Biblical Answer

Understanding Wisdom

Wisdom is a complex concept that involves possessing a proper grasp of the basic issues of life and of the relationship of man to God, as well as having the understanding to skillfully apply knowledge to life's situations. This wisdom is not something one can acquire solely through human effort, but rather it is a gift of God that is graciously given to those who seek it. The Bible teaches that wisdom is especially found in the psalmists distinction between the way of the upright and the righteous on the one hand, and the wicked on the other. The former will be blessed with God's presence and guidance, while the latter will suffer from a lack of understanding and insight.

Acquiring Wisdom

To acquire wisdom, one must first recognize that it is a gift of God and not something that can be achieved through human effort alone. The Bible teaches that wisdom is a product of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives (Proverbs 2:6, Daniel 2:20-21). Therefore, seeking wisdom involves hard work, but it is not achieved by hard work alone. Rather, it requires a willingness to submit to God's ordering of the world and to live in conformity with His ways. This involves being properly aligned with the intrinsically relational, triune God and recognizing that true wisdom is anchored in a correct view of reality.

Finding Wisdom

Finding wisdom is a matter of seeking God's guidance and presence in our lives. The Bible teaches that wisdom is a matter of life and death (Proverbs 8:35-36), and that those who live in conformity with God's ordering of the world are less likely to suffer a premature death. Therefore, wisdom is not just a matter of intellectual knowledge, but also of living in obedience to God's commands and following His ways. This involves recognizing that wisdom is a public domain, and that God uses ordinary means to change us, rather than our own insights and wisdom. By seeking God's guidance and presence in our lives, we can acquire the wisdom we need to live rightly and to navigate the complexities of life.