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’m afraid of being stupid. I realized it a few years ago.
None of us wants to be dumb. We all need wisdom.
- To make godly decisions
- To raise children who know the Lord
- To love others in helpful ways
- To glorify God in word and deed
Who’s the wisest man who ever lived? Solomon? He asked God for wisdom when he could have asked for anything (1 Kings 3:9). He subsequently authored much of the wisdom literature in the Bible.
Yet someone wiser than Solomon is here: Jesus (Matthew 12:42). In the Bible we typically seek His wisdom in the gospels where we see Him teaching about wisdom and living wisely (Matthew 13:54).
But Jesus can also be found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:15).
THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY (JOB)
When Job suffered greatly as an apparently innocent man, his friends tried to find a reason. He obviously hadn’t been wise about keeping a rule or two; why else would he have lost so much? Eventually Job himself demanded answers from God (Job 3:11 ff).
But here we see foreshadowing of another Man who suffered—despite total innocence. Not only did He not question God about it, He wisely chose to obey at painful costs to Himself.
His wisdom teaches us to let go of demanding the answers. Instead, we’re to throw ourselves on His mercy in humility. Even when we don’t understand. Maybe especially when we don’t understand.
THE WISDOM OF WORSHIP (PSALMS)
The authors of these songs put word to emotions, not only for themselves, but also for us. Jesus Himself often quoted the Psalms (Psalm 31:5, for example).
In these laments, confessions, and praises, we learn to choose the wisdom of worship, verbalizing our adoration of and to Wisdom Himself—the Rock we rest on, the Refuge we hide in, the Shepherd we walk behind.
THE WISDOM OF THE WAY (PROVERBS)
We learn in this series of sayings that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Solomon urged over and over to choose the way of wisdom over the way of foolishness.
But what we know that he didn’t is that Jesus is the Way, the truth, and the life. He is wisdom personified (Proverbs 8:17), and to be truly wise, we’ll seek Him, empowered by His Spirit in us to choose the right over wrong that Solomon was preaching about.
THE WISDOM OF HOPE (ECCLESIASTES)
This book contains questions that can haunt us still: What is life’s true meaning? What is my purpose? Is all really hopeless?
While the world’s wisdom leaves us empty of lasting answers (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18), eternal wisdom from hoping in Jesus fills us up. In Him we live and love with meaning. Instead of chasing after knowledge, we chase after Him. Only then do we find purpose renewed and hope restored.
THE WISDOM OF CONNECTION (SONG OF SOLOMON)
Whether you see this collection of poems as an analogy or as pure story, this message comes across: the intimacy of love is to be desired (Song of Solomon 1:4).
While the original audience knew about God, they lacked full knowledge about Jesus. But from our vantage point in history, we see God’s wisdom in creating a beloved bride for the perfect Bridegroom. We are wise to recognize and delight in the love of the One who makes us His spotless bride.
Study deeper in these Old Testament books to find more.
And as you do, remember: True wisdom isn’t one more piece of knowledge we learn; it’s a Person we can know.
Jesus is our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), and trusting Him is the wisest thing we can ever do.
Which of the five Wisdom Books is your favorite? Why? Do you see Jesus in it?
Please share your thoughts below.
For more on Jesus in the wisdom literature, see Nancy Guthrie’s [amazon_link id=”1433526328″ target=”_blank” ]The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms & Wisdom Books[/amazon_link]
“But Jesus can also be found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.” <– This makes me think about The Jesus Storybook Bible. We LOVE how it points to Christ in all the stories, including Old Testament retellings.
I love, love, love the types of wisdom you pinpointed for each of these books, Lisa. Many might not initially see Ecclesiastes as "the wisdom of hope," and I love how you pointed that out.
Great post, Lisa!
Thanks, Caroline. I’ve heard so many good things about The Jesus Storybook Bible. I wonder if I’m too old for it myself. ha.
For years I never thought about Jesus in the Old Testament stories so I’m thankful now to discover Him everywhere.
Excellent lesson. Jesus personified all of scripture. My favorite would have to be Psalm, but you know the end of Job is chilling to me, “I repent in ashes.” All of scripture, every single book of the sixty six point to the absolute sovereignty and majesty of our Father I believe. It’s all fitted perfectly together. Thanks for making me think this morning!
If I had to pick, Psalms is my favorite too. Regardless of what we’re going through–good or bad–it helps put things into proper perspective. And yes–all pointing to the sovereignty and majesty of God. Thanks, Floyd.
I haven’t really studied any of the books of wisdom yet but I enjoy reading Proverbs. Such practical wisdom and advice if you will.
Proverbs is definitely a great book to read for all kinds of wisdom. I also like that you can pick up anywhere in the book and get something out of it.
Lisa, your post struck a cord in my heart as my site is named, Wise Hearted. I know lots of people with knowledge but lack wisdom to deliver it. The thing I love about wisdom is it is free for the asking and it’s personal for Jesus is the purest wisdom there is. I remember the first time I study Ecclesiastes and found such wisdom from it. And I draw from Job a lot. Great reminders really that in every book God has spread His wisdom for us to see and use as an example. You are a courageous wise hearted woman my sister.
Thanks for sharing here, Betty. This is so good:
“Jesus is the purest wisdom there is.”
I totally agree.
I’m glad you pointed out there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Even the demons have knowledge (James 2:19), but they don’t have wisdom to use it properly. I love that the title of your blog is Wise Hearted. This is obviously a topic you care much about. How wonderful.