comforter, our Father and Friend.
And Paul continues: 'Christ we preach and Him we proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone, (that is every believer) and instructing everyone in all wisdom.' Col 1:28.
Why are we to become more progressively and intimately acquainted with Him? - because 'In Him are all the treasures of divine wisdom' Col.2:3
Divine Wisdom
Did you get that??? In Jesus are all the treasures of divine wisdom..
Battle of the Ages
This battle of the ages has been raging for multiplied thousands of years, and in God’s wisdom, the church are partners, with access to His throne of grace. Should we not with veiled face contemplate this unfathomable, entrusted privilege?
In His grace and wisdom, God anointed us as participating partners in His purpose.
And all that’s required of us is to know Him – believe Him and act on His Word, And in the Lord Jesus Christ we have the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Instructions from God
The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? And yet as believers, we have the mind of Christ.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God – how unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out..
Changeless Character
God gives us simple instructions and yet they are diametrically opposed to man’s logic and the sin nature, for our fleshly sin nature is in conflict against God’s Spirit and the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God, but if we don’t know His character and His plan for humanity, how can we trust Him?
Simple Instructions
These simple instructions conflict with the function of man’s old sin nature – and these simple instructions are diametrically opposed from man’s human wisdom.
For the Sin Nature (the Flesh) – is in conflict against the Spirit,And Man’s Wisdom (man’s Reason) – is foolishness to God.
For God will never answer to human reason and more often than not God’s instructions in His Word conflict with human wisdom and rational thinking – indeed human reason and man’s logic causes us to misunderstand much of God’s Word.
As we read through Scripture, we discover one here and we find another there… But in the fulness of time God sent His only Son in the form of man, in Whom would dwell all the godly attributes of Deity bodily – for He is the ultimate Man of faith and virtue, the perfect Man of prayer and praise, the godly Man of wisdom and worship, the loving Man of obedience and humility, the gracious Man so beloved of the Father, Who was chosen to be our Saviour for He is the true Man after God’s own heart.
God’s Plan of Salvation
Both prophets and angels longed to look into God’s plan of Salvation, which He purposed in His eternal council chambers – whereby He would save His people, Israel. But in His wisdom men and angels only saw through a glass darkly.
It was Matthew, who when quoting Isaiah chapter 11, writes of Christ Jesus as the Shoot, Who springs from His ancestor Jesse, the father of king David – describing the humble home in Nazareth and the early childhood of our Lord Jesus in great detail – for the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon Him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord... and He delighted in the fear of the Lord.
God’s Wisdom
But God’s plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by the enemy, although at times, Satan in his foolish pride must have smugly thought that God had been outwitted! But David had a son called Nathan – through whom was born the mother of our Lord.. and Luke records the legitimate and un-cursed lineage of Christ Jesus – the Saviour.
God’s intention was that man would fulfil the righteous requirements of the Law in dependence upon Him – rather than relying on his own abilities, strength, or wisdom.
Impossible Requirement
God knew that sinful man could never achieve the perfection that the Law required, but Israel confidently announced – all that the Lord has spoken to us, we will do! Exodus 19:8 This worthy pronouncement to do the will of God sounds commendable to the ear of fallen man – but it displays man’s pride, and demonstrates independence from God. God in His wisdom knew that it was needful for man to try to be perfect in his own strength and fail, to realise he was unable to reach the perfection God required.
His grace can never fail. The glory of Christ is beautifully seen in the essential attributes of the living God. His glory is interwoven with His handiwork; His skill; His wisdom and His kindness.
Romantic Nonsense
There has been much romantic nonsense written about the early life of the Lord Jesus, but Jesus lived a hard life and yet a simple life in the little despised village of Nazareth. There have been many false gospels written about the time that God in His wisdom chose to keep Jesus hidden from our view – with a few, thought-provoking exceptions.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.Luke 2:51-52
Christ’s Early Life
But God is not mocked by man nor angel and the Holy Child was born and for 12 years He grew and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was on Him.
Light of the World
His unusual wisdom and godly understanding was evident to the elders of Israel.
And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart – and pondered them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and with man.
Words and Wisdom
His words and wisdom authenticated His pre-existent reality for He was there before the world was created and could boldly say, I and the Father are One, for His Person and Presence was together with the Father and the Holy Spirit – very God of very God, not made – of One substance with the Father, through Whom all things were made.
Godly Wisdom
The words from His mouth were words of wisdom – for no one spoke like Jesus spoke. Other great orators often modify what they say – or they speak out of turn.
Gracious Words
He neither exaggerated an issue nor did He ever speak a half-truth or falsity. He never embroidered a statement nor was required to retract any lessons He taught. He did not have to apologise in word or deed for there was no fault to be found in Him. He maintained the highest moral dignity, while extending courtesy to all in His path. He never had to plead for pardon – for all His words, ways and wisdom were faultless. He never had to ask for forgiveness – yet extended forgiveness to all who would come,
Blinded Eyes
Their eyes were blinded to His loveliness, for there was no beauty in Him that they could discern – yet He was the altogether lovely One, Who would die for their sins. Their ears were stopped to His wisdom and their hearts were cold towards God’s only begotten Son, Who had set aside His glory and clothed Himself in mortal flesh.
God the Father
God in His wisdom and grace designed the plan of salvation before the world began. God in His love and mercy purposed to save humanity before we were even created.
Church Age
But God in His wisdom foreknew all that would take place in Israel, 2000 years ago. In His eternal wisdom, God addressed this rejection before the world was founded – God would set Israel aside for a time and continue His work through the Church.
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – and I say this, lest any man should deceive you with enticing words.Colossians 2:2-4
Paul’s Teachings
Paul outlined in great detail these glorious positional truths to encourage our hearts. His desire was that we are united in love and understand the riches of God’s grace. He longed that we have complete assurance of the mystery of God – namely Christ: in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3 Paul’s epistles certainly are overflowing with much to rejoice our heart, but he also gives us some severe warnings, which encourage spiritual alertness.
Words of Wisdom
Paul’s epistles give us much to rejoice our heart, for we are positioned in Christ. Paul’s words of encouragement rejoice our heart – and Paul’s words of wisdom provide us with some very timely warnings.
We read in Exodus 31, I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic work (for the tabernacle) Exodus 31:2
Consecrated Man
His was a life that signified the infinite wisdom, power, and sovereignty of God.
And He too – the great Creator of the Universe, became a ‘spectacle’ to man.. a sign of suffering, affliction, and ridicule, but also a sign of wisdom, a sign of power... a sign of great resurrection glory – the sign of a life consecrated to God.
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Colossians 2:3
for hidden within Christ is a great treasure trove of all-wisdom and all-knowledge. Christ – the third person of the trinity was made man and became God incarnate. Christ was Son of Man Who was born – yet He was the Son of God Who was given. The fullness of deity dwells in Christ – and in Him is all wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:9 All that God is and all that God knows is present in the person of Christ Jesus.
With our finite minds, we are incapable of understanding the essence of the infinite God – nevertheless, all the wisdom and knowledge of God is hidden in Christ in its entirety. Man, a fallen creature was incapable of meeting and communing with a holy God, but God in His mercy and love revealed Himself, in Christ Jesus – in His fullness.
Person of Christ
The self-existent Christ is absolute and complete in all aspects of His causeless being. The immutable Christ is absolute truth, entirely dependable, totally faithful, and true. The infinite Christ has limitless knowledge, immeasurable power, perpetual presence – and in Christ are hidden all the treasures of God’s eternal wisdom and knowledge.
Incarnate God
His love is measureless and scoops into its skirts boundless mercy and eternal grace. His immeasurable holiness acts in absolute righteousness and unquestionable justice. The fullness of God has been manifested in the self-revelation of Himself, in Christ. And in Him are hidden all the treasures of God’s eternal wisdom and knowledge.
Astonishing Privilege
The man or woman that has been placed in Christ is indeed blessed beyond compare, for hidden within Christ is a great treasure trove of all-wisdom and all-knowledge.
Deity of Christ
The man or woman that has been placed in Christ is indeed blessed beyond compare, for hidden within Christ is a great treasure trove of all-wisdom and all-knowledge.
and in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
With our finite minds, we are incapable of understanding the essence of infinite God – nevertheless, all the wisdom and knowledge of God are hidden in Christ in its entirety. Let us take time to mine out those hidden treasures by getting to know Him more.
God’s Wisdom
There is a need in the life of all mankind for God – for His forgiveness and love, but the true and only God has been swept aside in preference for man’s imaginings. Multiple methods have been designed in an attempt to reach humanity’s goal. God will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders.
Worldly Wisdom
The wisdom of the wise will pass away. The intelligence of the clever will disappear.
God Himself declared, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and set aside the cleverness of the clever..
Christ Crucified
And so like Paul we preach Christ Crucified, for as it is written: Christ is the power of God and Christ is the wisdom of God.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Not many of us are wise by human standards; not many of us are influential. Not many of us were powerful or wealthy in the world’s eyes when God called us – few of us came from noble birth or were born into a privileged position. 1 Corinthians 1:24
Christ our Wisdom
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
God did this, so that you and I would not be in a position to boast before Him – but God placed us into Christ, and Christ has become our wisdom from God.
I do not cease to pray for you, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of HIM…..
Spiritual Freedom
Paul prayed that the church would be given spiritual wisdom and godly insight. He wanted all believers to be able to remain confident in the hope of their calling. He did not want them to be tossed hither and thither by every wind of doctrine – but to know the truth of their union with Christ – for that truth will set us free.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of HIM – that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those he called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.
We have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation:- in the knowledge of Him That the God of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him. Ephesians 1:17
Luke writes to tell us that the young Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52 Christ never deviated from His sole life’s mission – to carry out His Father’s will.
Faith is trusting God in His infinite grace and wisdom to do what is best for you.
This may mean having to go through difficult times without understanding why. It may mean a cruel and painful loss – or the slaughter of your reputation. It may mean having to face a future that is ravaged by unknown elements. And faith is trusting God’s omniscient wisdom to be working all things for the best.
Trusting Faith
We understand what God’s strength is about but His wisdom is so different from ours.
Wisdom and Power
Biblical faith is for the believer – not the non-believer.
You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ - the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24
His Wisdom
Ask My wisdom – and you will receive. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, Who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.
while Paul reminds us Christ is the power of God, and the WISDOM of God – Christ Jesus, Who of God became to us WISDOM and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 1Corinthians 1:24,30
Wisdom is the understanding of righteous behaviours.
Wisdom is the understanding of God’s righteous ways.
Wisdom is His life, displayed in your moral actions.
Wisdom is Him.
The man with wisdom knows how to live.
The man with wisdom knows how to conduct himself.
The man with wisdom knows Christ.
Genesis of Wisdom
For as Paul tells us:- the wisdom of God is Christ Jesus our Lord.
The one who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
So where does wisdom come from?
Well, we are told that: the fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.The fear of the Lord is the genesis of the wisdom of wisdom.
Infinite WisdomWisdom’s first step, is thus the fear and reverential trust, of the Lord.
Only when God is revered and His will and standards are accepted, do we begin grow in wisdom.
Only as we know Christ do we know how to live acceptably to Him, and only then do we grow in wisdom.
Beauty of Wisdom
Mere human research or mortal speculation or accumulated knowledge about the Creator of the universe, will not unveil the beauty of His wisdom.
Wisdom Personified
And so the infinite, eternal God became Man, to reveal Himself to mortal man.
Fount of Wisdom
For in Him is the fount of all wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; the fear of the Lord is the genesis of wisdom; the fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom.
Growth of Wisdom
So if you lack wisdom – ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 But remember, that wisdom bestowed is not a single act.
It is just the beginning of the process, in you, and so day by day, by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, grow in grace; grow in understanding; grow in love and grow in wisdom..
Outflow of Wisdom
And remember:- He Who started a good work in you will complete it.
Fruit of Wisdom
James tells us that, the wisdom that is from above is first pure; then peaceable; then gentle; then willing to yield; then full of mercy and good fruit – without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Christ is all Wisdom and all Wisdom is in Christ.
So get wisdom, and know Christ, for to know Him, is wise indeed.
Foundation of Hope
Hope rests on the nature and name of almighty God. Hope stands on the promises and character of the Lord Most High. Hope believes in His fundamental goodness and eternal wisdom. Hope reflects back over His never-failing goodness and His immeasurable mercies. Hope looks steadily ahead to the promised fulfilment of His word of the Kingdom.
God our Joy
He stirs a confidence in you, that by His power, wisdom, and might, He implanted His good purpose in your soul, so that His good choice becomes the deepest yearning of your heart.
Remember, the same Spirit of grace that rested on Christ rests upon you and is in you - the Spirit of the LORD, the Spirit of wisdom; the Spirit of understanding; the Spirit of counsel; the Spirit of might; the Spirit of knowledge – the Spirit of the fear of the LORD.
He prayed that they might be endued with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding so that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened – to know the hope to which they had been called and the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in his holy people.
Word of Wisdom
Caesar is gone – Queen Victoria is passed away – Columbus is no more – as are so many others. Stripped of human glory; destitute of fame and fortune; bereft of state and symbol – awaiting the final day, to stand or fall in the presence of God their Judge. How we need to apply the prophet's words of instruction: You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of your presence Psalm 90:8 How we need to pray with the Psalmist – The years of our life are few.
They are soon gone, and we fly away. Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.
His praise endures forever – The truth of the LORD endures forever – His wisdom endures forever…
This opinion places man in the driving seat. This perspective implies that man is getting knowledge through man’s wisdom... that through man’s pioneering cleverness, man has found out the secrets of God.
but the revelation is clearly from God -and not via the wisdom of man.
He has given us His light in our hearts – the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, Whom the Lord Jesus sent into the world to be WITH us and IN us – and Who, has been given the responsibility of guiding us into all truth.. as we submit to His leading – as we surrender every area of our lives to Him.
what a depth of wisdom is encompassed in these gracious words.
you will ask whatever you will – and it shall be done. If you abide in Me and My Words abide in you. For in Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And so by virtue of our position In Christ and our union With Him, whatsoever you ask will be done.
Word of Wisdom
In Job 28 we read these words:- God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells, for He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters – when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm – then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it.
And He said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord–that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’ Job 28 23-24.
But don’t pray for wisdom with a doubting mind – that exhibits a lack of faith..
If you truly desire wisdom and the other godly attributes..
He will convulse your very being – with the trial designed to increase your faith – as you pray for cherished wisdom, that is bestowed through believing trust.
Be careful when you pray for that cherished wisdom..
Our personal attraction and intellectual prowess are of no consequence. Our intrinsic strength and tutored training are of no account to God. Our innate charisma and magnetic allure is petty insignificance to Him. Our inherent talents and engaging disposition have no value. Our instinctive wisdom and intuitive capabilities are meaningless vomit. Until we finally see ourselves through His eyes, we live in an illusion. Until the Spirit strips us naked, we remain deluded – even in our perceived ‘humility’.
For their common lives exuded goodness and wisdom!
as well as all the evil – as well as every last, lingering, little, lustful leaning... Until we stop relying on our natural wit and natural wisdom, and see it for what it is… Until we can stop pretending and face the truth and seek the Spirit's surgical sword... Until we look deep into the mirror of our own heart and acknowledge our mask of illusion – Until then, we will remain deluded either in pride of position or in false humility of heart!
Be filled, or go on being filled with the Holy Spirit, as we read in Ephesians 5:8. But even this is a choice for the believer. Paul tells the Colossians the great desire of his heart toward all the believers. Paul longs that all believers are filled to overflowing, be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.
Godly Challenge
All he writes is for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. His writings give us the bedrock upon which to stand and to live for God, in this evil day. The godly wisdom he wrote is directed at a Christian’s growth and sanctification, and we in this generation do well to study carefully his instructions and warnings. He writes to the saints in Christ Jesus – to those that are set apart unto God.
in our continuing and unceasing prayers: we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Wisdom and Glory
Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God – how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
He may come bearing gifts of wholeness and health; wisdom, love, and help, and yet He may be prevented by unbelief – as He was that time so long ago, “He came unto His own and His own received Him not…” John 1:11
Divine Wisdom
The Jews were to purpose and plan the death of their final Passover Lamb.
for God, in the eternal council chambers of His Divine Wisdom, ordained it to be so – so that whosoever believes on this Man should not perish but have everlasting life – so that whosoever will “Behold the Man” – will live.
Jesus: Set Apart
The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a life, consecrated to God. He spent His earthly walk living His life through the power of the Father.. Every work He undertook, each word He spoke, was a sign of consecration to God. His was a life that signified the infinite wisdom, power and sovereignty of God, His was the life exemplifying God working in and through a man – He was a Man set-apart to God.
Christians: Set Apart
And He too, the great Creator of the universe became a ‘spectacle’ to men – a sign of suffering, affliction and ridicule, but also a sign of wisdom; a sign of power; a sign of great resurrection glory.
Bitter Example
Yesterday I walked along the canal bank and reflected on the ‘wisdom’ of Solomon.
No-one has been more amazingly equipped with wisdom than this young king… yet his life which started so wonderfully became a bitter example of self-indulgence.
Foolish Vanity
Wisdom poured out of His mouth and He astonished kingdoms with his sagacity, Yet he demonstrated much folly until recognising his foolishness and his vanity.
Various Vanities
It is vanity to seek after riches and money – for the wealth of this world is perishing. It is vanity to hunt out worldly honour and acclaim – for this worlds’ wisdom is folly. It is vanity to seek fleshly fulfilment – for it lasts a fleeting moment and then flees. It is vanity to seek long life – for this life is a transient breath in eternity’s fullness.
a deceitful balance If you seek after wisdom you will gain wisdom but be careful that you use it wisely, for there is only one, truly wise choice in this life, and that is death to the self-life – and living for Christ.
Christ in Me
He of all men would discriminate between man’s reason and God’s revelation. He of all disciples would distinguish between man’s reasoning and God’s wisdom. He of all apostles would cry out – it was not he that worked but Christ working in Him.
Grace and Wisdom
In His grace and wisdom, He will take the harrowed heart that questions Why, and He will answer it in His way – and in His time – to His glory – and to your benefit.
Tough Lessons
But Saul of Tarsus met Jesus and had to be taught some of life’s toughest lessons. He learned that his own wisdom; knowledge; charisma and ability counted as nothing. He learned about faith: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1Cor.2:5.
Sum and Sphere
Is He not the river of Life - the One that is the only refreshment we need? Is He not the One with all knowledge and wisdom? And are not all the deepest secrets of God concerning good and evil bound up in Him? He is the sum, the sphere – the centre and the circumference of all things.
Right Focus
This description is one that is not influenced by the words and wisdom of the ungodly. This illustrates the person that walks in the world but does not hearken to its folly. This details the individual whose footsteps are ordered of God – not by deceitful man.
Blessings of God
The blessed one is the one that faithfully remains in the place where God has placed him, “for he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” Jeremiah 17:7 That man shall be a fruitful vine; a strong cedar; a blessed man indeed, for blessings of God are not the sort of baubles sought after by the world – fame and fortune; power and prestige; wealth and worldly wisdom.
Confused Christianity
But the work and wisdom of God does not come through the best efforts of man. The ‘new creation’ in Christ is independent of man’s humanitarianism – but too often man’s perception of the Church is confused with true Christianity. And too often man’s perception of Christianity is confused with the true Church.
Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honour, and glory, and blessing.' Rev.5:11. Great is the mystery of godliness.
The foolish words of philosophers and poets alike often helped to promote this myth – that the study of self is a key to wisdom and a door to success, joy, and contentment.
We do not seek after the knowledge of man, and we do not apply our own wisdom in a matter… we search it out in Christ.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, and teaching, and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The fear of the Lord and reverence of His name is the beginning of wisdom, and trusting His love and believing His Word is what delights His heart – and so He sees and He hears all those that depend on His faithful love.
God’s Plan
What God predestines are unchangeable plans made in His eternal council chambers. Christ was predestined to be God’s perfect sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. Paul was predestined before the ages, to speak God’s wisdom in a hidden mystery.
And God in His wisdom designed a plan that whosoever will – may receive salvation.
God in His wisdom knew that man would sin and that man would need a saviour – and in His eternal council chambers God purposed that Christ would be all in all.
What think ye of Christ? for He is the power of God and the wisdom of God, and in Him is salvation- redemption.; sanctification; glorification.
God’s Christ
It is by God’s doing we are in Christ Jesus and eternally united with Him, and to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ - the power of God and Christ -the wisdom of God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption 1Corinthians 1:24
For our benefit, God has made Him to be wisdom itself.
Wonderful Wealth
The Father has allowed us a glimpse into the wonderful wealth of all we are in Him. He has given us a peep behind the scene of His infinite wisdom and boundless love..
Spirit of Wisdom
Having revealed to Christ’s Church the eternal riches of God’s grace towards them, Paul begins to intercede for all the saints in His powerful prayer of prayers.
that they grasp; understand; believe and appropriate the many riches of His grace – that the Spirit of wisdom opens their heart to see their incomparable inheritance.
that the glorious Father may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better, that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in His holy people and His incomparably great power for us who believe.
It is not the consecration of our old man' with its instincts and resources, his natural wisdom, strength and other gifts, to the Lord Jesus for Him to use.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in your hearts to God.—But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.—To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit.—Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose.—He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
And that leads us to that other fragment in the same letter, from which we have just quoted: That He would grant unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your hearts being enlightened.... The eyes of your hearts being enlightened!
They have not seen that God has closed the door to the old creation, and that God attitude is this: The only thing that can satisfy Me, that can serve Me is My Son, and if you are going to come into My service, He has to be the energy of everything, the Life of everything, the Wisdom of everything!
Spirit of Wisdom
Having revealed to Christ’s Church the eternal riches of God’s grace towards them, Paul begins to intercede for all the saints in His powerful prayer of prayers.
that they grasp, understand, believe and appropriate the many riches of His grace - that the Spirit of wisdom opens their heart to see their incomparable inheritance.
that the glorious Father may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation - that you may know Him better, that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in His holy people and His incomparably great power for us who believe.