Discerning Wisdom: Knowing The Three Types Found in Scripture

Wisdom is profound and multifaceted. The concept of wisdom permeates Christian thought and tradition. It is a gift from God that enlightens the mind, guides the soul, and shapes the character of those who seek it. As a Christian, wisdom is not the accumulation of knowledge or the exercise of intellectual acuity; rather, it is an intimate and personal relationship with God, given through the Holy Spirit, that enables a believer to discern the truth and live in accordance with His will.

Three types of wisdom:

1. Human Wisdom: Acquired through books, experiences, and observations.
2. Demonic Wisdom: Described as the wisdom of the rulers of this age.
3. Godly Wisdom: Noblest (reflection), easiest (imitation), and bitterest (experience) methods of learning wisdom. Starts with the fear of God and results in a holy life.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Ecclesiastics 1:9 KJV

Three Types of Wisdom

Human/Earthly Wisdom – Ecclesiastics 1:9, 3:19-20, 7:16-17.

The wisdom of this age is the wisdom that we can acquire through books, experiences and observations – better described as knowledge. This wisdom can be acquired by anybody whether they have the Holy Spirit or not. Anyone can attend medical school and become a doctor and not necessarily have the spirit of God in them. The nature of human wisdom is greatly elucidated by its identification with philosophy, and is ruled by tradition, education, and logic.

 “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” 

Proverbs 16:16

The Bible is not logical but spiritual because holy men wrote it when the Holy Spirit came upon them. The understanding of the Bible is not derived from logical reasoning but from the Spirit of God. Human wisdom is not bad in itself; however, it doesn’t give acknowledgement or recognition to God. Its proponents believe that one becomes successful because of their own intelligence.

Demonic Wisdom – 1 Corinthians 2:6, Ephesians 6:12

The Apostle Paul describes this as the wisdom of the rulers of this age. The rulers of this age some believe are the political or governmental leaders. They may not be entirely wrong, however, a critical inquiry in the bible, reveals that the wisdom of the rulers of this age is referring to demonic wisdom, those of principalities, rulers of the darkness of the earth, spiritual wickedness in high places. Any wisdom that suspends the wisdom of God is demonic.

So, if you’re acquiring human wisdom and you realize it makes the wisdom of God foolish, then know that you’re acquiring demonic wisdom. Demonic wisdom gives attention to evil manipulations. Such wisdom is inspired by the prince of this wisdom – lucifer, the devil, satan. Any wisdom that challenges the wisdom of God is demonic. Anytime you get to the level that you want to make sense of everything then know that you’re manifesting demonic wisdom.

Godly Wisdom – James 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:14.

This wisdom is spiritually discerned. It is not something that you can derive from a school, college, book, or scientific method. Matthew 28:18.

Godly wisdom cannot and does not change and cannot be disproved. In James 3:16-17, Apostle James describes this wisdom as one which seeks peace, not success. It desires purity, not happiness. It shows itself in willingness to yield to others, a sharp contrast to ambitious self-promotion. This wisdom is not corrupted; it is pure and peaceable and helps you to live a holy life.

In conclusion, Godly wisdom is what you need as a Christian to succeed here on earth and store up treasures in Heaven. Without Christ you cannot have Godly wisdom, it is Him who gives us Godly wisdom through the Holy Spirit.

Sources of Wisdom in Christianity

The primary source of wisdom in Christianity is the Bible, particularly the books of the Old Testament known as the Wisdom Literature: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, the Song of Solomon, and the apocryphal book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus). These texts offer timeless insights into the nature of wisdom and its role in human life.

1. Proverbs: This book, traditionally attributed to Solomon, is a collection of wise sayings that provide guidance for righteous living. It emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom, which is personified as a divine attribute and a prerequisite for a life that is both fulfilling and pleasing to God.
2. Ecclesiastes: Often considered the musings of an aged Solomon, Ecclesiastes grapples with the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom. It acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and the ultimate vanity of worldly wisdom, pointing instead to the fear of God as the beginning of true wisdom.
3. Job: The Book of Job is a profound exploration of the problem of suffering and the nature of divine wisdom. Through the experiences of Job, readers are invited to ponder the mysteries of God’s providence and the inscrutable ways in which He governs the world.
4. Song of Solomon: Although primarily a love poem, the Song of Solomon also contains nuggets of wisdom regarding the beauty of human relationships and the importance of seeking and cherishing wisdom.
5. Sirach: This apocryphal book, while not part of the Protestant canon, is revered in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. It extols the virtues of wisdom and provides practical advice for living a wise and God-centered life.

The Nature of Wisdom in Christianity

Christian wisdom is fundamentally theological and is grounded in the revelation of God’s nature and will. It is not merely a human construct but a divine gift that comes from above. The nature of wisdom in Christianity can be understood through several key dimensions:

• Wisdom as a Person: In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John and the letters of St. Paul, wisdom is often personified as Jesus Christ. The Word of God, who is “full of grace and truth,” embodies divine wisdom and offers it to humanity.
• Wisdom as a Virtue: In both the Old and New Testaments, wisdom is presented as a cardinal virtue that enables believers to live in harmony with God and to make right decisions in the face of life’s challenges. It is closely linked with other virtues such as prudence, justice, courage, and temperance.
• Wisdom as a Gift of the Holy Spirit: According to 1 Corinthians 12:8, wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon believers for the common good of the Church. This spiritual wisdom transcends human understanding and is essential for interpreting and applying the teachings of Christ.
• Wisdom as Discernment: Christian wisdom involves the ability to discern the will of God in various situations and to choose the right path. It is not about knowing everything but about knowing what is most important and acting accordingly.

Application of Wisdom in Christian Life

The wisdom found in Christianity is not an abstract concept but a living reality that is to be integrated into the daily lives of believers. Here are some practical ways in which Christians apply wisdom:

1. Prayer and Reflection: Regular prayer and reflection on the scriptures help Christians to cultivate a relationship with God and to seek His wisdom in their lives. The Book of James advises believers to “ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6)
2. Guidance in Decision-Making: Christians strive to make wise decisions by consulting the scriptures, seeking the counsel of wise and mature believers, and praying for God’s guidance. They are encouraged to be led by the Holy Spirit and to submit their will to God’s.
3. Relationships and Communication: The wisdom literature provides guidance on how to interact with others, from family and friends to enemies and strangers. It teaches the importance of listening, speaking the truth in love, and maintaining harmony within the community of faith.
4. Living a Virtuous Life: By embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit, Christians aim to live lives characterized by wisdom, which includes virtues such as humility, patience, and kindness.
5. Engagement with the World: Wisdom informs Christians’ engagement with the complexities of the world, enabling them to navigate ethical dilemmas and contribute to the common good with discernment and grace.

Conclusion

Wisdom in Christianity is a divine gift that equips believers to live a life that is both faithful to God and beneficial to others. It is not a static body of knowledge but a dynamic relationship that requires constant nurturing and growth. Through the study of scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians can tap into this inexhaustible source of wisdom and apply it to the multifaceted challenges of the modern world. By doing so, they not only enrich their own lives but also become beacons of light and hope for those around them.