Wisdom, nature of human

The human quality which enables the planning and successful achievement of a desired goal. It may be expressed as technical skill, practical instruction and astuteness in political affairs. True wisdom includes spiritual discernment and, above all, the reverence and knowledge of God.

Wisdom as human skill

For work on the tabernacle

Exodus 36:1 See also Exodus 28:3 making the priestly robes; Exodus 31:2–6 parallel Exodus 35:30–35 craftsmanship and design in metalwork, stone, wood, embroidery and weaving; Exodus 35:25–26 spinning; Exodus 36:8 making and hanging curtains

“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.”

For work on the temple

1 Chronicles 22:15 See also 1 Chronicles 28:21; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 2 Chronicles 2:13–14 parallel 1 Kings 7:13–14 Huram-Abi, skilled in bronze work

You also have many workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and men skilled in every kind of work —

Other skills

Making idols: Isaiah 40:20; Jeremiah 10:9; Jeremiah 9:17 professional mourning; Ezekiel 27:8–9 seamanship

Wisdom as instruction in practical living

Proverbs 14:8; Ecclesiastes 12:11 See also Proverbs 6:6, Proverbs 10:5, Proverbs 10:8–9, Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 21:20, Proverbs 29:11; Ecclesiastes 7:7, Ecclesiastes 10:12

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.

The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd.

Wisdom as political astuteness

Wisdom associated with mystic arts

Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11; Psalm 58:5; Daniel 2:7, Daniel 5:7, Daniel 5:11

Wisdom as spiritual discernment

Understanding the plan of God

Genesis 41:39 See also Jeremiah 9:12; Revelation 13:18, Revelation 17:9

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.

Understanding God's ways

Hosea 14:9 See also Job 11:6; Psalm 107:43; Daniel 12:10

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

Wisdom expressed in a right relationship with God

Wisdom as reverent submission to God

Job 28:28 See also Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Micah 6:9

And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Wisdom as the knowledge of God

Proverbs 30:3; Isaiah 11:2 See also Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9

I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Wisdom as obedience to God's command

Deuteronomy 4:6 See also Psalm 119:34, Psalm 119:73

Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”

Wisdom personified

Wisdom calls out an invitation

Proverbs 8:1–4, Proverbs 9:1–6

Wisdom teaches what is right

Proverbs 8:5–21

Wisdom existed before creation

Proverbs 8:22–32

Human wisdom can be opposed to God

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 See also 1 Corinthians 4:10

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.