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Biblical Wisdom and Discernment in Action

Biblical wisdom and discernment are closely intertwined concepts, often presented as essential for navigating life according to God's will. Wisdom is frequently associated with prudence, which involves understanding and applying knowledge effectively [1]. The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of knowing wisdom and instruction, and of discerning words of understanding [2].

Prudence, as an aspect of wisdom, is exemplified by Christ himself [1]. Isaiah 52:13 describes Christ as dealing prudently, and the Gospels show his prudent responses to challenges from religious leaders (Matthew 21:24-27; 22:15-21) [1]. This prudence is not merely intellectual but is connected to God's grace, as seen in Ephesians 1:8, where God's grace abounds in all wisdom and prudence [1, 15, 17]. The apostle Paul attributes "all wisdom and prudence" to the Gospel of God's grace, contrasting it with the perceived wisdom of unbelieving Jews, philosophers, and false teachers [15]. This suggests that true wisdom and prudence originate from divine revelation rather than human intellect alone [15].

Discernment involves the ability to perceive and understand, particularly in moral and spiritual matters. Proverbs states that "the heart of the discerning gets knowledge," and "the ear of the wise seeks knowledge" [4]. This implies an active pursuit and reception of understanding. The word of God itself is described as living and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12) [6]. This highlights the divine origin and power of true discernment.

The pursuit of wisdom and discernment requires diligence. Christ is presented as an example of diligence, rising early for devotion (Mark 1:35) [3, 7]. Believers are called to be diligent in seeking God, obeying Him, hearkening to His word, and striving for spiritual perfection [3]. This includes cultivating Christian graces, guarding one's soul and heart, and engaging in "labours of love" [3]. Diligence also extends to practical matters, such as lawful business [3]. The concept of "early rising" is linked to devotion and executing God's commands, with figures like Abraham, Isaac, and David exemplifying this practice [7]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown interpret "seek unto God betimes" in Job 8:5 as making it the "first and chief anxiety" to seek God early [8].

A crucial element in biblical wisdom and discernment is the "fear of the Lord." Proverbs 9:10 states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" [13]. This fear is not a cowering terror but a reverential awe and respect for God's holiness and power [9, 14]. This healthy fear counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace [12]. Isaiah's message emphasizes fearing the Lord over fearing people, noting that those who fear the Lord find sanctuary, while those who fear people face destruction [10, 11]. Sanctifying God and regarding Him as the sole hope of safety is presented as a way to honor His holy name [14].

Wisdom also involves practical application in daily life. Believers are exhorted to walk "in wisdom" toward those outside the Christian community, "redeeming the time" [16]. This means making the most of every opportunity and exercising practical Christian prudence in interactions with non-believers, being mindful not to cause stumbling [16]. Simplicity, opposed to "fleshly wisdom," is also a characteristic of biblical wisdom, requiring humility and a childlike trust [5]. This simplicity should be evident in preaching the gospel, acts of benevolence, and all conduct, avoiding ostentation and malice [5].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
  2. Proverbs “to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; -- Proverbs 1:2”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  4. Proverbs “The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. -- Proverbs 18:15”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Simplicity — Is opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Necessity for -- Mt 18:2,3. Should be exhibited In preaching the gospel. -- 1Th 2:3-7. In acts of benevolence. -- Ro 12:8. In all our conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. Concerning our own wisdom. -- 1Co 3:18. Concerning evil. -- Ro 16:19. Concerning malice. -- 1Co 14:20. Exhortation to -- Ro 16:19; 1Pe 2:2. They who have the grace of Are made wise by God. -- Mt 11:25. Are made wise by the word of God. -- Ps 19:7; 119:130. Are preserved by God. -- Ps 116:6. Made circumspect by instruction. -- Pr 1:4. Profit by the correction o”
  6. Hebrews “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. -- Hebrews 4:12”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  8. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 8:5: seek unto God betimes--early. Make it the first and chief anxiety (Psa 78:34; Hos 5:15; Isa 26:9; Pro 8:17; Pro 13:24).”
  9. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 65:8: 65:8 All over the world (Job 38:13; see Ps 50:1-3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.”
  10. Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 8:11: 8:11-15 This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9; 8:6). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25; see “Fearing People” Theme Note). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.”
  11. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:14: 3:14-15 or be afraid of their threats: See Isa 8:13, where God exhorts the prophet to fear nothing except the Lord. • worship Christ as Lord: By fearing Christ, they will be free from fear of their human persecutors.”
  12. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:16: 15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.”
  13. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
  14. Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 8:13: Sanctify--Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Num 20:12). him . . . fear--"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.”
  15. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:8: Rather, "which He made to abound towards us." all wisdom and prudence--"wisdom" in devising the plan of redeeming mankind; "prudence" in executing it by the means, and in making all the necessary arrangements of Providence for that purpose. Paul attributes to the Gospel of God's grace "all" possible "wisdom and prudence," in opposition to the boasts of wisdom and prudence which the unbelieving Jews and heathen philosophers and false apostles arrogated for their teachings. Christ crucified, though esteemed "foolishness" by the world, is "the wisdom ”
  16. Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 4:5: (See on Eph 5:15-16.) in wisdom--practical Christian prudence. them . . . without--Those not in the Christian brotherhood (Co1 5:12; Th1 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion. redeeming the time--The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and buying off from worldly vanities the opportunity, whenever it is afforded you, of good to y”
  17. Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 1:8: Wherein he hath abounded - That is, in the dispensation of mercy and goodness by Christ Jesus. In all wisdom and prudence - Giving us apostles the most complete instructions in heavenly things by the inspiration of his Spirit; and at the same time prudence, that we might know when and where to preach the Gospel so that it might be effectual to the salvation of those who heard it. Nothing less than the Spirit of God could teach the apostles that wisdom by which they were to instruct a dark and sinful world; and nothing less than the same Spirit could inspire them w”
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