Pearls of Wisdom

Pearls of WISDOM:

Wisdom is important to the Lord.  It is mentioned many times in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.  Wise scripts are seen in multiple books of Scripture:  The Book of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Song of Solomon (Song of Songs),   Ecclesiasticus (Wisdom of Sirach),  Matthew  and most prominently in the Book of Wisdom.  The latter book, also known as the Wisdom of Solomon, is a book dedicated entirely to Wisdom.  Solomon was the   ”wise” man.  Kings and Queens came from many nations to hear him and test his understanding and knowledge.  He was famous for his wisdom.

How did this happen?  King Solomon loved the Lord.  He sacrificed to God and God was pleased with him because of this (1 Kings:3).  When God asked him what he wanted in return, Solomon asked for wisdom to rule over God’s  subjects rightly.  Solomon knew that he lacked the wisdom to rule over God’s people and to distinguish right from wrong.   God was happy to comply.  What happened when Solomon asked for wisdom?  God answered Solomon,  ”Because your have asked this, and have not asked for  yourself a long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word.  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.”   What happened?  Israel  prospered.  Israel was at its height under Solomon’s rule . And King Solomon acquired great wealth.  The first temple was built by Solomon.  This passage teaches us that Wisdom comes from looking to God and  desiring to walk in his ways by fulfilling his statutes and commandments.  Thus Solomon’s life is a lesson in knowledge and obedience to the Lord.

Godly wisdom keeps its value; Godly wisdom will never be lost.  But wisdom in itself is not enough. We can see this in Solomon’s life. As wise as he was—and there was no one wiser—he still committed sins. In other words, his wisdom was not sufficient to protect him from his own sinful nature. So, too, any wisdom we possess is not enough to save us from sin.  Why?  Because of our sinful nature.  

The way around this is Jesus.   Jesus is the “Wisdom from God,” (1 Corinthians 1:30). In Him is “hidden all the treasures of wisdom”  (Colossians 2:3).  And  Jesus is “The Son and radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being” (Hebrews 1:3).  ) "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5-8).   

Wisdom guides us to live a life of meaning….on one condition….that we know the true source of wisdom is God (Prov 1:7; Isa 33:5–6).  James 1:5 (NIV).  Only then can wisdom become a pearl!