“I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Colossians 2:2-3.
Most people view wisdom as the appropriate application of knowledge learned over time. The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom. Proverbs for example is replete with verses about wisdom. The Bible views wisdom as immeasurable, priceless, and rare. But in the age of computers on your wrist and the internet containing all the world’s information, how important is wisdom and how do we live a wise life?
Wisdom is a who more than a what. Jesus is wisdom. He is the Proverbs wrapped in flesh. Jesus lived the Proverbs for us. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 says, “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30–31 ESV)
Wisdom is not smarts. It’s not knowledge to ace out the SATs. D.A. Carlson said, “Wisdom is not intellectual enlightenment, but insight into the will of God and the ability to apply it to everyday life.” If we want to know what wisdom looks like, there is one place to look. Jesus. We cannot live wisely without Him, the cross, the resurrection, and the Holy Spirit. If we want wisdom, if we want the Christ-empowered life, we must hear from Him in the Scriptures. “Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right,” (Proverbs 8:6 ). We must take His counsel. “Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.” (Proverbs 8:10). We must listen to our own counsel far less and His counsel far more.
Jesus is our wisdom. And in His grace, He freely offers it to us. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5) Proverbs 8:17 says, “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.” If we go to Jesus for help, we will not find a cold shoulder. Instead, we will find the love grace and wisdom we need in these troubling times.
For followers of Jesus, there is a surpassing source that changes everything when it comes to wisdom. This reality transforms our pursuit and practice of wisdom. Wisdom is no longer about insightful principles for a successful life but about an indwelling power shaping a significant life. Because of Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross and resurrection we have a relationship with the source of the highest and best wisdom. So, for the Christian, wisdom is not the art of figuring it out but the adventure of following Him. The pursuit of wisdom is more than comprehending concepts; it is knowing Christ.
“But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:24.
Discussion Questions:
- How would you define wisdom?
- How can Christ be our source of wisdom this week?