Wisdom

by Renfrew, J. | Category: General | Apr 1955

The pursuit of wisdom seems to have been in the minds of men from early times. In the book of Job there is reference to it in the counsels of the three friends who spoke to Job, and Job himself asks. in chapter 28. 12 "Where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding ? He later gives the answer in verse 28 "Behold, the fear of the Lord that is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding".

There is a wisdom which is of this world and a wisdom which is of God. In the former the children of the east and Egypt are particularly mentioned (1 Kings 4.30) in olden days, and the Greeks in New Testament times We do not wish to write of this, seeing that the world through its wisdom knew not God nor the Son of God and that God has made foolish the wisdom of the world. We wish to learn something of the wisdom which is from God

The book of Proverbs is of particular help in this respect The opening words of the book contain the purport of its message To know wisdom and instruction to discern the words of understanding ... to give ... to the young man knowledge and discretion. When we remember that these words were written by Solomon, we do well to consider his words, as these are also the words of God.

Solomon himself, in his youth, was taught by his father to seek after wisdom with all his might (Proverbs 4.5, 7). No doubt this would have some bearing on his request, when the LORD appeared to him at Gibeon saying, "Ask what I shall give thee," and Solomon replied, "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this Thy people which is so great?" This request pleased the LORD, and Solomon received wisdom which exceeded that of other men, so much so, that all the kings of the earth sought "his presence to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart" (2 Chronicles 9.23).

From this we learn that "the LORD giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2.6). To receive wisdom we must incline our ear and apply our heart to the words which God speaks (Proverbs 2.2).

Wisdom has its beginning in the fear of the LORD, and the fear of the LORD is to hate evil (Proverbs 8.13).

Another instance in Scripture of God giving wisdom is that of Daniel and his companions; when their lives were in jeopardy in

Babylon they sought His face in prayer. Their request was granted and God gave them wisdom and favour before Nebuchadnezzar.

In Proverbs 8., Wisdom is spoken of as a Person who was with God in the beginning of the creation and through whom all things were made. This we believe to be the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 1.24 we read of Christ as the Wisdom of God and the Power of God. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden (Colossians 2.8). How desirable then that we should know him and be like that disciple of a past day who sat at His feet and heard His word!

Blessed is the man that heareth Me,

Watching daily at My gates,

Waiting at the posts of My doors.

For whoso findeth Me findeth life,

And shall obtain favour of the LORD" (Proverbs 8.34, 35.)

Renfrew, J. | Apr 1955
General