This is a continuation of our series on Biblical Hermeneutics.

In our church, we’ve come to appreciate the importance of defining terms before diving into discussions, and today’s topic is no different. So, I ask the question – What is wisdom?

What is it?

When we talk about wisdom in the common sense, we’re often referring to a blend of experience, knowledge, and good judgment—a capacity to make sound decisions combined with a strong understanding of what is true or false, right or wrong. Wisdom in this context is an admirable quality, found in people who know how to navigate life’s complexities with practical insight.

However, biblical wisdom takes us far beyond this general notion. In Scripture, wisdom is not merely about being clever or intellectually sharp; it’s a spiritual skill in godly living. It is, as one might say, “skillful living under God’s rule.” Biblical wisdom calls us to align our actions, thoughts, and desires with God’s perspective, to see life as He does and act accordingly.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 9:10

Here, we see that wisdom doesn’t start with human experience or intellect but with reverence for God. This fear is not a cringing terror, but a deep awe, a recognition that God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). True wisdom begins with a true fear of God that helps us understand that we are not our own authority; we are under the authority of the Creator. This kind of wisdom, which flows from reverence and awe, cannot be acquired apart from God—it is inseparable from knowing and honouring Him. In other words, wisdom is hidden in the being of God and only those who find him can ask for her hand.

To quote the Puritan Thomas Watson, “Wisdom is the knowledge of what is right and the strength to follow it.” Watson recognised that biblical wisdom requires both knowing the truth and having the resolve to act on it. Wisdom is never passive. It is active, resilient, and requires a courage rooted in faith. Wisdom, in a biblical sense, isn’t just head knowledge; it’s knowledge lived out.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22

Richard Baxter believed that wisdom was “the act of a sanctified soul,” something cultivated by a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, he said, was not merely the ability to discern right from wrong but a submission to the Spirit’s guidance in applying God’s truth to daily life. In this sense, wisdom becomes an expression of the Spirit’s work in us, shaping our decisions, refining our hearts, and guiding us in a way that honors God.

In Reformed theology, John Calvin also emphasized that wisdom must begin with God. In his Institutes of the Christian Religion, he wrote, “Man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself.” Calvin’s view was that wisdom is impossible without first acknowledging who God is, for without God as our reference point, we cannot rightly understand ourselves or the world around us. This knowledge of God humbles us, reshapes us, and aligns us with His purposes, which is the essence of biblical wisdom.

In summary, biblical wisdom is an active pursuit of godliness, rooted in a reverent fear of the Lord. It involves knowledge of God and His ways, but it goes further—transforming that knowledge into a life lived in obedience, humility, and love. Wisdom is about walking rightly with God in a fallen world, where our lives become a reflection of His truth and grace.

Wisdom vs. Knowledge

Though often used interchangeably, wisdom and knowledge aren’t quite the same. Knowledge is about acquiring information, be it through books, experiences, or relationships. Wisdom, on the other hand, is the skill of handling that knowledge. Think of knowledge as understanding how to use a tool and wisdom as knowing when to use it—or even when to put it down.

Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom cannot exist without knowledge. You may know what it means to be gentle and meek, and knowledge alone might make you passive. Conversely, you might know what it means to be bold and courageous, but without wisdom, you risk becoming overbearing. Wisdom brings balance, knowing when to be firm and when to be gentle, reflecting God’s character in our everyday lives.

This is why the Bible emphasizes that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). For Christians, wisdom is always tied to God’s character. We seek wisdom to reflect His holiness and navigate life according to His standards. To have wisdom, one must have knowledge – and both wisdom and knowledge begin with the fear of the Lord.

How Do We Gain Wisdom?

So, how does one become wise? Scripture lays out a path. Let’s walk through it together:

1. Fear the Lord – True wisdom begins with God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Knowing who He is shapes our view of life, our choices, and our behavior.

2. Know the Word – Wisdom requires the foundation of God’s truth. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” The Bible is filled with instruction, correction, and insight into God’s heart and mind. A wise person seeks to understand Scripture deeply, gaining insight that transforms not just intellect, but character and action.

3. Seek the Lord – Prayer is essential. James 1:5 assures us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” Wisdom is a divine gift, and God invites us to ask for it directly. Praying for wisdom aligns us with His will, seeking His guidance over our own limited understanding.

4. Seek the Church – Community is God’s design for our growth. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Wise counsel is found within the body of believers. In the church, we’re blessed with the experience and encouragement of others who share our faith journey, helping us to see clearly and walk faithfully.

5. Be Open to Correction – A teachable spirit is essential for wisdom. Proverbs 3:12 reminds us, “For the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Wisdom requires humility—a willingness to accept correction and grow. God’s discipline, though challenging, is a sign of His love and commitment to our growth.

Neglect of Wisdom Literature

And, often overlooked, there’s the path of Wisdom Literature. Just as God gave us Psalms for prayer, He’s also provided books specifically crafted to deepen our understanding of life’s complexities. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job are rich in practical guidance and spiritual insight, showing us how to live wisely in a world that is both beautiful and broken. Proverbs teaches us the principles of wise living; Ecclesiastes explores life’s meaning in a fallen world; and Job grapples with suffering and God’s sovereignty. Engaging with these texts equips us to handle life’s challenges with a biblically sound perspective.

The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey—one that calls for dependence on God, immersion in His Word, and growth within His community. Through these steps, we don’t just become more knowledgeable; we become more like Christ, reflecting His character and love to those around us.

How often do we actually dive into these books? Many of us skip over Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or Job, perhaps finding them too abstract or irrelevant to daily life. But by neglecting them, we miss out on essential teachings about humility, godly fear, and living wisely in a fallen world.

The purpose of Wisdom Literature is to help us navigate life in a godly manner. Instead of recounting historical events or giving direct prophecy, these books provide moral and spiritual insights, urging us to cultivate a life that honors God. They address timeless issues—justice, suffering, relationships, and the meaning of life—providing principles that transcend culture and history.

The Wisdom Books of the Bible

The primary Wisdom Literature in the Bible consists of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Here’s an overview of each:

1. Proverbs – Proverbs provides practical advice for living a godly life, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, discipline, and “the fear of the Lord.” It addresses themes like family, work, relationships, and integrity, making it a practical guide for day-to-day living.

2. Job – This book tackles questions of suffering, justice, and God’s sovereignty. Job’s trials and his dialogues with his friends explore the limits of human understanding and the need to trust in God’s wisdom.

3. Ecclesiastes – Written from the perspective of “the Teacher,” Ecclesiastes reflects on the vanity of worldly pursuits. It challenges readers to find purpose and fulfillment in fearing God and keeping His commandments rather than seeking fleeting pleasures.

4. Song of Solomon – Though a love poem, Song of Solomon is part of Wisdom Literature because it provides insights into human love, desire, and commitment, offering a wise and godly perspective on intimacy and relationships.

5. Wisdom Psalms – Certain Psalms, like Psalm 1, contrast the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, guiding us to live a life pleasing to God.

How to Read Wisdom Literature

Reading Wisdom Literature requires a heart inclined toward applying God’s truth practically. Wisdom isn’t just about accumulating knowledge but about acquiring skill in righteous living. These books speak directly to everyday life. Here are examples of how Wisdom Literature applies to specific areas:

• Starting a Business – “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). Proverbs 21:5 also advises, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.”

• Marriage – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). Wisdom Literature encourages us to value a godly spouse and to understand marriage as a gift from God.

• Raising Children – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Wisdom on parenting includes guidance on discipline and the value of raising children in godly principles.

• Godly Relationships – “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). Wisdom Literature advises caution in choosing relationships that honor God.

• Work – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Proverbs 22:1 emphasizes integrity in work: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.”

• Suffering – Job reminds us of the Lord’s sovereignty: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Wisdom Literature teaches that suffering, though difficult, can deepen our trust in God.

Conclusion

Wisdom Literature invites us to live well in God’s world. It calls us to cultivate a life that honors God through our actions, relationships, and responses to hardship. Wisdom is more than just knowing the right answers; it’s the skillful application of God’s truth in every area of life. When we embrace the wisdom of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, we learn not only how to live wisely but also how to live in a way that reflects God’s character and grace.

Let us, therefore, approach Wisdom Literature not as abstract philosophy but as a guide to godly living, asking the Lord to fill us with the wisdom that only He can provide.