What is wisdom? Where does it come from? How do we acquire it? All of these questions can be answered by looking deeper into God’s word. We will be able to get a basic understanding of the meaning of wisdom and its power once we are finished. So first off, what is the definition of wisdom?

Wisdom can have many definitions, but first we need to separate that word with the word knowledge. Many people combine them and propose them to have the same meaning but they are totally different. To keep things simple knowledge is just the understanding and information of things. Wisdom is the act of using that knowledge properly. To further describe this opposition let’s use Exodus 31:1-5 as an example. God told Moses that he had chosen Bezalel to help him with the making of the Tabernacle. Bezalel was blessed in crafts making and artistic design and he had all that knowledge of how to do it. But God gave him wisdom and insight on how to make it in a way that would be pleasing to God. That’s just one example of wisdom and knowledge working together and both coming from God.

Where does knowledge and wisdom come from? There is only one real answer. God. Wisdom comes from God, and Proverbs 2:6 backs that up. It says “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. But how is this possible? He created everything. He is the creator of all things. (Colossians 1:16, John 1:3). If you created or invented some kind of machine you would know everything there is to know about that machine. How it works, how to make it, how long it takes to build it, you have all understanding and knowledge about it because you made it. The same thing applies to God. He knows everything about you, what your going to do, etc. And since he created the earth and space and all other things he knows everything about them as well. But, the Lord also gives us wisdom, as it says in the first part of Proverbs 2:6, to share and gain with others.

Gaining knowledge and wisdom is a never ending process because new things are always being discovered and re-discovered. Since God is our ultimate supplier of wisdom we should go to him first if we want to seek wisdom. Just as Solomon did in 1 Kings 3:6-15. Solomon is one of the greatest examples of someone gaining wisdom. After his father David had died it was his turn to rule as king, but he realized he needed wisdom to rule over such a large nation. So Solomon asked God in prayer to give him wisdom to ruler over this numerous nation and God was pleased with his request and he gave him exactly what he wanted. In fact, God even gave him what he had not asked for- riches and honor, and there had been no one nor was there no other king like him (v12). James 1:5 also says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” That is what King Solomon did and so should we. Jesus also gained knowledge in Luke 2:40-52. He was teaching these great teachers of the law, full of age, and Jesus at this time was only twelve. In (v52) it says “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”These two are great examples of gaining wisdom through God.

We can also gain wisdom from God’s precious word that he gave to us. Psalms 119:97-98 says “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.” If we read and study his word that alone will help make us wiser and we will gain knowledge to know what he wants from us and what we are supposed to do while we have this life on this earth. We should not be afraid to ask others for wisdom as well. People who are full of years and have been around a while have wisdom of right and wrong, they know the things you should and shouldn’t do. Proverbs 12:15 tells us to listen to advice. Proverbs 19:20 says that if we do we will be considered wise. The whole book of Proverbs basically talks about wisdom and I encourage you to read it because it is so good and it holds all the answers concerning wisdom. I know that people who have lived a long life have wisdom because Job says in Job 12:12 “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Just don’t be afraid to seek wisdom from others; as long as it is the right wisdom and God will tell you that.

To conclude our study, wisdom is the use of knowledge properly. All knowledge and wisdom comes from God. And we acquire it by studying his word, asking him in prayer, and seeking it in others. But remember, God will give you wisdom and common sense, to live the life he wants you to.