Topical Bible: The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Works

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The wisdom of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting itself in the creation, sustenance, and governance of the universe. This divine wisdom is not only a testament to God's omniscience but also serves as a foundation for human understanding and reverence.

Creation as a Display of Divine Wisdom

The Bible begins with a profound declaration of God's creative wisdom. In Genesis 1, the orderly and purposeful creation of the world is described, highlighting the intricate design and harmony of the universe. Psalm 104:24 echoes this sentiment: "How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures." This verse underscores the idea that every aspect of creation, from the vastness of the cosmos to the complexity of living organisms, is a reflection of God's infinite wisdom.

The Heavens Declare His Wisdom

The heavens are frequently cited as a testament to God's wisdom. Psalm 19:1-2 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." The celestial bodies, in their precise movements and vast expanse, serve as a constant reminder of the divine intelligence that governs them. The order and predictability of the heavenly bodies reflect a wisdom that is beyond human comprehension.

Wisdom in the Natural World

The natural world, with its intricate ecosystems and interdependent relationships, further exhibits God's wisdom. Proverbs 3:19-20 affirms, "The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew." This passage highlights the balance and sustainability inherent in creation, pointing to a Creator who not only designed the world with wisdom but also maintains it with care.

Human Wisdom as a Reflection of Divine Wisdom

Human wisdom, when aligned with God's, is portrayed as a reflection of divine wisdom. James 3:17 describes this wisdom: "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." This wisdom, which is a gift from God, enables humans to live in harmony with His creation and with one another. It is a wisdom that is not self-seeking but seeks the greater good, mirroring the selfless nature of God's own wisdom.

The Wisdom of God in Redemption

The ultimate exhibition of God's wisdom is found in the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:24 refers to Christ as "the power of God and the wisdom of God." The incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the pinnacle of divine wisdom, providing a means for humanity's reconciliation with God. This redemptive plan, which confounds human understanding, is a profound demonstration of God's wisdom in addressing the problem of sin while upholding His justice and love.

God's Wisdom in Governance

God's wisdom is also evident in His governance of the world. Romans 11:33 exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" God's providential care and sovereign rule over history reveal a wisdom that orchestrates events for His purposes and glory. Even when His ways are beyond human understanding, believers are called to trust in His perfect wisdom.

In summary, the wisdom of God is intricately woven into the fabric of creation, human existence, and the divine plan of salvation. It is a wisdom that invites awe, reverence, and a deep trust in the Creator who, in His infinite wisdom, holds all things together.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 37:16
Do you know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:24
O LORD, how manifold are your works! in wisdom have you made them all: the earth is full of your riches.
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Psalm 136:5
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endures for ever.
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Proverbs 3:19
The LORD by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the heavens.
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Jeremiah 10:12
He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
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Library

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... infatuation of the ungodly in not pondering the deep counsels of God, as exhibited
in the ... 40) is most true, that the wonders of the divine wisdom in this ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm

Letter ix. Meditation.
... (3.) The wisdom of God, as exhibited in his Word; First, its perfect adaptation
to the wants of the world; its variety of authorship, style, matter ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter ix meditation.htm

That God Only, the Creator of all Things, is to be Worshipped, and ...
... for man, to his full and perfect wisdom, if he ... and that sphere, while it revolved,
[164] exhibited not only ... Was it then impossible for God to plan and create ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap v that god only the.htm

Augustine
... In which, as scripture says, brought into the chamber of the king and adorned with
the manifold garment of the wisdom of God, he exhibited a church not ...
/.../jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xxxix augustine.htm

Book 2
... Christ is exhibited to men by the Law and by ... speak of them with commendatians of
his Wisdom, Long-suffering ... threefold profanation of the name of God, by perjury ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 2.htm

His Gospel
... possessed the oracles of God, in which the divine nature was exhibited in a ... the wants
of human nature, its wonderful unfolding of the wisdom of God in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iv his gospel.htm

Paul in Athens.
... The whole earth exhibited signs of his presence; and ... tracing the power, and goodness,
and wisdom of its ... which the existence and attributes of God are written ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xx paul in athens.htm

Jacob Boehme: his Life and Spirit
... unusual fundamental capacity and always exhibited a native ... the highest measures of
light, wisdom, and knowledge ... opened to this instrument of God.""William Law ...
/.../chapter ix jacob boehme his.htm

The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God.
... if injustice is exhibited here, it is exhibited everywhere in ... the present and the
proximate; but to God there is ... And when, in wisdom and in goodness, he first ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter iii the sufferings of.htm

God's Providence
... and nowhere so variously, winningly, and admirably exhibited as in ... dare conceive
in his mind against God's existence ... thou incline thine ear to wisdom, And apply ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm