Wisdom from Above

“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” 1 Corinthians 1:22-25.

“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption...” 1 Corinthians 1:30.

I was recently reading in 1 Corinthians, marveling at the immeasurable contrast between the wisdom of our Lord and the wisdom of man. One might define knowledge as the acquisition of facts and information, whereas wisdom is rightly applying knowledge. A fun illustration I heard long ago: knowledge tells you it is raining outside; wisdom tells you to bring an umbrella.

The Greeks sought enlightenment through human intellect and wisdom. Human wisdom, with what little it could offer in pointing to Truth, did not (nor could not) lead those who sought it to the ultimate meaning and purpose in life— to know Christ as Savior and glorify his great name. The Gospel seemed absurd and foolish in the eyes of “wise” men, yet, in the end, they are the true fools.

Paul says that Christ “became to us wisdom from God,” and it is that glorious wisdom from above shows us that only by faith in Jesus can we be redeemed and become righteous. His wisdom is given to us that we would walk in him (James 1:5). 1 Corinthians 2:16 states that “we have the mind of Christ”. How amazing is that? What a gift we have been given!

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” Colossians 3:16.

As we study his Word and pray, we receive wisdom and understanding from the very author of Truth. And in that wisdom the Church is edified, and Christ is glorified.

As Paul is reflecting on the salvation of Israel and the Gentiles in Romans 11, he breaks out into a beautiful prayer that begins “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” Romans 11:33.

The Lord has given us such a great well of wisdom and knowledge that we can never reach the bottom. I pray that we will drink deeply of these riches, and, like the apostle Paul, exalt him ever more and more.

Brian Gates

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