What Is Biblical Wisdom? Living Skillfully for God Like Jesus
- Jack Selcher
- Nov 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 29
Summary
Biblical wisdom is God-centered skill in godly living. It begins with fearing the LORD and shapes every area of life. Unlike fools who resist correction and live self-centeredly, the wise live visibly and audibly for God. Jesus perfectly modeled this wisdom, producing God-honoring fruit. True wisdom leads believers to know God more deeply and live lives marked by devotion, purity, and peace.
What is biblical wisdom? As a young, inexperienced pastor, I gleaned advice from a senior citizen on my church’s governing board. He was intelligent and practical. He had good ideas and knew how to get things done through people. At the time, I thought wisdom was insight and good sense.
Biblical Wisdom Is God-Centered
That is human but not godly wisdom. Godly wisdom is God-centered. It begins with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7).
Wisdom Is Audible and Visible
Godly wisdom includes more than applied knowledge. It embraces knowledge, relationships, attitudes, and more—all of life. Godly wisdom is audible and visible. We can hear and watch it.
Proverbs contrasts the behavior of the fool and the wise. The fool does not fear God (Proverbs 1:7) and might even deny God’s existence (Psalm 14:1). As God-centered living extends to every area of life for the wise, self-centered living does the same for fools.
Fools Live Self-Centered Lives
Fools resist learning and correction. Only their opinions matter (Proverbs 18:2). They speak without thinking and express their emotions without restraint (Proverbs 10:18-19, Proverbs 29:11).
In general, the desires of the sinful nature underlie foolish behavior (Galatians 5:19-21). The fruit of the Spirit describes the behavior of the wise (Galatians 5:22-23).
Wisdom Is Skill in Godly Living
In my seminary class, Dr. Thomas McComiskey defined wisdom as “skill in godly living.” Proverbs instructs us how to live competently for God. We will explore what that includes in future blogs.
Jesus Is the Perfect Model of Wisdom
Before we do, let’s consider how wisdom in Proverbs relates to wisdom in the New Testament. Since wisdom is skill in godly living, we would expect Jesus to be the best example of it. Jesus said, “For I always do what pleases him [the Father]” (John 8:29 NLT). We can’t truthfully say that.
He is the wisdom G.O.A.T. The fruit of the Spirit describes Jesus being Himself (Galatians 5:22-23). Godly wisdom always bears God-honoring fruit. We can hear it and see it.
Jesus was filled with wisdom (Luke 2:40 NLT) and grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52 NLT). God’s favor is associated with wisdom in both references.
Jesus’ audiences observed His wisdom (Matthew 13:54, Mark 6:2). In both references, wisdom is associated with spiritual power. True wisdom always is.
Jesus used simple words and illustrations to communicate profound truths. He saw what others didn’t. He penetrated beyond mere appearance to the essence of things. He lived what He taught.
He is the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24 NLT). “For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself” (1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT). In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
The purpose of spiritual wisdom and insight is to grow in our knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:7). We learn more about Him so we can become more like Him. “And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God” (Titus 2:12 NLT).
Godly Wisdom Produces Godly Fruit
Wisdom describes those who live a life devoted to God. The wisdom of Proverbs has much in common with James’ description of it. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere” (James 3:17 NLT). Godly wisdom is audible and visible. See additional characteristics of biblical wisdom.