Did you know there is a greater understanding behind the understanding you know? It is called Wisdom! Wisdom is not a thing, or a thought, nor can it be obtained from education or brought! So why is that, and what actually is Wisdom?
Wisdom is a person, and can only be received in and through relationship! Wow, stay with me, as we unpack and unlock the above statements.
We are starting this series Wisdom, Revelation and Understanding.
The word WISDOM (חכם) is mentioned 222 times in the Hebrew Bible. It was regarded as one of the HIGHEST VIRTUES among the Israelites along with Kindness (חסד) and Justice.
WISDOM is mentioned 46x in the book of Proverbs. The first occurrence is in Proverbs 1:2, and the last is in Proverbs 31:26
The dictionary defines it as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of being wise.
A good start, so the meaning of being wise, is having or showing, experience, knowledge, or good judgement.
We see wisdom is the source of a wise man. But where does wisdom come from?
According to King Solomon, wisdom is gained from God, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” Proverbs 2:6
Proverbs 8:1-4 (TPT)
Wisdom Calling
“Can’t you hear the voice of Wisdom?
From the top of the mountains of influence
she speaks into the gateways of the glorious city.
At the place where pathways merge,
at the entrance of every portal,
there she stands, ready to impart understanding,
shouting aloud to all who enter,
preaching her sermon to those who will listen.
“I’m calling to you, sons of Adam,
yes, and to you daughters as well”.
If you want to go deeper, keep reading Proverbs chapters 22-31
Why is Wisdom mentioned 5 time less in the New Testament?
Let’s look at a few verses in the New Testament before I explain and bring this message to a conclusion.
James 3:17. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
The word of wisdom is a spiritual gift listed in 1 Corinthians 12:
Acts 6:3
“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them”.
Luke 24:49 NIV
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
I have underlined the word power for the word power in the original language is:
Dunamis: (miraculous) power, might, strength
Original Word: δύναμις, εως, ἡ
Transliteration: Dunamis
Definition: (miraculous) power, might, strength
Usage: (a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning (b) plural: powerful deeds, deeds showing (physical) power, marvellous works.
It’s interesting that one of the uses of Dunamis is: meaning, and the true meaning is the truth, now the bible says “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)
We now know that Jesus was saying ‘wait until you receive the baptism in the spirit’ which He experienced, after John baptised Him in the water, (Matthew 3:13-17)
Acts 1:5 “For John baptizes with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”
Jesus was saying, in a few days John you are going to start your own ministry, the same way I did, with the same encounter I had, the Holy Spirit.
Isn’t one of the names of the Holy Spirit “wisdom”?
Spirit of Wisdom – Isaiah 11:2
the Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon him,
the Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom,
the Spirit of Perfect Understanding
the Spirit of Wise Strategy,
the Spirit of Mighty Power,
the Spirit of Revelation,
and the Spirit of the Fear of Yahweh.
Ephesians 1:17 (TPT)
“I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know Him through your deepening intimacy with Him”.
Here is a question to end this part of the series
Did Solomon ask for and receive the Holy Spirit? (Maybe we will do message on this one day) Hmm leaving that with you.
Challenge time: Grab your journal and space with the Lord to record all He reveals to you His dearly loved child.
1. Read this verse James 3:17. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere
2. Next ask the Lord for each area of your personal, ministry, business life and dealings, how am I going with wisdom here? Record all He says, and questions that come up.
3. Now ask the Lord which ones do I struggle with in showing and giving Wisdom and why Lord? Record all He says, and now you have a prayer point.
4. Over the next 31 days will you commit to reading a Proverb a day? Here’s a method, first time read the entire chapter without stopping, second time read it in chunks of verses, the third time read it verse by verse and SELAH after each verse to ask Holy Spirit, to open the eyes of your heart to see, hear and receive freshly from the Person of Wisdom:
5. What are You saying here?
6. What are You highlighting for me?
7. What quality of the Father are You showing me?
8. How and where are You inviting me to apply this revelation to my life?
9. Praise Party time – Put on worship and exalt God, Jesus and Holy Spirit through praising them.
Father God, thank You for Wisdom is a person Holy Spirit, and that we gain her only in relationship with You. Would You fill each one of us Your children up with Your Dunamis power, so we can experience more of You, and to be all You created us to be in relationship with you. In Jesus Name Amen.
Craig Patten
Itinerate Pastor / Prophet.
Encounter Ministries
