What Is True Wisdom?

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

"Sands" 48"x36" Acrylic on Canvas • Edward Herbeck • herbeckart.com

What is True Wisdom?

What does it mean to be wise? What is true wisdom? The world tells us that wisdom comes from old age or life experience, and yes, sometimes it does. But the Bible tells us that true wisdom only begins with faith in Jesus. The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. ¹⁹ As the Scriptures say,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise    

and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”

²⁰ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. ²¹ Since God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, He has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. ²² It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. ²³ So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

²⁴ But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24

No Secret About It

The message of the cross is true wisdom. Believing the gospel is what makes one truly wise. To the “ worldly wise and intelligent” who are headed for destruction, the gospel is foolish. But to us who are being saved, the gospel is true wisdom and the very power of God (1 Cor 1:18-25). The message of the cross is the highest wisdom one could ever attain, as the gospel itself is the power of God to redeem all sinners who repent and believe on His Son, Jesus (Rom 1:16).

When the Word of God commands us to listen, the Lord presents an invaluable opportunity to exchange our ignorance for true wisdom. In Proverbs One, wisdom is portrayed as a woman sitting at the gates and calling out into the streets, urging everyone passing by to seek wisdom; to gain knowledge, understanding, and good judgment. She earnestly invites all to seek her while there is still time and warns about the dire consequences for those who reject her. Her message is clear, caring, and repetitive, and she can be found in plain sight. While sinful temptations are secretive and covert, true wisdom is openly available for all to find. The Bible is the biggest selling book of all time! There’s no secret about it!

Knowing Jesus

Proverbs 1:20-33 personifies wisdom as someone we can get to know. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he explains that Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom from God. "And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption," (1 Cor 1:30). Jesus is the highest form of wisdom that exists, as He’s the Only One who offers us redemption and eternal life, by grace through faith in Him. As our wisdom, Jesus encompasses it all: our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. True wisdom is not found in mere life experiences, man-made religion, or this passing world. True wisdom comes only from knowing and following Jesus. It comes from having a personal relationship with Him that will surpass this world and last forever.

So even if you're a young Christian, you are truly wise. Or maybe you're an old geezer and recently gave your life to Christ. Maybe cuttin' it a bit close there buddy ;) , but that's the wisest thing you could ever do! And it's all by His grace. True wisdom is a gift.

Wonderful Counselor

In Scripture, Jesus is referred to as, "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6) As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus always councils and guides us to follow the right path and do what is right. Since Jesus is sound wisdom and perfect insight, He knows what’s best for us. He shows us the way we should go and works out everything for our good, as we become more like Him in the process. (Isaiah 30:21, Romans 8:28-30).

So, you can rest in Jesus. Even when trials and troubles come, you can still sit back and relax on His comfy couch. You can trust in His perfect wisdom, insight, and guidance through every problem, knowing He solved your biggest problem 2,000 years ago on the cross. Thank Him, praise Him, and then give Him all your burdens and anxieties because He cares for you. He’s your Wonderful Counselor who always has your best interest. Jesus will help you and give you the wisdom you need,and make the way clear one step at a time. Just ask Him and then wait in hopeful expectation. Hope in Jesus is such a strong feeling because it's a reality! Thank you for your encouragement, Mom ;)

The Message of the Cross

Jesus lived a perfect life. He died for you on the cross, saving you from your sins. After His death and burial, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, offering eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Jesus' resurrection serves as the supreme evidence that He truly is God, as only God Himself could perform such a miracle. So now whoever believes in Jesus shall not be headed for destruction but have the gift of eternal life. Salvation is not by works or "being a good person." It is only by grace through faith in Jesus that you are saved. Eternal life is a free gift by His grace. Jesus is true wisdom.

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Psalm 119:105