Wisdom and Understanding

‘Does not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?’ Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8:8-9. Just as the gospel [God’s Wisdom] is made known to man and is free and easy to find for those who seek it, we can find godly wisdom and understanding if only we ask and believe.

From James 1:5-7 we have the command to ask God (anything) if we lack wisdom, and He will, without scolding, give to all men liberally, BUT it must be asked in faith, without wavering because then you will not receive anything from the Lord.

Fifteen ways “wisdom” is used: Human education (Acts 7:22). Man’s wisdom (1Cor. 1:19-22; 2:1-13). Human philosophy and religion (Col. 2:23; 1Cor. 3:19; 2Cor. 1:12; Gal. 1:14). Earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom (Jas. 3:14-16). Prophetic anointing (Luke 11:49). Godly training (Luke 2:40, 52). Anointing to speak (Luke 21:15; Acts 6:1-15; 1Cor. 2:7). Ministerial ability for the apostles (Eph. 1:8, 17; 3:10; Col. 1:19, 28). Christ the wisdom of God (1Cor. 1:24, 30; Col. 2:3; 3:16). Divine gift of wisdom (1Cor. 12:8). Divine attribute of God (Rom. 11:33). Heavenly wisdom (Jas. 3:17-18). Spirit of revelation (2Pet. 3:15). Ability of Christ (Matt. 12:42; 13:54). Native insight (Rev. 13:18; 17:9).

‘Wisdom’ [Hebrew: Chokmah] wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, skill. Translated as “wisdom” 145 times (1:2, 7; 2:2, 6, 10; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7, 11; 5:1; 7:4; 8:1, 11-12; 9:10; 10:13, 23, 31; 11:2; 13:10; 14:6, 8, 33; 15:33; 16:16; 17:16; 24; 18:4; 21:30; 23:23; 24:3, 24:14; 28:26; 29:3, 15; 30:3; 31:26; Ex. 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26; 31, 35; 36:1-2; Ps. 37:30; 51:6; 90:12; 104:24; 111:10; Eccl. 1:13-18; 2:3-26; 7:11-25; 8:1, 16;). It is the predominant word for wisdom in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

‘Top of high places’ – Wisdom cries in five places: high places, crossroads, gates, broad roads, and at the doors. Wherever men are, there she cries and warns of wrong ways (8:2-5).