Pillar 2 - Growing in Faith - Digging Deeper

Biblical Wisdom Literature: A Review of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and James

Wisdom in Scripture is not a personality trait or a spiritual feeling — it is a discipline with a specific source, a specific process, and a specific goal, and this page examines all three through the Bible's own Wisdom Literature to Christ Himself.

Wisdom is one of the most valuable treasures in life, far more precious than material wealth or worldly success.  It is a gift from God, which He does not withhold when asked.  At the beginning of his reign, Solomon was offered his heart’s desire by God.  Solomon asked for “a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  1 Kings 3:9  Solomon chose wisdom over wealth, power and a long life.

James 1:5 speaks to God’s promise about wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  However, faith is required.  The following verse in James continues with: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”  v 6-8 

Perhaps the most familiar refrain about wisdom, found in Proverbs 9:10 and Psalms 111:10, is: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  Here the “fear of the Lord” means to revere and hold in awe His holiness, submitting to His authority and living in full awareness of your accountability to Him. Proverbs 8:13 explains that “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”  These truths alter your perspective of everything else.

Studying and mediating on God’s word shows a reverence for God that produces moral clarity and ethical living.  Psalm 19:7 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”  Psalm 119:98-100 even declares that God’s commands make the psalmist “wiser than my enemies.  I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.  I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.”

Proverbs emphasizes that wisdom comes from learning from others who are wise.  "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice" (Proverbs 12:15).  "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22).  Be careful here and act with discretion.  You should seek advice from only those who also fear the Lord and walk in obedience demonstrating biblical wisdom.

Wisdom is gained through experience and discipline as well.  Make a habit of reflecting on your experiences in the light of Scripture.  Accept responsibility for your errors and adjust your thinking and behavior to gain wisdom. Don’t despise discipline.   Hebrews 12:11 points out “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” 

Proverbs 13:20 admonishes: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”   Not only should you surround yourself with godly counsel, also use discretion and self-control in the books you read, the media you consume and new relationships you form.  Guard your time to allow for the work of studying the Scripture, meditating on it and praying for yourself and others.  Discipline your tongue to speak truth in love.

Ultimately, all wisdom finds its fulfillment in Christ.  In 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul notes that Christ Jesus “has become for us wisdom from God.”   Earlier in chapter 1, Paul contrasted worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom to show that the world considers the cross foolishness while believers recognize the wisdom and power of God in the cross.  True wisdom embraces what the world rejects – that Christ’s sacrifice is our salvation.

Wisdom for practical living is found throughout the Bible, although a great many truths are concentrated in Proverbs.

On speech:

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent" (Proverbs 10:19).

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1).

On work:

"The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor" (Proverbs 12:24).

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3).

On money:

"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income" (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

"Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it" (Proverbs 15:16).

On relationships:

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

    "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6).

The vastness of wisdom displayed in Proverbs alone speaks to the lifetime process of gaining wisdom.  Wisdom is not a static possession; it requires constant attention and renewal.  Shun the “wisdom” of this world which changes like the wind. Set the eyes of your heart on eternity. The path to wisdom is clear: fear the Lord, immerse yourself in God’s Word, pray for understanding, seek godly counsel, associate with wise people, learn from experience, exercise discipline and fix your eyes on Christ. 

Proverbs 3:13-18 defines your reward: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”