WISDOM vs. WISDOM

Have you ever watched the TV show Spy vs. Spy? Think of Wisdom vs. Wisdom in a similar way. There is only one, true, pure and good wisdom just as there is one, true righteousness.

Man's wisdom is limited in the same sense that man's righteousness is as filthy rags. True wisdom comes only from God. Any other wisdom is foolishness in comparison.

The word wisdom occurs 234 times in 222 verses in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. In the Hebrew it is CHOKMAH and literally means skill and dexterity like that of an artificer. In the Greek it is SOPHIA and refers to the wisdom which belongs to man as well as supreme intelligence, which belongs to God. The context of the scripture determines which is which when it is used.

Job died before the children of Israel made the exodus from Egypt; however, during his time of tribulation Job asked the question twice: "Where does wisdom come from?" (Job 28:12, 20) In verse 28 Job answered his own question based on what he knew to be true. He said:

"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."

Job acknowledged that God understands the way of wisdom and knows exactly where it is. Job said God even showed it to man specifically saying that fearing God is the origin of wisdom for man and that departing from evil is understanding.

The critical thing in scripture is that mankind will start to have true, pure wisdom when they start to fear God. This is the beginning of wisdom. Mankind will also begin to have a good understanding when they start being obedient to God's Word. The scriptures are clear. Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10.

God cannot lie and His Word is true. The scripture says God gives wisdom and stores up 'sound wisdom' for the righteous and those who walk uprightly. Proverbs 2:6-7.

We can't afford to get it twisted. Ignorance of God's Word places mankind in a very vulnerable spot. Mankind becomes vulnerable to the intricate tricks and twists that the devil pushes like dope. Mankind must not become a fiend for this type of spirit-narcotic.

It is funny that the scripture says that a person who is a scorner searches for wisdom but cannot find it. The same scripture says that knowledge is easy to him who understands. Proverb 14:6.

Remember that understanding comes from obedience to God's Word. Logically the person who understands God's Word has understanding because that person is obedient to the Word. Therefore this is why knowledge comes to that person easily. Does this mean that he who lacks understanding is not being obedient? You decide.

Now the key thing about wisdom is that, when wisdom is combined with the excellency of knowledge, it gives life to those who have it. WOW!!! Did the scripture really say that? Yup, in Ecclesiastes 7:12.

That scripture draws a parallel between wisdom and money then says that wisdom is far better because when it is combined with knowledge, knowledge becomes excellent and is a life-giver.

Moreover, the scripture tells us about man's wisdom. It says that man's wisdom will fail him. Ecclesiastes 10:3.

This word translated wisdom in this scripture is different from CHOKMAH. It is LEB and refers to the inner-man. This is man's mind, will and understanding, including his knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, determination, inclination and conscience. The scripture is saying that this wisdom fails! WHAT!!!

It is interesting to note that Lucifer had wisdom and corrupted it. God cast him to the ground and Lucifer changed to Satan. Ezekiel 28:17.

If Lucifer could corrupt his wisdom, how much more can mankind do the same? This is why no other wisdom except God's wisdom should guide us.

God's wisdom is ultimate and supersedes any other wisdom. Why settle for less than the ultimate? The scripture belittles man's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2:4-7. The world's wisdom is counted as foolishness in God's eyes. 1 Corinthians 3:19.

Here are the two versions of wisdom. James 3:14-18.

The fact that wisdom comes from God and cannot be taught is also established by the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 12:8 and James 1:5. The 'word of wisdom' is given by the Spirit just as the 'word of knowledge' is given by the Spirit.

The scripture further says that wisdom is combined with revelation in the Epignosis of God and is a spirit that God gives. Ephesians 1:17. Man can teach IN (or from a point of) wisdom but cannot teach wisdom. There is a BIG difference. Colossians 1:28.

Let the word of God dwell in you richly and study to show yourself approved to God.

Be blessed!