In biblical studies wisdom literature designates certain books of the OT and NT as well as selected books from the Apocrypha as being under this umbrella. With this in mind and with the situation we face as to the virus and racial unrest in our world, one would hope and I recommend a good dose of wisdom, lots of it. The wisdom I speak of is the wisdom of God. Wisdom is a good thing, it is found throughout all the ages and comes from all races and ethnicities and because it is of God it is available to all. I repeat myself but it is worth the time and space….Knowledge is an acquired value that comes with study, experience and time. The Wisdom of God has no boundaries and is a gift of God.

Biblical wisdom is a tradition that raises questions of values, moral behavior, the meaning of human life, and the right conduct. From a theological perspective for some it could represent the fear of God but again the reasoning could be in a willingness to  submit to the will of God, such action being the beginning of wisdom. Through wisdom God gave order to chaos; and since humans have life and prosperity by conforming to the order of creation, seeking wisdom is a wise path to take for a successful Christian life.

Wisdom cannot be described in a single brief definition there are other aspects to be considered. Having knowledge is a practical way of understanding how the world works, made even better by having the wisdom of how and when to apply wisdom.The French have a term for wisdom…savoir-faire. It is important to know how to act or do, rather than to know. This is a hard one for us of ordinary thought but consider it this way. There are a lot of things we know even when divorced from the action itself. Practical knowledge comes from involvement and that involvement creates a wisdom gained of experience. We must consider that human wisdom has limits. The book of wisdom focuses on divine wisdom which, Solomon intensely prayed that it be given to him. Wisdom as a human task and a divine gift is reconciled when acquired through experience and obedience and given by God. God’s wisdom is an object of constant reflection in the Bible.  There is  intimacy between wisdom and God to be found in Proverbs 8: 22-36. 

I could have just given you the scripture reference but I wanted to be sure you were able to read it.

Proverbs 3 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Trust and Honor God

3 

My child, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;

2 

for length of days and years of life
and abundant welfare they will give you.

3 

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 

So you will find favor and good repute
in the sight of God and of people.

5 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.

6 

In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

7 

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

8 

It will be a healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.

9 

Honor the Lord with your substance
and with the first fruits of all your produce;

10 

then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.

11 

My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof,

12 

for the Lord reproves the one he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.

Despite the fact that by all standards we are perhaps the best educated people to inhabit this earth we lack the most important and freely given gift that our creator has for us. Wisdom…The Wisdom that comes from God, the true wisdom that comes with the humble recognition of our limits and of God’s transcendence that makes all life fuller. Even in today’s turmoil, life can have a clear direction and goal that a Godly person can attain. There is a divine energy that occurs between people when they are in tune with God and with God’s purposes. Earnestly and prayerfully seek that great gift of wisdom….God’s Wisdom.

God Bless..Life is Good

jk

Resource Material: The New Interpreter’s Bible Volume 5