Defining Wisdom

Proverbs, chapters 1-9

Wisdom, says Proverbs repeatedly, is the key to a satisfying life.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established
Proverbs 24:3

The first nine chapters of Proverbs set up priorities for a successful life. Whatever you do, seek wisdom! Do not start out the misguided way, to seek success, because then you might overlook wisdom. If you overlook wisdom, your chances of success will drop.

Just how does Proverbs define success? A rich life that works. An overflowing life where you are respected. Proverbs does not glorify having money and possessions but having what you need so that you may be generous towards others. Once again, do not start out the misguided way, seeking quantities of money. Make wisdom your priority, and you will have a rich life.

What is Wisdom, Really?

Nine chapters of Proverbs, and no clear-cut definition of wisdom! Well, actually, there is a clue. Wisdom is something you seek actively. It does not fall from the sky like a lottery win. Wisdom is also to persist in seeking wisdom, willing to be corrected, to listen, and learn from others.

The format of Proverbs is in itself a challenge. It does not serve fast food. It does not present a structured program. It seems like Proverbs sets out to provoke its readers. How eager are you? Do you really value wisdom? Are you willing to spend time on this?

King Solomon

Proverbs says that its main author is King Solomon. He was a celebrity of his time, that is, around 950 B.C., almost 3000 years ago. The queen of Sheba travelled from her country (probably Yemen of our days) to Jerusalem to see for herself if Solomon was as wise as his reputation claimed.

When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.
1 Kings 10:4-5

The queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon—it was visible. She was impressed by his ability to turn knowledge into practice. He had built a temple of God that was world-famous, a house for himself, and another for his queen. He probably had an enormous staff. The temple service and the court of Solomon moved with a liberating and elegant naturalness that was a pleasure to watch.

There, another feature of wisdom: knowledge turned into practice.

The Origin of Wisdom

It is difficult to find an explicit definition of wisdom in Proverbs at all—not only in the first nine chapters. On the other hand, Proverbs is quite clear about the source of wisdom. It originates from God.

That was especially true about King Solomon. When he ascended to the throne, he felt insecure and inexperienced. He prayed a heartfelt prayer to God for wisdom, for God to make him able to rule over his people in a discerning and honest way. God honoured his sincere declaration and promised him a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. You may read this in 1 Kings 3:5-15.

Thanks to the wisdom King Solomon received from God, his reign became the historical high point of Israel. The country was at its largest geographically. It was an era of peace and extensive international trade. Many, not just the queen of Sheba, travelled to Jerusalem in order to see Solomon.

From all nations, people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
1 Kings 4:34

Proverbs is clear (God is often referred to as the Lord in the Old Testament),

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord means to be respectful of God, being willing to adjust to what he says.

The New Testament says, about 1000 years later,

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.
James 1:5

Thus, God giving wisdom to Solomon was not an exception. The message of the Bible is that God gives wisdom to anyone who asks for it.

Summary

Proverbs is about wisdom. The first nine chapters advertise wisdom, insisting that wisdom is the key to a satisfying life.

We have found two characteristics of wisdom,

• Wisdom is something you seek actively and persistently,
• Wisdom is the ability to transform knowledge into practice.

Proverbs is outspoken about wisdom originating from God. We have seen an example of God giving wisdom to the one who asks for it.

If wisdom then paves the way to a rich life, does this mean that God actually desires to award us a rich life? He does.

Asking for wisdom may seem to take advantage of God, but the Bible repeatedly encourages us to present our heartfelt wishes to God.