Loretta Gjeltema Home

I have been studying wisdom. In our society, we tend to think of the wise as one who possesses knowledge or intelligence. Here’s what fascinates me. The source of all wisdom is God and I believe he is all knowing and certainly has intelligence. So much so, that even thinking we might have a bit of intelligence is laughable.

Biblically, God’s wisdom is expressed through his creative and redemptive work. And then, of course, his power to keep it all humming along. But wisdom for man is expressed more as a moral measure. So, essentially, God is wise. He created us and the world we live in. He gave us laws to live within his world and our expression of wisdom is learning and living by those laws. I don’t know about you but although this makes perfect sense, it did require that I adjust my thinking a bit about wisdom.

I’ve lived much of my career in a world where knowledge was valued, or perhaps revered is a better word. Knowledge was seen both as a means to an end and as a solution to many of mankind’s problems. I still value knowledge, but I’m learning to put it in its place. So much of science is the infinite study of God’s creation, but the knowledge of the creation is often sought without the acknowledgment of the creator. That is not wisdom. I want us to be on the right track. So this month, let’s take a look at wisdom, rather than knowledge, from God’s perspective.

What God Says About Wisdom

Week 40

For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it. Proverbs 8:11

Week 41

The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. Psalm 14:2

Week 42

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3

Week 43

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24

Week 44

A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. Proverbs 15:14

Discovering the Value of Wisdom

For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it. Proverbs 8:11

Solomon, known as the wisest man ever, sought and valued wisdom. Oh, he had riches too because he was also the richest man ever.  Hmmm…think there was a connection there? Of course, there was! God said, Solomon because you asked me for wisdom, and not riches, I’m giving you both. So, God says seek wisdom, ask me for it, and I will unfold many things for you that are worth having. This does not mean that God will make us all rich enough to have a palace full of rubies, but it does mean we will not come up lacking. The man who should know said, there is nothing we can desire that can compare with wisdom. God’s wisdom is practical. It brings joy and gives life.

Father, We know that wisdom has value. But sometimes we forget that you are the source of wisdom and we turn to other places looking. Help us keep our eyes on the wisdom you have provided for us in your word. Help us to value your wisdom enough to spend time studying it. Enough to commit it to memory. Enough to put it into action.

Thank you for making wisdom so attainable. For most of us, there is nothing standing between us and your word.

All verses are from the New Living Testament unless noted elsewhere.