What Is Wisdom? Series

Wisdom is not about a high IQ, and growing older is no guarantee you'll be wiser. Oscar Wilde, the Irish poet, wrote, "Wisdom usually comes with age, but age often shows up alone."

While researchers in psychology and philosophy have for several years been debating the empirical and theoretical definitions of wisdom--at “The Wisdom Centre-TNJ,” our focus is on the Biblical perspective.

The writer of "The Book of Job" said:

“Surely there is a vein for silver and a place where gold can be found.”

“Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone.

But where shall wisdom be found?

Man, knoweth not the price thereof, neither is it found in the land of the living.

The depth saith, it is not in me, the sea saith, it is not with me.

Wisdom cannot be bought with gold, silver, or fine jewelry.

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious Onyx, or the Sapphire.

The Topaz of Ethiopia is no equal to it.

No mention shall be made of Coral or Pearls, for the price of Wisdom is above Rubies.

Wisdom is more precious than Rubies, and all that can be desired cannot be compared.

Whence then cometh wisdom?

God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.

And unto man, He said, … “BEHOLD, THE FEAR OF THE LORD--THAT IS WISDOM…” (Job 28:1-28).

Solomon also declared:

(1) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 1:7).

(2) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter—Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

To fear God is to reverence and respect His presence and to honor Him by obedience to His word.

"A son honoureth his father and a servant his master: If I then be a father, where is my honor? And If I be a master, where is my fear? Saith the Lord..." (Malachi1:6).

God delights in our obedience. (1 Samuel 15:22). "Hath the Lord as great a delight in burnt offering and sacrifice, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better..."

Furthermore, Moses said, “Behold I have taught you statutes and Judgments; keep therefore and do them for this is your wisdom.” (Deuteronomy 4:5,6)

This New Testament writer echoed the same words, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only….” (James 1:22).

In His first public sermon, Jesus said, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a Wise man…” (Matthew 7:24).

Therefore, to be Wise--listen reverently to the word of God, and in obedience, "Whatsoever He says to you, do it."

As Jesus closed this, "Sermon on the Mount," He said, "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man...."(Matthew 7:26).

We are either wise or otherwise.

Now let the church say Amen.