Wisdom - An Introduction

The lesson on August 20, 2023 opened a new study on “Wisdom” and will do so by holding a chapter by chapter study through the book of Proverbs. When you look at the Hebrew and Greek words for Wisdom, you will find “Sophia” in the New Testament (Greek word σοφία, ας, ἡ) and “Chokmah” in the Old Testament (Hebrew word ‎חָכְמָ֥ה). In the Old Testament, these verses in Exod. 28:3; 31:3, 6; 35:26, 31, 35; 36:1-2 convey the meaning as having the skill to perform certain duties. In the New Testament, we will find these verses in Eph. 1:8, 17; 3:10; Col. 1:9, 28; 2:3, 23; 3:16; 4:5 show us in our calling today, we are educating the principalities and powers in heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God which He purposes in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs the book that shows the general rules of wisdom whereas the books of Ecclesiastes and Job show the specifics. This study will attempt to answer these four questions: What are the “many sides” of this manifold wisdom? What is wisdom? How does wisdom differ from understanding? and How can Proverbs help? This lesson was the introduction to the study.

The scripture reading was from 1 Kings 4:29-34 KJV “29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. 32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. 33 And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. 34 And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.”