Biblical Wisdom in Proverbs: Living Joyful, Loyal, and Kind Like Jesus

Summary

Biblical wisdom is Jesus-likeness lived out daily. Wise people follow Christ’s example, displaying joy, loyalty, kindness, and integrity. Their obedience brings deep joy, faithful relationships, compassionate living, and a good reputation with God and others. Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom is not merely skill or knowledge but a life that reflects Jesus in character, conduct, and devotion.

I admire people who can fix broken things and solve everyday problems. But biblical wisdom in Proverbs is more than knowing how to fix lawnmowers and cars that won’t start. It is more than knowing the right words to heal broken relationships or what to say to help people eliminate addictive behaviors.

Biblical Wisdom in Proverbs Is Jesus-Likeness

Biblical wisdom is Jesus-likeness. It includes Jesus-like words, attitudes, and actions. The wisest people are the most Jesus-like.

Jesus Lived What He Taught

Jesus 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). Wise people live what Jesus taught.

Jesus and those who are wise are joyful, loyal, and kind. They have a good reputation. Let’s examine how each of these characteristics reflects Jesus.

Joy Marks the Wise

Joy is ocean-deep contentment, serenity, and peace, no matter the circumstances. Jesus and the wise are filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21, Galatians 5:22). The wise obey God and thereby experience Jesus’ joy (John 15:10-12). They are filled with His joy because they embrace and act on God’s word (John 17:12-14).

Wise people’s God-centered knowledge and understanding fill them with joy and keep them safe (Proverbs 2:10-11). They avoid the manifold dangers of the dark, wayward path. They are joyful (Proverbs 3:13, 8:34). Light and joy fill their lives (Proverbs 13:9). Living wisely doesn’t bore them. It pleases them (Proverbs 10:23).

Wise children bring joy to their parents (Proverbs 10:1, 29:3). Similarly, Jesus brought joy to His heavenly Father. “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy’” (Matthew 3:17, 17:5; Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22 NLT).

Loyal Hearts Reflect Christ

Wise people are loyal (Proverbs 3:3, 19:22). They support the needy (Proverbs 17:17). They don’t abandon personal or family friends (Proverbs 20:6, 27:10).

Jesus supports us, the perpetually needy. He said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NLT).  

He remained loyal to His heavenly Father when Satan tempted Him to grab the glory without suffering (Matthew 4:1-11). In the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42 NLT).

Kindness Shapes Wise Living

Wise people are gracious and kind (Proverbs 3:3, 11:16-17). They aren’t know-it-alls who lord it over others. They instruct kindly (Proverbs 31:26). They care about others and don’t take advantage of them (Proverbs 26:27). They even take good care of their animals (Proverbs 12:10).

God is kind even to those who are unthankful and wicked (Luke 6:35). The Apostle Paul described God as “wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient” (Romans 2:4 NLT).

A Good Reputation Follows Wisdom

Wise people find favor with God and people and have a good reputation (3:4), vastly superior to silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1). Jesus’ good reputation drew crowds throughout His earthly ministry.

Wisdom in Proverbs--Part Two reminds us that wise people, like Jesus, are joyful, loyal, and kind and have a good reputation. See additional characteristics of wise people.

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