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Introduction

What is Wisdom?

Wisdom is insight into reality (truth). It’s the divine insight into the plans and
purposes of God. It’s understanding spiritual realities. Wisdom can also be defined as
the controlling power of insight. It is foresight into the future. It causes you to
understand what others can’t see. With wisdom, you can rightly judge what others
can’t figure out.

Wisdom is a force; it’s more than an ability or knowledge. You can have the ability to
do something and not do it. You can know to do something and not do it. That is not
wisdom. Wisdom compels and propels you to do. The wisdom of God has the power
to cause you to say what you should say, do what you should do and think what you
should think. It makes you go where you should go. Wisdom is not passive; it’s
manifested by action.

Wisdom is the controlling power that works in us, not just to will, but also to do
God’s good pleasure. It’s a force that propels, compels, moves, and motivates. It
brings you understanding, information, insight, and knowledge. Wisdom is all-
encompassing. No wonder, Solomon described it as the principal thing (Proverbs
4:7); the necessary building block for any endeavour. Proverbs 24:3-4 says "Any
enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and
profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts."

Wisdom says of himself "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of
witty inventions" (Proverbs 8:12). Wisdom does not come alone; he has with him
prudence (discretion or good judgment in practical affairs) and knowledge. With
wisdom you have insight and foresight, and within you a controlling force that causes
you to act wisely.

In this teaching, we will explore the subject of divine wisdom, the types of wisdom
revealed in the scriptures, and its operation in the life of a Christian.

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Classifications of Wisdom

The Bible classifies wisdom in three major ways:

The Wisdom of the World (Worldly Wisdom): The wisdom of this world
refers to the scheming, design, ideas and ideologies in the world; the way the world
has structured its systems; how things are run, the very shape of things, their
methods, their modus operandi; the ways of doing things, man's design for success,
his methods for achieving happiness, prosperity, and fulfilment; this is the wisdom of
the world and God calls it foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:20 -21 "Where is the wise?
Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish
the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom
knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe." This describes the wisdom of the world – a wisdom that cannot recognize
God. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 says "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are
perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come
to nought". 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 says "Let no man deceive himself. If any man
among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be
wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He
taketh the wise in their own craftiness." The wisdom of this world has Satan at the
head of it; it is sensual and devilish. Read also: James 3:14-15.

2, The Wisdom of Men: This isn't the same as the wisdom of the world, though
they often intertwine. The wisdom of men is about human reasoning, decisions, and
choices. It's how people, operating within the framework of worldly wisdom,
formulate their own understanding and make their own plans. Think of it this way:
worldly wisdom is the environment, the system; and the wisdom of men is how
individuals navigate and operate within that system. It is human reasoning within
the context of the world's wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:17 speaks of "wisdom of words."
Men express their wisdom in words and actions. 1 Corinthians 2:4 clarifies: "And my
speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the
wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Paul's point is powerful: he didn't rely on
human rhetoric or clever arguments. He presented the Gospel with the power of the
Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 says: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world,
but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to
us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
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teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual." We speak the things God has freely given us, but not in the words of
human wisdom. We speak by the Holy Ghost.

Finally, 1 Corinthians 2:7 introduces us to the true wisdom: "But we speak the
wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before
the world unto our glory." This is the Sophia of God, a divine mystery, hidden from
the world but revealed to us by the Spirit. This wisdom is not just talked about; it's
spoken. It's a spiritual force, active and powerful. It was planned by God before the
world began, and it's for our glory. This is the wisdom we must pursue.

3. The Wisdom of God:The wisdom of God is the only true wisdom. Wisdom here
means insight into reality; seeing into the real truth of things; seeing with the eyes
and mind of God; this is understanding from God’s perspective; creative wisdom.
This wisdom is not a product of human intellect or experience but of revelation
knowledge and impartation from God’s Word. James 3:17 (NKJV) - "But the wisdom
that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 says
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God
ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world
knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
Without the wisdom of God, people make wrong choices, say the wrong words and do
the wrong things. People make wrong investments and lose money because they
don’t have the wisdom of God. Some marry the wrong person and get stuck in an
unsavoury marriage because they lack wisdom. But when Wisdom resides in you, it
will pilot you in the right direction. When you find wisdom, you have it made. You
cannot fail or be poor, no, not with wisdom!

What is the Source of Wisdom?

Christ is Our Wisdom

"But of him (God) are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).
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The Bible says Christ has been made unto us wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30); He is our
wisdom. Colossians 2:3 tells us “In whom (Christ) are hid all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.” In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge. In other words, He is the embodiment of all wisdom and all knowledge.
So, when you made Jesus the Lord of your life and He took up His abode in the
quarters of your heart, that’s Wisdom dwelling in your heart, which means wisdom is
inherent in you as a child of God. The moment you received Christ, you received
divine wisdom, which is superior to worldly wisdom and knowledge.

Conclusion

The wisdom of God is our advantage in life. It positions us for success, victory, and
alignment with God’s plans and purposes for our lives. As you yield to the Spirit and
meditate on the Word, you will operate in wisdom effortlessly. Next week we will
discuss the three types of ewisdom described for us in Scriptures.

Further Study:

 Proverbs 3:13-18,Proverbs 4,Proverbs 8,James 3:13-17,1 Corinthians 2:6-7

Exercises and Assignments:

1. Write down twenty verses of scripture (not discussed in this lesson) on the
subject of wisdom.

2. Identify a decision you need to make this week and apply godly wisdom in
making that decision.

3. Share with someone how the wisdom of God has helped you in a specific
situation.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

The first ever JESUS TODAY AND FOREVER CAMPFIRE WITH PASTOR
CHRIS holds on Wednesday 12th February to Saturday 15th February at the
Loveworld Crusade Grounds Asese, from 9pm to 4am everyday. Ensure you get
registered now if you are yet to. Contact your Church office to find out how to
register and attend the program.

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