J. Arthur Lewis wrote, “Do you ever sit down and wonder what is wrong with the world? Do you ever ask yourself why it is that Christians seem to have so little influence, why they seem to achieve so little, for all their numbers, in putting the world right? To each of those two questions there is ultimately but one answer. It is this: we lack the mind of Christ.” The characteristics and relationships of wisdom show how to make the world better.
Characteristics of Wisdom
Wisdom and understanding speak truth and righteousness to all humankind so they can discern prudence. Wisdom is not crooked or perverted, but straightforward and right. Wisdom and knowledge are better than gold, silver and jewels. Nothing compares with wisdom (Prov. 8:1-11). The character of wisdom is truth and discernment.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogance and the perverted mouth. Wisdom enables kings to reign and rulers to decree justice. Those who diligently seek wisdom find it. The fruit of wisdom is riches, honor, enduring wealth and righteousness (Prov. 8:12-21). The fruit of wisdom is riches, honor and righteousness.
The Lord possessed wisdom before creation. Wisdom was present when He established the heavens. Wisdom was a master workman beside God. Wisdom rejoiced in the world and delighted daily in humankind (Prov. 8:22-31). The action of wisdom is becoming a master workman.
Blessed is the man who listens to me, waiting daily at My doorposts. He will find life and obtain favor from the Lord. He who sins against wisdom injures himself. Those who hate wisdom love death (Prov. 8:32-36). The source of wisdom is waiting and listening to God.
Wisdom has built her house, hewn out seven pillars, prepared food and mixed wine. She calls from the tops of the heights of the city. Wisdom says to forsake folly and live by proceeding in the way of understanding (Prov. 9:1-6). The voice of wisdom is forsaking folly and pursuing understanding.
Relationships of Wisdom
Correct a scoffer to get dishonor and hate. Reprove the wicked and get insults. Reprove the wise and he will love you. Teach a righteous man and he will be wiser and increase his learning (Prov. 9:7-9). Relationship with others leads to teaching the righteous for increased wisdom and learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Wisdom lengthens your life span (Prov. 9:10-12). Relationship with God begins wisdom and lengthens life.
The woman of folly is boisterous, naive and knows nothing. She calls to those passing by saying, “Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” He does not know that the dead are there and her guests are in the depths of Sheol (Prov. 9:13-18). Relationship with an adulteress undermines moral purity.
Which of the underlined characteristics of wisdom seem most influential in making the world better? Which of the relationships of wisdom must you improve to make the world better?
