You are entering the Portal of Timeless Bible Basics where you will find ANSWERS TO LIFE’S QUESTIONS. These answers will be sought and found in the realm of biblical wisdom. There are two perspectives from which to search for them: earthly and heavenly, physical and spiritual, human and divine. The New Testament Book of James makes this distinction in chapter 3:13-17. (ESV) “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” The concise book of James has been called the wisdom literature of the New Testament. Near the beginning of his Book, James 1:5 (ESV) we see the writer saying, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
In the Old Testament, the books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes make up the wisdom literature. Near the end of Proverbs, in chapter 30:2-6 there is a rather astonishing burst of admission by the writer, “Surely, I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know! Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
All Bible scholars agree that King Solomon wrote most of the Book of Proverbs. However, since Solomon is known to have been the wisest human who ever lived, save the Lord Jesus, some say it would be unlikely that he would have made such a self-effacing statement of himself. I am not so sure. I think especially a wise man might be more likely to acknowledge that notwithstanding his gift of wisdom, he understands and even confesses that he views himself lacking, unlearned, and maybe even stupid as he contemplates the greatness and infinite perfection of the Creator God, which he does in verses 3-5. He ends with an admonition in verse 6, against presumptuously adding to or taking away from God’s words.
The Apostle John issues a similar warning as he concludes the New Testament Book of Revelation concerning that book of prophecy: (Revelation 22:18-19) (ESV) “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
We are told in Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” And in Proverbs 2:4-6 (ESV) “If you seek it (wisdom) like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” In Proverbs 9:10, we are told, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 19:8 (ESV) makes this blessed observation, “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.” Knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are set forth in Proverbs as part and parcel of each other. One may get knowledge and understanding and yet be unwise. Wisdom is a good and proper application of knowledge and understanding. This is clearly illustrated in Proverbs and throughout the Bible.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul explains, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1Corinthians 2:13) In Colossians 2:3, Paul reveals, “In whom (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” And, in Romans 11:33-36 (ESV) the Apostle, as he concludes a three-chapter of God’s dealings with His chosen nation, Israel, exults with this exclamation, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Therefore, inasmuch as the ultimate authority, the Bible, places the answers to life’s questions within the realm of biblical truth and wisdom, we must begin and end there. As you pass through this Bible Basics Portal you will be introduced to the eternal, holy, and almighty God who is full of grace, mercy, and love. You will also be confronted with the awful entrance of sin and rebellion of His creation and the effects of that sin and rebellion, that is, the need for a redemptive plan which would be accomplished only through the sacrificial death of His one and only Son, Jesus. You will learn of His gracious offer of salvation and abundant life in this world and eternal life in the world to come, including a resurrected body and a New Heaven and New Earth. The light of the Gospel will shine in your heart as the Holy Spirit grants you knowledge and understanding, and as God grants you the wisdom to apply all the things you learn with wisdom. You will experience the peace of justification, the grace of sanctification, the joy of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and so much more as you spend time searching the Scriptures and meditating on their life-giving message. I invite you to look through any or all the pages within my site. Begin your search for Life’s Answers here. Begin today! Now may the Lord Jesus guide and comfort you, and give you grace, peace through Jesus Christ our Lord.
If you have found this article helpful, please leave a comment below. Thank you, and God bless you.
I am 67 years old and I have been reading the Bible from I was very small. My parents took us to church regularly and we did devotions at home guided by Bible readings. Even after years of reading the Bible, I appreciate your subdividing and noting the source of wisdom at special places in the Bible. My favourite passage is 1 Corinthians 12 which speaks of and explains what love is and what is not. I also see you mention many others that I am familiar with. I still read my Bible and even after so long I am discovering new things and getting new understanding. Thank you for your article
Thank you for responding, JJ. I am glad you are discovering new things in God’s Word. I do as well.
I intend for this page to be a landing page for my website, and continue with posts covering other particular topics mentioned in it. Thanks, again.
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Thank you, Joy. (I have a sister named Joy) Your comments are very encouraging. I am very pleased that you find my site worthy of being saved for future reference. I hope you will drop by from time to time as I continue sharing the basic truths of the Bible. Thanks, again.
Mauritius Rupee
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Thank you, Bruce, for your kind comments. I hope you will revisit my site for future posts.
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Hello, again, Nath. Thanks for your kind remarks. The Lord’s teachings point us to His perfect will. Knowing that mankind had fallen far short of that will, Jesus became a man and perfected it through both His teachings and His sacrifice which should also guide our lives.