Wisdom’s Origin

March 4, 2012


Background Scripture: Proverbs 8
Lesson Passage: Proverbs 8:22 – 35

Does wisdom come with age? If so, then is it possible for a person to be wise beyond his years? Certainly the statements that lead to those questions would suggest that the answer to both would be an obvious “yes”. This answer however looks at wisdom as something to be accumulated and kept at one’s disposal as though it were an asset to be possessed. As we examine Proverb 8, it is clear that the writer does not have the same view of wisdom. Wisdom here is spoken of as a person. Such a personification causes one to give very different answers to the questions posed earlier. If wisdom is viewed as a person, then when wisdom comes is not dependent on one’s age. According to the writer, wisdom always makes herself available to whoever would be prudent. When wisdom comes is no longer relevant since wisdom declares that she is always available. Wisdom has been in the earth from the very beginning. Wisdom existed before the earth was formed and can recount the creation story itself. Wisdom even declares that it was the Lord who brought her forth. Wisdom was created before the physical world and was there during the creation to rejoice in God’s handiwork. Note that wisdom does not say that she had anything to do with creating anything only that she was there when God created the world. Wisdom offers herself as a guide to the prudent that blessings may be available for them. Her presence is to be desired more than silver or gold. To receive wisdom is to have those things and even more. Possessions and positions are given to those that receive her. She is the one who makes God’s favor appear in people’s lives. She is not distant or hidden but readily available. So she is not to be sought after but received. From the beginning she has delighted in being among mankind. This is still her desire.

In the context of Proverbs 8, wisdom is not an accumulation of knowledge nor is it the ability or insight to use such information. Wisdom is the one who provides both knowledge and insight. Accumulating or using knowledge both depend on the understanding of the one who has it. In other words, this dependency is on one’s understanding and not God. Wisdom is able to make the simple prudent and the worldly wise simple. To wisdom, mankind is a part of God’s creation that she has always rejoiced in. Certainly, mankind is at the top of the physical (visible) creation of God. But wisdom does not start with man because she preceded him. She witnessed mankind’s origin but she has to give an account of her own so that man can properly answer the question concerning wisdom’s origin. Wisdom can only come from God and when she is received, she will only direct one back to God who is her origin.


Robert C. Hudson
February 21, 2012