THE SEVEN PILLARS OF GOD’S WISDOM IN THE BIBLE (PROVERBS 9:1-12)
Bible study on the seven pillars of God’s wisdom according to the Bible
Wisdom built her house and carved out her seven pillars (The wisdom of God)
After extolling the greatness of wisdom in the preceding chapter, Solomon declared, “Wisdom built her house and hewed out her seven pillars” (Proverbs 9:1), that is, the seven pillars of God’s wisdom. Additional instructions follow in this discourse, concluding where wisdom and its bountiful promises began (Proverbs 9:2-12). While we explore many facets of wisdom (but by no means all of them), the essence of our study will be based on the seven pillars of the house that wisdom has built, therefore the subject to study is the seven pillars of wisdom. wisdom of God.
God, in his word, constantly appeals to us to seek and acquire wisdom (Proverbs 3:13; 4:5; 7; 5:1). It is more valuable than gold (Proverbs 16:16) and must be sought along with the truth (Proverbs 23:23). With God placing such emphasis and value on this invisible item, we must also greatly appreciate wisdom, seeking to obtain it.
Establishing the seven pillars… wisdom built her house she carved out her seven pillars
Since the word calls us to the acquisition and execution of wisdom, we can make sure that it is within our reach. The things that God asks us to do or be, we can. He will strengthen us to accomplish all his orders. Since wisdom is the main house (First in place, time, order or line) to obtain, we must seek it for ourselves (Proverbs 4:7). This study is designed to equip him to establish the seven pillars of God’s wisdom in his life.
WHAT IS THE WISDOM OF GOD AND ITS PILLARS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, DEFINITIONS
1) What does wisdom mean in the Bible?
Wisdom comes from the Hebrew root word chakam, (ka-kam) which means to be wise (in mind, word or deed), to become wise or show oneself wise, to act wisely. From this comes another Hebrew word chokmah, (kok-,a) which means wisdom (In a good sense), ability. In the New Testament “wisdom” comes from the Greek word sophia, (so-fia) which means wisdom, be it higher or lower, secular or spiritual.
Webster defines wisdom as the quality of being wise; the power to make the best use of knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.; good judgement, sagacity.
2) Pillars
It is the Hebrew word ammud, (am-mud) which means a column (How to stand), a tribune, a platform. It is derived from the Greek stulos, (stu-los) which means to harden, to support (See I Timothy 3:15; Galatians 6:9 along with this definition).
Because wisdom has built a house built on seven pillars, it is essential that we understand these conditions.
DIVISIONS OF WISDOM
Wisdom according to the Bible and how it is divided
God’s word categorizes wisdom into several divisions, all of which are important for us to understand. Although our focus will be on one segment of these divisions, we must nonetheless be aware of the others.
1) Human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 5, 13)
2) carnal wisdom (2 Corinthians 1:12)
3) Wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:20; 2:6; 3:19)
4) Wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 2:7; Luke 1:49; Romans 1; 1:33)
5) Earthly, animal or devilish wisdom (James 3:13-16)
6) Wisdom from above (James 3:17-18)
James and Paul, both apostles, divided wisdom into these several divisions; each makes an interesting study.
THE VALUE OF WISDOM
What is the value of wisdom according to the Bible
Lest you be tempted to dismiss wisdom as simply an appropriate and relatively insignificant application of knowledge, you would do well to examine the value God places on wisdom. Add your own personal comment to each of the points as you study or teach.
1) Wisdom is better than precious stones (Proverbs 8:11)
2) Wisdom produces happiness in those who find it (Proverbs 3:13)
3) Wisdom is the main thing (Proverbs 4:7)
4) Fools perish for lack of wisdom (Proverbs 10:13)
5) It is better to acquire wisdom than gold (Proverbs 16:16)
6) We must buy truth, wisdom, instrument, understanding and not sell them (Proverbs 23:23)
7) Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:13; 7:11-12, 19; 9:16, 18; 10:10)
a) Wisdom overcomes foolishness as light overcomes darkness
b) Wisdom is good as an inheritance
c) Wisdom is a defense
d) Wisdom gives life to those who have it
e) Wisdom strengthens the wise
f) Wisdom is better than strength
g) Wisdom is better than weapons of war
h) Wisdom is profitable for directing
8) Wisdom was necessary for the seven men chosen to serve tables in the early church (Acts 6:1-8).
9) Wisdom is so important to Christians that if they lack it, they should ask God for it (James 1:5)
10) Wisdom is better than (Job 28:12-19):
a) Ophir’s gold
b) The precious onyx
c) The sapphire
d) The crystal
e) Fine gold jewelry
f) The coral
g) Pearls
h) The rubies
i) Topaz from Ethiopia
Wisdom is valuable and important to all of us, but it is essential for those in leadership. Holy scripture introduces us to some of the great leaders and workers of the past based on their wisdom. Among them are:
1) Bezaleel (Exodus 31:1-5)
2) Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9)
3) Solomon (1 Kings 3:28;4:29)
4) Hiram (1 Kings 7:13-14)
5) Ezra (Ezra 7:25)
6) Daniel (Daniel 1:4)
7) Stephen (Acts 6:3)
The wisdom gained by these men is available to us today if we apply our hearts and seek it. Wisdom has an exalted position in the eyes of God; therefore, we must diligently seek God until he imparts wisdom to us.
THE ORIGIN OF WISDOM
Wisdom according to the Bible
“Where will wisdom be found?” was a question from the elders as they followed this elusive item they needed (Job 28:12). In response to this all-encompassing, soul-searching, and heart-wrenching cry, responses return from various sources, who also do not know where to find wisdom. Listen to those who responded and their response to this age-old question (Job 28:12-22):
1) Man does not know the price of wisdom; he is not in the land of the living
2) The depth and the sea says, “it is not with me”
3) Wisdom cannot be obtained with gold or silver
4) Wisdom cannot be valued with gold, onyx or sapphire. Gold and crystal cannot equal wisdom. The exchange of it cannot be for jewels or fine gold. The price of wisdom is greater than coral, pearls, rubies, topaz and pure gold.
5) Wisdom is hidden from the birds of the sky
6) Destruction and death have heard of the fame of wisdom and still cannot provide it.
In response to this search for wisdom, God provided an answer (Job 28:23-29). “And he said to the man, Behold, the fear of the Lord is wisdom, and the turning away from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28)
The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7)
Human beings can only find wisdom when they begin to fear the Lord (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10). Solomon defined the fear of the Lord in this case (Proverbs 8:13). This fear of God motivates us to seek his ways, learn from him and obey him, then wisdom follows.
In our quests for wisdom, curiosity and study lead us to seek the origin of this highly prized item. Where did wisdom originate? When did wisdom begin? How old is wisdom? and Can we find the beginning of wisdom? Questions like these prompt us to search God’s word for an answer.
This search takes us through time, to an age before the creation of the heavens and the earth, to the past of eternity, before the demarcation of time. After revealing the cry of wisdom, its courage, its provisions and leadership, Solomon provided insight at the earliest mention of wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-21). A close observation of Proverbs 8:22-31 points to the date of wisdom as being before the creation of the universe. Wisdom existed before God’s creative acts, even, no doubt, before the creation of angels.
Proverbs 8:22-31 describes wisdom in such a way that it is impossible to separate it from God himself. Finding wisdom is finding God and vice versa. God and wisdom are inseparable before the creation of the universe.
Although wisdom is available to us by experiential knowledge and divine dispensation, it was originally by wisdom in its pristine purity that God made the worlds (Psalm 136:5; Proverbs 3:19; 8:22-31; Jeremiah 51: fifteen)
God did not acquire wisdom like a human being does; He possessed her simply as part of his essential nature. For he is the only wise God (1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 25). Paul turned in prayer “to the only wise God” (Romans 16:27). Wisdom is the essential nature and character of God.
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God
God’s wisdom
The Word was in the beginning, was with God, was God and was made flesh and dwelt among men (John 1:1-14). By the incarnation of God in Christ, he who is wisdom in essence and character, revealed himself to humanity, making God (thus wisdom) available and accessible to us.
Solomon in his exaltation of wisdom declared, “For whoever finds me finds life,… whoever sins against me cheats his soul; all who hate me love death” (Proverbs 8:35-36). . Therefore, wisdom is more than the proper use and application of knowledge.
Wisdom is more than an acquisition of human skill and ingenuity. It is a source of life or a source of death. We can also make these statements of Jesus Christ who, as previously mentioned, is made by God wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30).