Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the wisdom of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine attribute of perfect knowledge and understanding that governs all creation and human affairs. This wisdom is not only inherent in God's nature but is also accessible to humanity through revelation and relationship with Him.Old Testament Foundations In the Old Testament, the wisdom of God is often depicted as a guiding principle in creation and governance. Proverbs 3:19-20 states, "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." Here, wisdom is portrayed as an essential element in the creation and maintenance of the universe, underscoring its universal scope and significance. The Book of Job also explores the theme of divine wisdom, particularly in God's response to Job. In Job 28:23-28 , it is written, "God understands the way to wisdom, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When He fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters, when He set a limit for the rain and a path for the thunderbolt, then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He established it and searched it out. And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'" This passage highlights the transcendence and inscrutability of God's wisdom, which is beyond human comprehension yet revealed through reverence and obedience to Him. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, further elaborates on the universal nature of God's wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse emphasizes that true wisdom begins with a proper relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. Ecclesiastes presents a more philosophical exploration of wisdom, often contrasting human endeavors with divine purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work God has done from beginning to end." This reflects the idea that while humans are limited in their understanding, God's wisdom encompasses all of time and existence. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the wisdom of God is most fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:24 , "But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Here, Christ is identified as the embodiment of divine wisdom, demonstrating God's plan of salvation and reconciliation through His life, death, and resurrection. The universal scope of God's wisdom is further emphasized in Ephesians 3:10-11 , which states, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." This passage reveals that God's wisdom is not only for humanity but also serves as a testimony to the spiritual realms, highlighting its cosmic significance. Practical Implications The universal wisdom of God has practical implications for believers, who are called to seek and apply this wisdom in their daily lives. James 1:5 encourages, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that divine wisdom is available to those who earnestly seek it through prayer and faith. Furthermore, the wisdom of God guides ethical and moral decision-making, as seen in James 3:17 : "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 description of godly wisdom provides a framework for living a life that reflects God's character and purposes. In summary, the wisdom of God is a universal attribute that permeates all aspects of creation and human existence. It is revealed through Scripture, embodied in Christ, and accessible to believers who seek to live in accordance with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 28:24For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heaven; Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 2:22 Acts 15:18 Library God's Works of Providence The Epistle to the Romans. Book 1 Wisdom and Christ Argument: Moreover, God not Only Takes Care of the Universal World ... A Sequel to the Same Matter. The Psalms of David Wisdom's Call Man's Crown and God's Nature of Church History. Resources Why is wisdom referred to as a she in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I get wisdom from God? | GotQuestions.org Why are both wisdom and foolishness pictured as women in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org Wisdom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Wisdom of God is One of his Attributes The Wisdom of God: All Human Wisdom Derived From The Wisdom of God: Beyond Human Comprehension The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Counsels The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Foreshadowing Events The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Works The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: His Saints The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Actions The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Afflictions of Saints The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Heart The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Infirmities of Saints The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Minutest Matters The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Most Secret Things The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Time of Judgment The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Want of Saints The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Way of Saints The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Wicked The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Words The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Works of the Wicked The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Redemption The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Searching the Heart The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Understanding the Thoughts The Wisdom of God: Incomparable The Wisdom of God: Nothing is Concealed From The Wisdom of God: Saints Ascribe to Him The Wisdom of God: should be Magnified The Wisdom of God: The Gospel Contains Treasures of The Wisdom of God: The Wicked Question The Wisdom of God: Unsearchable The Wisdom of God: Wisdom of Saints is Derived From Wisdom of Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda Wisdom of Other Skilled Artisans Wisdom of the Magi (Wise Men from the East) Wisdom of the Princes of the Tribe of Issachar Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |