Solomon’s Wisdom and Proverbs About It

What’s wisdom? How can it be achieved? Do we really need it? These are a few questions to answer when it comes to wisdom. It is said that wisdom comes with age; although this statement has a deep truth in it – the fact that by experience you learn most, consequently, being older means gathering more experiences therefore learning from it – it does not necessarily occur in every case.

God appreciated Solomon when he prayed for wisdom, and offered Solomon all there was to offer:

"God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king: wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you; neither shall there any after you have the like." 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

Can we ask God for wisdom? Oh yes, He promises to give it to us too: "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him." James 1:5
"The righteousness of your unchanging word is eternal; give me wisdom so that I may have life." Psalms 119:144

1.What is wisdom?

"But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?" Job 28:12
"To man he said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding."Job 28:28
"The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10
"Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behavior." Proverbs 16:22
"There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh (God)." Proverbs 21:30

2.Where can wisdom be found?

"With God is wisdom and might. He has counsel and understanding." Job 12:13
"The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility." Proverbs 15:33
"Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." Psalms 51:6

3.What are the benefits/manifestations of wisdom?

a) Gentleness: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom." James 3:13

b) Prudence, discretion and knowledge: "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion." Proverbs 8:12

c) Power: "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." Proverbs 8:14

d) Smart speech: "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off." Proverbs 10:31

e) Humbleness: "When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2

f) Calm and tolerant/forgiving behavior: "The wisdom of a man hath deferred his anger, and his glory is to pass over transgression." Proverbs 19:11

4.What’s the price $$$ of wisdom?

"No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies." Job 28:18
"Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7
"How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16

5. Why should one want to be wise?

a) "If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it."Proverbs 9:12
b) Because you don’t want to be in any of the following categories or situations:
"One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace. Proverbs 11:12
"He who will not be controlled by training has no respect for his soul, but he who gives ear to teaching will get wisdom." Proverbs 15:32
"Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth." Proverbs 17:24
"The man that wandereth out of the way of wisdom shall abide in the congregation of the dead." Proverbs 21:16