Lesson No. 18 

Lesson No. 18 Wisdom

Although wisdom is often also defined as science or knowledge, when applied to the field of theology, it is said to consist of the use made of knowledge to choose good ends through proper means, that is, making good plans using worthy means to carry them out. Both things must be in harmony.

According to this concept, when purposes are created for unworthy or evil ends, even if the means used are good, there is no display of wisdom. Creating purposes to achieve good ends by improper means also does not show any proof of wisdom.

This concept is based on the evidence that the ends of God's purposes have always been absolutely benevolent and worthy. For He, in His omniscience and infinite power, can do everything He desires without needing to use inappropriate means to achieve it. Likewise, the person who fears God appropriates this specific virtue of His divine conduct. Let us see what the following passages of Scripture tell us:

Proverbs chapter 1: verse 7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.51

Proverbs chapter 9: verse 10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding”.51

In Psalm 111, verse 10, the Scriptures allude to this topic, saying: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.51

Likewise, Job points out: And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job chapter 28: verse 28).51

When a person has the fear of God in their heart, they will logically always seek good ends, achieved through proper means. In this way, they will be acting according to the principles of wisdom.

Concerning God, in the Holy Scriptures we find several references speaking of His infinite wisdom. Let us consider the following:

Psalm 104, verse 24: “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches”.51

Proverbs chapter 3: verse 19: “The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens”.51

The apostle Paul expressed: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (First Timothy chapter 1: verse 17).51

As our theologian45 says: Who, after contemplating the wonders of God's vast creation, does not make their own the words of apostle Paul, expressed in his brilliant exclamation?: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans chapter 11: verse 33).51