How Do We Define Someone Who Shows Wisdom?

What is the definition of wisdom, and can we know who is wise? With a little wisdom of our own, I think it is possible to know what wisdom is and recognize it in others. The proof is in the pudding.

Have you ever heard that phrase? It means that the true value, quality, or truth of something can only be determined through experience or observing the results. In other words, you don’t know if the pudding is any good unless you taste it. The same can be true for identifying wisdom in others, but first, you must know what wisdom is.

Does the Bible Give Us a Single Definition of Wisdom?

Wisdom is a complex concept that the Bible covers from various angles. Therefore, there is not a single scripture that gives a comprehensive definition of wisdom. Instead, we have a multitude of scriptures that, when read together, give us a strong understanding of the biblical meaning of wisdom.

• “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
• “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)
• “And to man, He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’” (Job 28:28)
• “. . . but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

From these verses, we can surmise that wisdom is a gift of God. We also see that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, followed by trusting and obeying Christ, God's wisdom. Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us the whole duty of man is to fear the Lord and obey His commandments. This is wisdom.

Before we get into a discussion on Jesus as the definition of wisdom, let’s look at the benefits of being wise:

• Proverbs 3:16-18 tells us wisdom carries “length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor,” brings pleasantness and peace, and she is a tree of life.
• Proverbs 4:8-12 says that following wisdom will bring you honor, an ornament of grace on your head, a growth of glory, and a long life. Your steps will not be hindered, and you will not stumble.
• James 1:5 tells us it is a gift free for the asking.

To further study the definition of wisdom and the difference between wisdom and knowledge, read “What is Wisdom’s Definition in the Bible.”

What Does It Mean that Jesus Is the Definition of Wisdom?

Human nature has been obsessed with knowledge since the Garden of Eden. The fall started because Eve wanted to know more, so she ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3). Paul (previously known as Saul) was very proud of what he had learned as a Pharisee at the feet of Gamaliel. The Greeks of Jesus’ time were also obsessed with learning and knowledge. They called it wisdom, but they craved human knowledge, especially in science. The poem “A Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing” by Alexander Pope warns:

A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.

One thing I have seen to be true is that the more you learn, the less you know because the universe is a vast place. We humans keep striving to know everything, but truth tells us that only God can achieve that. Beyond that, knowledge by itself is of no use. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all, you're getting, get understanding.” Knowledge without understanding or wisdom is useless because unless it is applied to our daily lives, it will gain us nothing.

Jesus was born into a period of history where science and knowledge were sought after, especially by the Greeks. When Paul preached Christ crucified as the means of salvation, both the Jews and the Greeks dismissed it.

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:22-25).

It was a stumbling block to the Jews because of their beliefs regarding those who had suffered death by crucifixion. The Greeks thought it foolish to believe eternal life could come from a man who couldn’t save himself. Both groups were caught up in their own knowledge. Second Timothy 2:7 tells us that men are always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul preached the truth and power of Christ crucified simply so that no one could ascribe glory to powerful oratory. Those who believed in Christ and accepted him as Lord received the Holy Spirit, which enlightened their minds and spirits to the wisdom of God that went far beyond man’s knowledge.

Paul quotes Isaiah 29:14, “For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ's crucifixion because God used a method that was foolish to human knowledge to bring salvation to the world. Christ and his death on the cross represented God's wisdom.

Does the Bible’s Definition Tell Us How to Get Wisdom?

So, how do we get wisdom? Well, it starts with the fear of God, but believing and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord seals it. When we are saved, we receive the Holy Spirit, and with Him, the wisdom of God is available to anyone who asks. However, some practical steps can help us increase godly wisdom and put it to practical use.

In the article “How Christians Live the Biblical Definition of Wisdom,” Britt Mooney gives five steps to attaining wisdom:

1. Study Scripture (Psalm 119:105)
2. Pray for Wisdom (James 1:5)
3. Seek Godly Counsel (Proverbs 15:22)
4. Apply Biblical Principles (James 3:13)
5. Cultivate Humility (Proverbs 11:2)

In “What is Wisdom and How to Get it,” Dr. Michael A. Milton offers this advice:

1. Recognize you need wisdom.
2. Repent of your claim to wisdom since it only comes from God.
3. Receive the anointing of wisdom.
4. Use wisdom for the glory of God.

Seeking knowledge is not bad, but knowledge without wisdom is sometimes useless and even dangerous. So, follow Solomon’s advice, and when you gain knowledge, gain wisdom and understanding to reap the benefits of peace and guidance for the rest of your life. Remember, you don’t have to guess about the decisions that come in life. The wisdom of God is yours for the asking thanks to the work of Christ on the cross. All you have to do is humble yourself before God and ask for His help. He will never steer you wrong.

Photo Credit:©GettyImages/baramee2554

Linda Lyle is a writer, teacher, knitter, and unintentional collector of cats. She has written articles for the Alabama Baptist, Open Windows, Refresh, as well as multiple novels and novellas. Her newest book, 5-Minute Prayer Plan for When Life Is Overwhelming, is set to release in October. She spins yarns on her blog The End of My Yarn at lindalyle.com. 

This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.

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