PART TWO

MR. D'S NOTES ON WISDOM

By Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.

Copyright 2002

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author, except as provided by U.S.A. copyright laws.





When I read the next verse I was reminded of what I just wrote about holding my peace. Prov. 17:28 "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding."

I was called wise that day by some of the older ladies we had in attendance. Ultimately we resigned and a group of pastors that was overseeing the work met with the congregation and quickly closed down the church - those people "had no commitment whatsoever to the church and the work so why bother" was the comment from one of the pastors.

Here we again see that the wise seeketh knowledge - in this case the ear of the wise seeketh. Prov. 18:15 "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

The term seeketh indicates in this text that there is a concerted effort set forth to gain this knowledge - not like sitting on a bus listening to a conversation, but of going to a library and searching for knowledge.

The thoughts of hearing counsel and being instructed are again repeated in the context of becoming wise. This seems to be an emphasis in the Proverbs. Prov. 19:20 "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." (see Prov. 21:11 also)

Just one more time - don't listen to those that mock education - seeking education for wrong reasons is off base, but seeking knowledge is never wrong if you seek it to further your work for God.

I won't dig deeply into the thought of drink - simply suffice it to say that the Bible does not teach total abstinence, but it certainly teaches wise use of drink. Here it is shown that to drink enough to be deceived by the alcohol is wrong. It is shown over and over that not that much alcohol can impair a driver, so I am not sure just how much drink can deceive, but it would seem that it doesn't take all that much. Prov. 20:1 "Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

Now, here is where I may get into trouble - Pastors don't say I told you to run off your trouble maker’s, BUT this passage may be of use to the pastor that has serious troublemakers in his church. Prov. 20:26 "A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them."

I don't know for sure what “bringeth the wheel over them means,” but scattereth seems quite straight forward to me. Get them under way - out of your hair - into someone else's church - well no that isn't good either, but do move them out of the flock so that they do not cause further trouble.

I would clarify - these are wicked people not just someone that opposes all of your programs - these are people that are living in sin - are wicked as the text says. Someone that is not desirous of changing their lives to conform to the Word of God - these feel free to move on down the road.

I might add also that this verse does not negate all the passages that speak to the thought of reconciliation - if they are wicked work with them and see if you can bring them into conformity with the Word. If they are unresponsive to the Word then they probably should not be in your congregation.

There seems to be a certain amount of wisdom in having a backup supply of food on hand. Prov. 21:20 "[There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." Darby translates this as "There is costly store and oil in the dwelling of a wise [man];"

In Biblical times a quick run to Safeway was not possible - thus a store of food would be good in case of unexpected visitors.

Wisdom is strength. Prov. 21:22 "A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof."

Because the wise is in the singular and it is unlikely one person would attack a city it is thought that this is a picture of the power of wisdom. The Net Bible footnote states "Wisdom can be more effectual than physical strength."

Strength is the confidence of any opponent. The wise man uses strategy to win over strength.

What a clear statement of the wisdom of hearing the wise. Prov. 22:17 "Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge."

Incline your ear - bend your ear so you can hear as clearly as possible. Hear is a word that is normally translated obey - thus listen closely and obey.

The last portion of the verse carries the thought of putting this information into your understanding - FOR FURTHER USE. Don't just listen and hear, but listen, hear, and use the information.

How often have you heard a good lesson and heard every word and even accepted the truth but failed to incorporate the truth into your living? This is the problem with much of the preaching/teaching of our day – no application!

The following two verses relate to this idea of making wisdom a part of your life. Prov. 23:15 "My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine." Prov. 23:19 "Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way."

This also speaks of the wise father desiring wisdom for his son. Many a father has seen a son making foolish choices in life - what joy it would bring to see the son pick up a little wisdom.

Joy for the parent can come from fostering righteous and/or wise children. Prov. 23:24 "The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise [child] shall have joy of him."

The joy of parenting can only be enjoyed by those that have given life to others. Some would submit that having a pet is akin to having a child and indeed there are similarities and similar limitations on your life, but giving life to and giving care for, are much different.

The joy of seeing your dog roll over is so great, I must admit but seeing your child live a righteous and/or wise life is much greater. A right living child is as much a joy as a wrong living child is a sorrow. Both are the product of the parent’s upbringing, their environment, their spiritual teaching, and the extent that they have allowed God to work in their life.

This passage would be interesting to see in the commentaries of some of those denominations that say war is wrong. I totally respect their position but wonder how they explain these passages that speak of war and wise making thereof. Prov. 24:5 "A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety."

I don't want any to think that I am for making of war, but I am not against defending oneself against aggression. Christ's not defending Himself is not a proof that war was wrong but rather fulfilling the role given Him.

Nor is “love thy neighbor” inference to avoid conflict. I think we as a country have many times shown our love for our neighbors - even our enemies, while not turning our backs on our defense. To love is not to take all wrong that is sent your way. To hold to that position, a battered wife would not be able to morally leave her husband’s abuse, nor defend herself from it. This does not seem to me to be a tenable position.

It seems quite clear that in judging others - now listen - well, read carefully - when we JUDGE others the wise man does not show favoritism. Prov. 24:23 "These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment."

Oh for shock, for shock, for shock - there seems to be times when we are to judge others. I have no intention of taking a side study to delve into judging, but there are many that say we are never to judge, while GOD says that there are times we are to judge. It seems that the “some” are wrong, as they often are, when they think themselves wise about the Scriptures and show their ignorance of them.

It seems our next passage shows the result of one judging another - reproof if needed. Prov. 25:12 "[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear."

Of course the emphasis is that the judge be wise in both judging and in reproof, but the point is also that believers are called upon to judge others and reprove them as well - not a popular concept these days of I'm going to do my own thingitis.

The next text is of some consternation at first reading - it seems to contradict itself. Prov. 26:4-5 "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit".

It seems to say don't answer a fool but answer the fool.

Jamison , Fauset and Brown suggest "4, 5. Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly .5. Answer--by reproof."

The Net Bible states, " The apparent contradiction with the last verse has troubled commentators for some time. The Rabbis solved it by saying that v. 4 referred to secular things, but v. 5 referred to sacred or religious controversies. While this does not resolve the issue, it does give a sound application for the two verses together - in negligible issues one should just ignore the stupid person, but in issues that matter he must be dealt with, lest credence be given to what he says (Plaut, Proverbs, p. 266). The text presents two proverbs that each present an aspect of the whole truth. One should not lower himself to the level of the fool, but there are times when the lesser of two evils is to do so, other than let him gain confidence as a wise person or be considered wise by others. Paul, for example, talked like a "fool" to correct the foolish ideas of the Corinthians (2 Cor. 11:16-17; 12:11)."

It seems to me that to get involved with a fool and try to discuss wisely a topic should not be undertaken, but to answer his foolishness is required lest he think himself wise. Let me illustrate this for you.

When on a Christian discussion board I once acted out according to this passage - at least once I did anyway. A man came on the board espousing Baptismal regeneration. He was quite proud of his doctrine and proceeded to spread the falsehood. Now, he was being a fool - I could have joined him in his foolishness by jumping into a discussion with him. I wisely refrained for once in my life. Several others joined in with him arguing to the limit.

His arguments were so matter of fact that they seemed unstoppable to others on the board and they just fed him more opportunity to show them the fools - as in verse four - the good guys were losing - the good guy’s white hats were turning gray.

I started asking simple questions to give him opportunity to go where I knew he was headed. When we arrived at the passage of the thief on the cross, we crossed swords in earnest. In a few more quick replies to his arguments I and others showed that he could not say what he said about the passage, and he was finally left with false doctrine on his face. God had allowed us to answer his foolishness with wise use of His Word and I am sure he did not feel himself wise in the results.

It was of interest that one that held to the same false doctrine had in the process of the several day exchange come to state a position on the doctrine that actually was not baptismal regeneration, but one of baptism being the final proof of ones salvation - not that salvation was given because of the baptism but that the baptism occurred because the person was obedient to his salvation and God's work in his life.

The next text is not nice - it is very pointed and clear that a man wise in his own conceit is worse than a fool. Prov. 26:12 "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him."

Have you ever known one that is wise in their own conceit? Years ago we helped in a little church that had a couple in their 50's. The woman always was very standoffish to rude. I taught a little short Bible study in the morning opening time. One day she became very rude and abstinent in the study - she was twisting what I said to make it look as though I was teaching false doctrine. I finally stopped her intrusions with a short remark that caused her to realize how foolish she was being.

Some months later her husband wanted me to look at some electronics he wanted repaired. He invited the family so we all went - knowing it would be a long visit for my wife as the rudeness was given in all directions in our family.

I finished with the electronics and the man asked us to stay for a cup of coffee. Not wanting to face the woman I was hard pressed to muster up the “yes” I knew was needed so that I would not offend the man that had been quite nice to us.

Over coffee the woman was quite short in her comments to us while her husband was being quite polite - until the husband asked what I did in my spare time. I told him I was working at the church, working at my job twenty-five hours a week and going to college full time so didn't have much spare time.

Like the cloud that rolled away the woman’s animosity fled the scene - she became the perfect hostess and acted as if we were all old friends. She was a college graduate and seemingly did not want to be taught by some ignorant television repairman but a college man - well that was just alright.

A fathers desire for a basis for knowing he has a good son is pictured in Prov. 27:11 "My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me."

When someone falsely accuses the son the father wants to know that he can make substantial rebuttal to the slanderers. When teaching I was faced with both of my sons desiring to take classes. I warned them that they would not be on a level playing field as I was not on one as a faculty member and I knew the problems would be great.

The second year that one of the boys would have registered the faculty decided that they had to discuss him in the faculty meetings to consider allowing him to register. The discussion was not pleasant - indeed I was near asking them to delineate the difference between their meeting and a gossip session.

The result of the meeting was to tell my son that he could not register. The only problems they had with him was that he was not motivated - he didn't do his memory work etc. None of the men had bothered to find out that he could not memorize - not an uncommon problem in education. All of them could memorize and they enjoyed it so anyone that didn't was not motivated.

I did not even attempt to answer them - I knew my son and knew that they would one day see their error if they bothered to open their eyes. Come to find out they didn't even have courage of conviction enough to tell him why he couldn't register - the business manager simply said you don't have the money to register so you can't - strange since others that year registered without money

I often wondered if my silence was wise but always decided silence was louder than any comment that would have automatically been rejected. My son went on to another college and did fine.

The word used in our next text relates to prudence and understanding more than wise, but in a way wisdom is understanding - what is and the prudent use of that understanding. Prov. 28:7 "Whoso keepeth the law [is] a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous [men] shameth his father."
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Keeping the law shows understanding and prudence and is a joy to the father, while falling in among riotous friends brings shame to the father. Many are the Christian parent which have seen this shame come upon their lives. It is a grievous thing in the first place but then to see that the child cares little even huts the more.

The rich can have a false wisdom but it is of interest that the poor can understand and see the rich as they really are - in fact long before the rich see their own fault oft times. Prov. 28:11 "The rich man [is] wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out."

The last phrase seems to indicate that the poor with understanding can search or know the rich man. In the context the poor may know the conceit of the rich - that doesn't take much in most cases these days. The rich seem more and more arrogant these days - in business they do as they please whether legal or not. The fall of the many CEO's of corporations pictures the truth of what has been said.

We see in the following passage the fool raising his head once again. Prov. 29:8-9 "Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise [men] turn away wrath. 9 [If] a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, [there is] no rest."

I think the two verses are related yet both have their separate truth. A wise man turns away wrath - or avoids it or attempts to subdue it - after all what good does wrath ever accomplish?

At the same time verse nine mentions the fool - one that often either turns to wrath to win his point - or at times he is like a carrier of disease - he causes those around him to turn to wrath. As the verse says if you contend with a fool you will have no rest. Either you will come to anger out of frustration or you will wisely walk away from the situation and bang your head against the wall for having gotten involved.

You must know if you don't already that the fool is no dummy - often they are quite intelligent and cunning - that is why the wise need to be careful - the fool knows how to lead the wise into frustration and anger and then they look as though they have won.

Here is the key - Prov. 29:11 "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards." This is how the wise should operate! Allow the fool to open his mind so that all may see while keeping your peace until the moment that you can share truth to the closing of your case

Prov. 30:24 tells us that there are four things - insects that are wise. "There be four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] exceeding wise:"

The ants are wise in that they prepare in the summer for winter. The Conies make strong their houses. The locusts go with organization. The spider is everywhere it so desires - even in the kings palace.

"25 The ants [are] a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; 26 The conies [are but] a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; 27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces."

I suspect there is a lot of application in those four wise little insects! At the very least one ought to be embarrassed not to be wise in this life if these little insects can be wise!

We seem to hit a downer when we arrive in the book of Eccleastes but remember that this book is written from a strictly human perspective. Eccl. 2:14 "The wise man's eyes [are] in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. 15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity. 16 For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool."

The passage simply states that there is no advantage to the wise when it comes to death - both die. I feel this is the perspective of a man viewing things from a human if not carnal mind. He should have known that there is the advantage of knowing the wise in the Lord will certainly be with the Lord, but as to death itself - there is no respecter of persons - you can be the biggest fool of all and you will only die. On the other side you can be the wisest of all as Solomon and you will also - only die.

The concept of remembrance is of interest to me. After death I have noticed that when you talk to the friends, or listen to them interviewed on television, that they are always the best person that ever was - he/she was the kindest person you could ever know. I have never ever heard anyone say "That person is the most unkind terrible person I've ever known." It just never happens.

The wise will be remembered very much as the fool. Even in ages to come this is probably true. I have seen websites that sing the prasises of cult leaders and false teachers right along on the net with the wise of the past.

Eccl 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.

Again we see the thought of the wise receiving admonishment AND we see the foolishness of it. Eccl 4:13 Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

Ah, proof positive that age or lack there of is not a marker or requirement for wisdom. Eccl. 6:8 "For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?" I must admit however that I've seen few young wise but many old wise people. 6 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice [told], yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
It seems there is a difficulty in this passage. "Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad" -the term translated mad here seems incorrect, however all translations I checked give the same thought if not the same translation, however the word is normally translated as praise or boasting.. (See Eccl. 7:4-7 also)

I assume that it relates to releasing ones verbal skills in reaction to what is going on. It is also translated to act madly - an interesting concept for the wise - not necessarily just a quiet retiring type if something is wrong.

Eccl.7:16 mentions "Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?" The Net Bible says "So do not be excessively righteous and do not be excessively wise; otherwise you might be dumbfounded." The thought seems to be don't be overtly - overly wise appearing or maybe involved in appearing overly wise to your own embarrassment.

Wisdom seems a plus for the wise. Eccl. 7:19 "Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city." Wisdom gives more protection, may be the thought of the text.


By deciding one is wise does not make one wise. Eccl. 7:23 "All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it [was] far from me." A sad thought that we can't just make ourselves wise by decreeing it. Bummer - we have to gain it the hard way just like every thing else in life - do it the normal way - no shortcuts allowed - not that shortcuts exist.

I have always heard that Proverbs was the wisdom book but there seems to be quite a number of references in Ecclesiastes as well - since most feel that Solomon wrote both it is to be expected.

Wisdom can and seemingly should change our countenance - make us less harsh looking might be a good way to put it. Thinking back to the thought of voicing opposition to oppression - well it might relate to the BOLDNESS of face at times but normally a quiet countenance. Eccl. 8:1 "Who [is] as the wise [man]? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed."
                                                                                                            
The wise will be able to discern times and judgments or procedures - he will know the things that need to be done - the things that the future may hold due to the situation of the country or nation. Eccl. 8:5 "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." This probably relates in our times to those that can look at the news and see the implications of what is going on. A pastor needs to have this ability to see what the needs of the church might be, given a new situations. Mission leaders also need this same insight that wise thought can give.

There may be an aspect of prayer and walk with God here as the term heart relates to the inner man - the real person inside - the person as they are before God. The person that is plugged into God on a daily basis is going to be much more discerning. In this age we have the Holy Spirit within to add to our discernment unlike the Old Testament saint that had not the Spirit indwelling.

The limitations of wisdom are shown - we can never hope to plumb the works of God no matter how smart nor wise, we might become. Eccl. 8:17 "Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek [it] out, yet he shall not find [it]; yea further; though a wise [man] think to know [it], yet shall he not be able to find [it]. 9:1 "For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them."

The fact that one is wise does not automatically guarantee him a ready supply of bread - prosperity is one translation - it only means he is wise. Eccl. 9:11 "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."

I have often cringed when a preacher or evangelist or one witnessing tells the lost that accepting the Lord will automatically cure all their illness and short comings. A person coming to Him in the land where there is famine will not receive a seven-course meal served to them that evening - they may well die in the famine unless God intervenes - which He may do, but He is under no obligation to interfere with natural events.

The promising of supernatural intervention is plain false teaching - in my mind it is one of the worst or at least the cruelest of false teaching save that of leading one away from God. On the other hand I know in my own heart that He does at His will intervene to do great things in some believers lives.

Our next verse is not nice for it reveals some short comings from being wise. Eccl. 9:15 "Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man."

First of all the wise person may be poor - not what most of us want to hear. Not only might they be poor they most likely won't be remembered - bummer - the poor man saves the city and he can't even gain a remembrance! How much of a bummer is that?

I think this speaks to the fact that you should not seek wisdom for personal gain – you may well not find any gain. This also speaks to something I have pondered many times - when I go to be with the Lord I'm most likely going to be forgotten very quickly. In my own family my two grandfathers are not remembered - I never knew them, nor did I ever learn of them - beside - all that knew them are dead.

The only indication they ever existed is their names listed in my genealogy program and a very few public records of which I don't even have knowledge.

My memory may last a little longer because I have littered the world with computer disks and the internet with great verbiage. Even then with technology as it is today, computers may - most likely will be - gone in a few years and the disks will be a part of the world's landfill problems. Likewise at the throw of a few buttons the internet could cease to exist and I would be remembered no more.

We are temporary on earth and we need to realize it and live our lives so that we are profitable to the Lord while we can - our memory - even if it is long lived will accomplish little - maybe nothing.

All through this study thus far I have in the back of my mind a thought that part of wisdom would certainly be quietness of outward appearance. Eccl. 9:17 "The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools." This verse gives credence to this thought. Not that the person is always unheard from, but he/she is quiet when they counsel - not bragging of their sessions as is the custom of many speakers and pastors.

One that has counseled others in one area of the country does not automatically have to share all those sessions in great detail with their new congregations/audiences. COUNCELING SESSIONS ARE NOT ILLUSTRATION DATABASES, if you haven't received the drift of my thought. Yes, there may be some illustrations you might be able to use but be sure if you are telling the secrets of your last congregations, you may find yourself decreasing your present one! Why would any sane person come to you so they could become an illustration for your next church?

Eccl.10:2 states an interesting comparison. "A wise man's heart [is] at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left." "at the right hand" is a Hebrew idiom to show the place of protection. The foolish man has no protection but the wise man's wisdom is his.


In the armies of this day the soldier’s shield was designed to protect the vital areas, thus this illustration.

Not only is the wise person quiet but he is gracious when he speaks. Eccl. 10:12 "The words of a wise man's mouth [are] gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself." This is hard to do sometimes when you have been wrongly accused or when someone has wronged you however grace should be shown - if for no other reason than to illustrate in part the grace that God has extended to the believer in salvation.

For the umteenth time we see wisdom linked with teaching and obeying. Eccl. 12:9 "And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs."

Here we see that due to his wisdom he has taken upon himself to teach others. There seems to be the thought of organizing of the teaching just in case anyone views curriculum in the Sunday school as not appropriate. This would also indicate that writing down of knowledge is not wrong, though I don't think the current climate of BIG NAME writers is healthy for the church. There are many unknown men that are never heard, or read, because the BIG NAME authors are the only ones that have enough draw to bring in the dollars required to make the publishers happy.

The words of the wise may be sharp and very to the point when given in rebuke. Eccl. 12:11 "The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd."

The words will goad or prod you along and it seems that if that doesn't work then they will stick you to the wall and pin you down. The words are not haphazardly thrown out to hit whom they may but are carefully placed as if placed by a master builder.

Now, I don't know what kind of spiritual master I am but I know enough to declare publicly that I am not a master of nails and wood. I can give an old piece of furniture new life with careful refinishing, but turn me lose with raw wood and you will not call me master when I am done.

When starting a small church in the Midwest I needed a pulpit, but because we were meeting in our home it needed to lie down and become a coffee table. I had designed what we wanted and my father-in-law -- the master builder in our family -- offered to help build it.

I suspect he guessed my abilities or lack thereof as he measured and cut almost the entire thing from lumber. At the end he decided it needed a little trim around the removable top. We needed four pieces - he cut the first, he cut the second, and he asked me to cut the third. When we nailed the three pieces on, he discovered he wanted to cut the fourth. My one cut and it was the one that was off. Nearly every time I stepped to the pulpit I was reminded of where my talent did not lie.

Again we see the uselessness of thinking ones self wise. Isa. 5:21 "Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

The Net Bible is even stronger. "Those who think they are wise are as good as dead," however none of the translations I checked follow this line of thought. The translators of the Net Bible mention in their notes that the term "woe" is an integrated part of the funeral chant of this day - thus their translation.

In the prophets we find a number of references to the wise as well to the false wisdom. I will list the references for your further study. Isa. 19:11-12; Isa. 29:14; Isa. 31:2; Jer. 4:22; Jer. 8:8; Jer. 9:12; Jer. 9:23; Jer. 10:7; Jer. 18:18; Jer. 50:35; Jer. 51:57; Ezek. 27:8; Dan. 2:12-14; Dan. 2:18; Dan. 2:21; Dan. 2:24; Dan. 2:27; Dan. 2:48; Dan. 4:6; Dan. 4:18; Dan. 5:7-8; Dan. 5:15; Dan. 12:3; Dan. 12:10; Hosea 14:9; Obad.1:8; Zech. 9:2.

We move now to the wise men that came to see the Lord. The concept of respect would follow these men but the term depicts a wide range of people from true wise men to sorcerers - men of renown in their kingdom or country.

Many view these men much wiser than those of the Jews because it seems from their study of things they knew there was a king going to be born to the Jews. Matt. 2:1 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,"

We don't know who these men were though tradition gives them names and information about them. They for some reason were interested in Jewish prophecy and had figured out that a king was to be born to the Jews. They did not know the details so obviously went to Jerusalem where one would expect a king of the Jews would be born. This might indicate that they knew little of the Jewish political climate.

We come to the wise man that built his house on the rock. Matt. 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock"

There is the obvious application of the wisdom of a wise foundation for your house but also further application to your spiritual house. If you build unwisely spiritually you will most certainly spend eternity regretting the decisions. The spiritually wise man will build on the rock - the only spiritual foundation strong enough to last - the Lord Jesus Christ.

The believer that goes with His Lord's command goes as a wise person but also as one that is harmless as a dove - that is a balancing act to work on! Matt 10:16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

It may be well to note that God does not always work through the wise. Matt. 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes"

I suggest this to the wise person that thinks God has appointed them as the answer to every ones problems. I have seen some great wisdom come in small packages.

We have, in this next verse, that which may make a wise person wonder if his/her gift of wisdom is worth having - when compared to the possible cost. Matt. 23:34 "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:" Wise people must be willing to give of their life for God - all other costs will be quite acceptable.

A servant can be wise in action - this relates to an aspect we have not considered as yet. There are wise actions and unwise actions - both stem from the wisdom of mind or ones lack thereof - we trust that a wise mind always extends to the actions of the person. Matt. 24:45 "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?"

In the account of the wise/foolish virgins we again see the mind guiding the actions. (Matt 25:2-9) I think most of us have probably seen wise people doing foolish things - it comes from a disconnect between mind and action.

Within the Gospels there are some occurrences of the word in accounts that are recorded in more than one Gospel - these repetitions will be skipped - more in exercise is good but seldom when reading.

Paul tells the Roman believers he is debtor to both wise and to unwise in Rom. 1:14 "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise."

On some plain the wise and unwise are on a level playing field - one is not better than the other - Paul could be equally indebted to both. The point? Don't find ways to shun the unwise nor gather yourself unto the wise - all are equal thus the wise will associate with both.

Again, we see the professor is a fool - might also relate to one that sets themselves forth as wise. Rom. 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,"

There seems to be a strong reference to knowing proper doctrine here - as well as its relationship to conceit - Many are the ignorant in doctrine that are so terribly conceited in their "knowledge" of the Word. Rom. 11:25 "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."

If your own conceit raises its ugly head again – there must be some importance to this warning. God mentions it in both testaments multiple times. It must be that this is one of the fallacies of man where wisdom is concerned. Rom. 12:16 "[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

This term translated "in your own conceit" is normally translated himself or yourself. Being stuck on yourself and your wisdom might be a good way to view it.

Paul would that his reader be wise toward the good and the simple. Rom. 16:19 "For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil".

This term has an element of training or learning with it - it is used of Greek philosophers and orators, of Jewish theologians and of Christian teachers. Again, we see the general scope of who might be wise. Believers as will as the lost. We can learn from the lost.

Years ago when I was in Bible college I went to work for two Jewish men. At one point they set up a profit-sharing plan for the employees. The owners called me in to sign the papers and since I was planning on being done with college and moving on in three years I saw no value to signing up for a program that I could not benefit from.

My employers had seen a lot of life - one had been in a German concentration camp. They both encouraged me to sign up because “you never know what might happen.” I bowed to their wisdom. God left me at that job for five more years. In fact when I told them I was quitting they informed me that they would give me enough vacation after I stopped work to allow me to still be employed on the five-year anniversary - so that I would be vested in the program - so that I could receive the two thousand dollars that had been invested in the plan for me. Not only did God know my future but He also placed me in the hands of two wise Jewish employers.

In the next text we see the same term used of man, also used of God Himself. Rom. 16:27 "To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

What a joy to know we can have, in some part, the same wisdom that God has. What a joy to know we have, in part, one of His own attributes.

Well on the other hand God doesn't seem overjoyed with the wisdom that the world produces. I Cor. 1:19 "For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" Guess we better be sure which kind of wisdom we gain lest we end up in trouble with the One that gives good wisdom.

Along the same line, God uses the simple to confound the wisdom of the world. I Cor. 1:26 "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"

I think this text is one where I must camp and base my life. God could have found many many wiser than myself to do the work that He called me to do, but He could have found few less simple and less prepared. I would have been a high school drop out had that been a cool thing to do in the 50's. I almost did not graduate due to my grades and lack of interest in school. I wanted to take Chemistry in my senior year but the principal told me I wasn't smart enough and would not let me register for it - instead I took Drivers Education, two shop classes and an extra study hall.

Somewhere God saw something He wanted to use and He called me - the cream of the intellectual crop - well maybe not - maybe just someone that was willing, though I wasn't all that willing either. God worked with me for a time before I saw fit to release myself to His guidance.

In our next text Paul emphasizes the care with which the church should be built. I Cor. 3:10 "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."

Many a pastor assumed themselves wise in the building of the church they were called to, only to realize they ought not have been wise in their own conceit. Many churches have floundered because of unwise pastors.

The preposition "in" indicates something that is set or fixed - a person that is really in the world system. If you seem wise to the worldly then you are most likely the opposite - isn't this the truth - one that is wise in the ways of the world REALLY isn't wise! I Cor. 3:18 "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." The next verse states this "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."

Verse twenty continues "And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain."

The absolute basis of our wisdom must be God. I Cor. 4:10 "We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised."

I believe many get off track in their basis for their wisdom - listening long at the world - the world’s thinking slowly sinks into the mind and foolishness creeps into their thinking making them fools.

Paul is sarcastic in I Cor. 6:5 "I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?" He chides the brethren about their lawsuits between one another. Believers have no cause to go to court with one another - God gave them Matt. 18.15-18 for the handling of problems between believers - the church not the courts!

There is a real sense in which the believer is encouraged to evaluate all they hear and say in ALL their conversations - it is covered in I Cor. 10:15 "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say."

God, through Paul, tells the Corinthian believers to judge even what Paul said. This is in a specific context, but it is very good advice in all cases.

It has been my observation that most people that go astray of proper doctrine do so a step at a time, not all at once. They accept error very slowly but most surely.

Many are the members of sound churches where you can find literature from false teachers in their homes - teachers they've listened to on radio or television - it sounded good so they send a few dollars and the literature starts to flow into the home.

It is not wise to compare yourself with your peers. II Cor. 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

In the first place you will often fall into sin because you feel inferior. If not you will gain an improper impression that you are important.

In teen groups now it is popular to build one another up - but cross the group and you are skunk snot. This comes from a false sense of value built on peer influence - not a good place to find your worth - try God - He is totally honest. You are worth much to Him no matter what a silly group of humans say.

Our wise walk with God is contrasted to being a fool - not a good option to the proper spiritual life. Eph. 5:15 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise," Verse seventeen goes on to relate that not understanding God's will is unwise.

Here we have a condemnation of all gods - everyone that has ever existed - they are ALL - NOT WISE - enough said about them. God almighty however is the ONLY "wise God" - that makes it wise, one might assume, if you follow Him. I Tim. 1:17 "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25 also)

As we have seen before wisdom flows from God - in this case via His Word. II Tim. 3:15 "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Ahhhh, here goes James putting a damper on the party. James 3:13 "Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

Meekness of wisdom - ye ought not brag about being wise. And, he gives us a double blow - works are tied to wisdom! If we think our selves wise we can know by viewing our works - as in, do we have any.

We have exhausted the references to wise so we will now move on to wisely - this should give us more insight into proper use of wisdom.

In our first text we see that the wise person takes note of the present situation and considers the ramification of present actions on future scenarios.

In different churches I have recommended that they start immediately to prepare for future growth. This encouragement was met with little interest. The people were only interested in what they knew in the present. Exod. 1:10 "Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and [so] get them up out of the land."

David's wisdom at a young age set him apart from his peers - he was acceptable to the people. I Sam 18:5 "And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, [and] behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants."

How many young people are accepted by people in the church? Few I fear as few act wisely - however some do and most adults appreciate their walk.

It seems - as obvious it would seem - that God appreciates the wise person guiding their steps wisely. I Sam. 18:14 "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him."

Earlier in the work I mentioned a young man that was taken to task for showing up with a group of missionaries for a meeting at a church in Levis. This young man failed to order his steps wisely. He was constantly at odds with the mission leadership for doing his own thing rather than the wise thing.

Verse fifteen pictures one of the results of a wise walk. "Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him." Now Saul was fearful because he saw in David what he was lacking in his own life.

Now, I am going to enter into editorializing for a moment. I personally believe that many pastors are run off from churches for this very reason. Some of the people fear being confronted with their own sin and bring about a pre-emptive strike.

One further editorial comment - since I believe this to be true, then I also wonder why more pastors aren't run off - I think the point is made so enough editorial license.

The Psalmist ties wise action to fear of the Lord and declaring His works. Psal. 64:9 "And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing."

Declaring His works - an easy phrase to turn but how often do we do this? When He has done something great for you do you tell others - either Christian or lost - ALL need to know of the glory of God manifested in His works.

Years ago I worked for a not so pleasant man. He was not evil but he certainly wasn't a saint. One afternoon the Lord had done something great for us - as I was telling my employer of the provision I was not sure how to tell him without telling of the Lord. It dawned on me that he needed to know where the provision came from and he also needed to know that we were trusting God for provision.

When I said the Lord provided for us he just looked at me.

We should declare the works of God to all we meet - not because we fear retribution but because we know Who and What He is - we respect Him enough to tell others of His glory.

Sheesh, this Psalmist is a radical - he wants us to behave ourselves even when we are in our own house! Psal. 101:2 "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."

Can you imagine - watching only the proper television shows even when no one can see - even when your spouse isn't in the house to check up on you?

I wondered at this next text when I first read it. The term man is actually implied, not stated in the Hebrew. Prov. 21:12 "The righteous [man] wisely considereth the house of the wicked: [but God] overthroweth the wicked for [their] wickedness."

It actually says the righteous wisely considers. The "righteous" could relate to a judge or God Himself. Either way the one judging should use wisdom before overthrowing the wicked.

Wisdom oft is removed from our courts today yet people are overthrown. This ought not be!

To walk wisely is of great importance to our survival in hard situations. Prov. 28:26 "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."

Just before settling in to write this section I was rudely cut off by a young man that had done it on purpose and was laughing at his accomplishment. I was going to notice his humor when he got out of his car - I had pulled in right behind him - but as I removed my six foot three frame from the car I decided no comment was the wiser choice. Evidently the young humorist, when seeing my size, had a flash of wisdom because he remained in his car until after I entered the store.

I don't want to get into the detail of this text, but it will suffice to say that the steward was praised for wise decisions concerning his future. Luke 16:8 "And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." (In the text you want to note the cleverness of the man rather than his dishonesty when looking at the commendation.)

One might ponder just how wise we can really become when the next verse is pondered. Job 35:11 "Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?"

We are put on the level of a foul. Now if we compare ourselves to a Dodo bird we are quite lacking but if we compare ourselves to the ring neck pheasant of the great-plains then we might have wisdom worth something. I won’t bore you with the details of how many of these foul made a dork out of me and my hunting expertise.

God's commandments can make us wise - even wiser than our enemies. Psal. 119:98 "Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me."

This should be of great encouragement when we are up against evil and people that are out to give us evil.

As oft before we see the proper course for a wise person is to receive instruction - it is the wise thing to do if you desire to be wiser. Prov. 9:9 "Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning."

Ouch! I Cor. 1:25 "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." and we thought we were soooo great.

We know wisdom comes from God but in this text we see He, at times, gives greater wisdom while one is involved in His service. Exod. 28:3 "And thou shalt speak unto all [that are] wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." (also see Exod. 31:6; Exod. 35:31; Exod. 35:35; Exod.)

In the area of God providing special wisdom, it can be seen at times when witnessing. Many years ago my wife and I were talking to a young philosophy student that had many very warped ideas about God.

As the conversation went along I could not believe the answers we were mustering to refute his theories. It was obvious God was with us giving us direction.

After an hour or so the man buried his face in his hands on his knees and said very loudly "Wait a minute you have me confused."

I told him it wasn't Faith and I that had him confused it was the Word of God that had confused him.

Not only does following God relate to personal correctness but nationally a people that follows Him will be perceived as wise by other nations. Deut. 4:6 "Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people."

This was specific to Israel but relates to other nations in history - England - the U.S.A. - both once were respected among the nations but I fear no more due to our leaving God's ways as a nation.

A leader that obviously has wisdom in the church ought to be followed. Deut. 34:9 "And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses."

Just some of the thoughts of the words wise and wisdom. Prudent perceive discern, instruct understand, consider, know (with the mind), to observe, give heed to, distinguish, insight, understanding, intelligent, discreet, to cause to understand, give understanding, teach, to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently, cunning men, subtle, skillful (in technical work), wise (in administration), shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle, shrewd (class of men), prudent, become intelligent, get a mind, to take heart.

Not only does man have God given wisdom but the angels themselves also can be wise, indeed it seems that they can evidently have a wisdom that far exceeds that of man as we can surely not know all there is to know in the world - well I must admit that some Christians think they do. II Sam. 14:20 "To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord [is] wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all [things] that [are] in the earth."

One might want to consider wisely, MEN, the surface implication of the next passage. II Sam. 20:22 "Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king."

Recently a woman caught her husband out with another man and ran over him three times with her Mercedes and left the car sitting on top of him and told the police it was an accident.

We don't want to upset the women - well back to the thought of the text. It seems that the woman in the text was just acting in a wise fashion as to the situation.

There seems to be a special wisdom which God gives to some of His servants. I Kings 3:28 "And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment."

I once saw an evangelist on a talk show with Madelyn Murry the famous atheist. I noted right away he wasn't arguing with her about God but rather was just having fun with her and was only saying things like "Aah Madelyn you need to get saved." Finally after quite a number of times she in frustration almost hollered "Oh, my ___ (using the Lord's name in vain) to which the evangelist declared - "see Madelyn I knew you believed in God." She had little effect from that point in the show. (Also I Kin 7:14; I Chr. 22:12; Ezra 7:25)