Wisdom – Part 1
Wisdom is the application of knowledge in very specific ways. It is skill in the art of living with each aspect of life under the dominion of God. When a person in the Old Testament demonstrated exceptional ability in a craft or art, that person was said to have what the Hebrew language calls hokma, usually translated as “skill”.
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood and to work in all manner of workmanship. Exodus 31:3-5 (NKJV)
Here, the word wisdom is hokma and this passage can be translated “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in skill, in understanding, in knowledge…” Bezalel was given the ability to take raw materials and shape them into something beautiful and ornate.
In the book of Proverbs the reader is viewed as a precious son instructed by the father. The son is like the raw material, who is valuable but unshaped, full of potential but, as yet, undisciplined. The son is precious but given to a little waywardness. He is exhorted by his father to develop skill and wisdom in his life. We are God’s sons and it is impossible for us to take the raw material of our lives and shape it into the lifestyle that God our Creator desires us to live without us also cultivating wisdom.
Solomon selected the Hebrew word, hokma, to describe the quality needed by anyone who wanted to live life in the superlative – a life of excellence. The entire theme of the book of Proverbs is the pursuit of wisdom. With the tone of a father giving instructions to his sons, Solomon writes:
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. Proverbs 4:1-11 (NKJV)
Verse after verse, the message is the same. Seek wisdom because it pays:
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. Proverbs 3:13-18 (NKJV)
Wisdom is the quality that enables us to live an outstanding life.
Not everyone thinks about wisdom as a character trait that needs to be carefully cultivated. Of course, most of us would quickly agree that wisdom is more valuable than money or status. At least, we would agree with that statement intellectually. However, how many of us pursue wisdom with the same vigour with which we pursue wealth? Somehow, we believe that wisdom just comes by itself and that you either have it or you don’t, or that it simply comes with age and life’s experiences. Certainly, wisdom is often the result of long experience in a field of expertise. Learning from our mistakes can lead to wisdom in the end, but the person who gains wisdom by making poor decisions and learning from them is much further behind than the person who seeks the right kind of wisdom from the start.
In Proverbs, wisdom is portrayed as a woman calling out for all to embrace her. Notice especially what she claims:
I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, That I may fill their treasuries. Proverbs 8:12-21 (NKJV)
Who would not want such a priceless tool? Why would we not heed God’s invitation to pursue wisdom?