According to Proverbs 2.6 the Lord is the source of wisdom. In addition, the giving of wisdom is verbal, thus something that can be learned by anyone.
The Lord gives me wisdom, which is factual knowledge and experiential insight. Proverbs 2.6 paraphrase
The Precept Explained
What’s wisdom?
Well, in simplest terms it’s what I know combined with what I can do with what I know.
That’s the definition from Proverbs 2.6.
Wisdom is the Hebrew word chokmah. Specifically, wisdom has two parts. Also from Proverbs 2.6.
First, is knowledge, using the Hebrew word daath. Second, is experiential insight, using the Hebrew word tebunah. For details, see the following diagram.
In short, wisdom is really practical!
The Source of Wisdom
According to Exodus 28.3 God gives wisdom (also chokmah) to the wise-hearted. Apparently, this is the first usage of this Hebrew word in scripture.
Actually, the wise-hearted are those in whom God has “filled with the spirit of wisdom…”
Enlist the wise-hearted. Those to whom the Lord has filled with the spirit of wisdom by giving them specific skills. Exodus 28.3 paraphrase
Thus, God is the source of wisdom, according to Exodus 28.3. Then, that precept is repeated in Proverbs 2.6.
Next, wisdom produces in me a wise and discerning character, Proverbs 1.5.
Therefore, God gives me wisdom to transform my heart or character, so I’m better equipped to serve Him.
In short, God gives wisdom. Then, I give back service.
It’s not enough to know more. Similarly, it’s not enough to do more. Instead, I must become more wise-hearted if I’m to reach my God-intended potential!
Skills to Serve
The pattern from Exodus 28 continues in Exodus 31.1-6.
There we read that God fills me with His Spirit.
And, similar to Proverbs, the outcome is wisdom (chokmah), experiential insight (tebunah), and factual knowledge (daath).
In turn, all three increase my capacity for spiritual service.
As well, I have increased capability to serve because I’ve become wise-hearted.
Moses enlisted the wise-hearted. Those to whom the Lord gave wisdom and inspired to do the work. Exodus 36.2 paraphrase
Apply This Today!
The source of wisdom is God Himself. However, wisdom isn’t an end-point in itself because it changes me at my core.
I choose to absorb the precepts into my life. As a result, I receive a wise, discerning, and insightful character.
What do you think? Send me a comment: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com