The Value and Importance of Wisdom from a Biblical Perspective
Isaac Megbolugbe
May 21, 2024
Wisdom is a profound and essential aspect of living a virtuous and fulfilling life. The Bible emphasizes the significance of wisdom in various passages, highlighting its importance and value. Expertise, like water, quenches our thirst for knowledge and understanding, but wisdom, like living water, comes from God and never runs dry. While expertise has its limits, wisdom begins where expertise ends (Proverbs 2:6).
The scriptures contrast two types of wisdom: earthly wisdom, characterized by bitter envy, self-seeking, and boasting, and heavenly wisdom, marked by purity, peaceability, gentleness, and willingness to yield (James 3:13-18). Heavenly wisdom encourages believers to demonstrate wisdom through good conduct, meekness, and peacefulness, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from above and produces righteous fruit in peace.
Proverbs 3:13-15 emphasizes that wisdom is incomparable and of utmost value, essential for excellent design and expertise. Proverbs 3:19 reveals that wisdom and understanding were crucial for God’s creation of the earth and heavens. Proverbs 4:7-9 declares wisdom as the most important thing to acquire, even if it requires great effort and sacrifice. Isaiah 11:2-3 lists the seven-fold Spirits of Christ that lead to perfection, with the Spirit of wisdom being second only to the Spirit of the Lord. Scholars create too but unlike God, they are limited by their knowledge and expertise. But once you realize that God is the only true source of knowledge and wisdom, your creative becomes linked to God creative power and wisdom.
In essence, the Bible teaches that true wisdom is not about human pride or selfish ambition but about humility and a willingness to serve others. Godly wisdom leads to peace, harmony, and good deeds, while earthly wisdom leads to conflict, confusion, and evil. Believers should strive for the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peaceful, and fruitful.
Let us seek wisdom humbly and obediently, acknowledging the limitations of our expertise and embracing the intellectual stamina to grow and collaborate with others. By prioritizing wisdom and understanding, we can live a virtuous and fulfilling life, demonstrating wisdom through good conduct, meekness, and peacefulness.
