God is supposed to be wise. What does that mean? It is an attribute that we share with Him. How does it all work and fit?
What is the wisdom of God?
The definition of God’s wisdom that Grudem gives is,
God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals.
Scripture is filled with references to God’s wisdom. Romans 16:27 calls God ‘the only wise God.’ Job 9:4 says God is ‘wise in heart.’ Later, Job says ‘with Him are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.’ (Job 12:13)
How does God’s wisdom work in this broken world?
It still shines through, though a bit differently. Wisdom is order and choosing the right path in all things. This same order is what keeps the universe going. The fine-tuning required is part of that wisdom.
For since in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe…God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise…so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21,27,29
What does God’s wisdom look like now?
It’s a unifier in an increasingly divisive world. Before only one people were God’s, the Jews, and all along He had a plan to provide a way for anyone to become one of His people despite their lineage or history.
The Gospel unification of all in Christ (Ephesians 3:6) is the mystery that was hidden for ages (Ephesians 3:9) fulfilling God’s purpose, and revealing the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
If the church is faithful to this plan, it will be the first to break down racial and social barriers, bringing unity out of diversity.
How is God’s wisdom working in my life?
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
God works wisely in all things that come into our lives, good or bad, and uses it to make us like Christ. It’s hard to swallow, but think of this, when do you learn the most? Is it your struggles and failures or during the good times?
This blog wouldn’t be what it is if not for the failures and hard times. We can quiet our discouragement knowing God is at work and was at work before the problem even arose. He is using every moment to make us like Jesus.
How can I get the wisdom of God?
Just ask for it (James 1:5). I taught a series on it in class from the book of James. This wisdom is most like
a skill in living a life pleasing to God. It comes primarily from reading and obeying the Bible (Psalm 19:7). The person who’s wise according to God’s standards will walk in dependence on the Lord and desire to honor him.
I suggest starting with James and Proverbs.
However, we can never fully share in the wisdom of God (Romans 11:33). There will be times when we don’t understand why God allows some things to happen. I’m asking Him why right now at this moment with a struggle me and my wife are going through.
All we can do is trust and obey (1 Peter 4:19; Deuteronomy 29:9; Proverbs 3:5-6). This trust pleases God. Even Jesus said ‘not my will, but your will be done.’
Doctrine of the Bible Posts
How Did We Get The Bible?
Is The Bible The Word of God and Does It Matter?
Is The Bible Inerrant?
Is The Bible Necessary?
Is The Bible Sufficient?
Doctrine of God Posts
Is There A God?
How Can We Know God?
What Is God Like?
Does God Depend On or Need Anything To Exist?
Does God Change?
How Can God Be Both Infinite and Personal?
Can God Be Complex and Simple At The Same Time?
Sources
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem
Chapter 12: The Character of God; “Communicable” Attributes of God Part 1
A Ronin's Journey 