“…So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”. (Psalms 90:12)

This week we begin a new series on The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, what they are, the importance of them, and how to apply them to our lives. In the next several weeks we will go into the specific description of each one and show examples from the Bible as to how they were played out in the lives of Yahuah’s servants as lessons for us.

The Book of Proverbs is all about Wisdom and how to live wisely according to the wisdom of Yahuah. The book is a compilation of wise sayings that were composed by King Solomon who was the wisest man who had ever lived. What was Solomon’s purpose for giving us Proverbs? Solomon tells us in the very first six verses of the Book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;  1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;  1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;  1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.  1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Yahuah’s wisdom is the ability to DISCERN what’s right from what’s wrong according to what Yahuah determines as right or wrong. It is more than just having worldly knowledge, the kind of knowledge most people in the world value. The wisdom that comes from Yahuah is a gift that gives us the capability to make right choices and decisions on how to live and how to face the many challenges that we will encounter throughout our lives on our life-long journey to the Kingdom of Yah.

Knowledge is a very powerful thing, and if knowledge is power, then Wisdom is using that power the right way. We can have a high I.Q. or numerous degrees from the most prestigious universities, but without the wisdom that comes from Yahuah, our education or intelligence will only be in vain. A smart and highly educated individual may be able to earn more money and attain fame and fortune; but a wise person will come to know the secrets of life and how to apply them and if he applies wisdom that is from Yahuah, he will eventually internalize the mind and character of Yahuah which he or she will have for all eternity. That is worth more than all the riches and fame in the world.

True biblical wisdom involves Yahuah’s wisdom for right living and right relationships; it requires the same knowledge and understanding that Yahuah has concerning how we are to live and conduct ourselves; it refers to the knowledge of Yahuah, or of the things that belong to Him, as related in His Word. The Book of Proverbs is all about wisdom and gives us much instruction in the way of wise living according to Yahuah’s righteousness while living in a world that is hostile to the laws and principles of Yahuah.  It protects us from the throes of death and destruction while leading us to eternal life. 

When Solomon succeeded David as king over Israel, Yahuah appeared to him in a dream and promised him anything he asked. Solomon requested that Yahuah would provide him with an understanding heart and the ability to discern between good and evil so as to rule the people of Israel with equity, in other words, Wisdom. This shows that even as a young man Solomon’s focus was on becoming wise. Perhaps, even before Yahuah appeared to him, he was pursuing wisdom and when he was told to ask for whatever he wanted, his  request for wisdom came naturally for that was his top priority.  His answer pleased Yahuah so much, that along with wisdom and understanding, Yahuah granted him riches and honor more than any other king.

A demonstration of Solomon’s wisdom came shortly after, when two prostitutes were brought before him to judge over their dispute as to who was the rightful mother of the living son after one of the mothers’ son had died. Solomon was given divine insight and then used that insight in wise handling of the situation that brought out who the true mother of the living son was, and he was able to rightly judge in her favor. Starting with this case, all Israel heard of the wisdom of King Solomon and his wise judgments brought him much respect and honor.

1 Kings 3:27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of Yahuah was in him, to do judgment.

From that day forward, it became evident to all, that King Solomon possessed extraordinary wisdom in many areas. Besides being a wise judge and ruler, he was also a prolific writer, poet, an expert botanist/biologist, a builder and artist, and a skilled statesman. 

His wisdom in architecture and kingdom management helped to make Israel into the most superior nation in all of the East. As a diplomat, he made treaties and alliances with the surrounding countries and this brought peace to his kingdom throughout most of his reign. And of course, it was Solomon who built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. 

All of this wisdom was given to him by Yahuah. Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the surrounding nations, and all the wisdom of Egypt; he was the wisest of all men. He became famous throughout the land for his wisdom and many came from far away lands (including many kings and one queen) to witness his wisdom for themselves.

1 Kings 4:29 And Yahuah gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.  

4:30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.  

4:31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.  

4:32 And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.  

4:33 And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.  

4:34 And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

As a side note: Although Yahuah had gifted Solomon with unsurpassed wisdom, sadly, Solomon allowed his many wives to turn his heart away from Yahuah and to turn to idols in his later years. In spite of this, his words and teachings are recorded in Scripture for our edification and learning. In all of his writings, Solomon teaches much on the value of seeking after wisdom. (In this series we will focus on the subject of wisdom and not on why Solomon departed from following after Yahuah.)

 Following, is what Solomon had to say in regard to the importance of obtaining wisdom. This is the best advice anyone could give to all those who are called of Father, including those of us who are alive today:

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 

4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 

4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Ecclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

In the first chapter of Proverbs, Solomon introduces the purpose of his proverbs:” to know wisdom and instruction and to perceive the words of understanding”, and with that he sets the theme for his book of proverbs.  

In verse 20 of the first chapter, he begins to speak of “wisdom” as a person. He calls this person “Wisdom” and uses feminine pronouns when telling us what she does and what she says. This woman is used as a metaphor.

He calls Wisdom “she”, and says she utters her voice in the streets and in the place of concourse (gatherings); or in other words she (Wisdom) is shouting out to the common people trying to get their attention in the places where they gather and mingle, or perhaps congregate to hear the latest news.

Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

The use of one thing (perhaps a common thing we all can relate to), to depict another thing (such as a deep spiritual truth), is a common tool that writers of Scripture often use to vividly get a message across. One of these literary tools is to use metaphors to illustrate certain attributes as things or persons speaking. An example is when the the voice of Abel’s blood cried out to Yahuah from the ground (Genesis 4:10). Of course the literal blood of a person does not have a voice, neither can it speak. Yahuah was referring to the killing of Abel and the fact that his shed blood attested to the fact that Cain had killed his brother. In this way, Yahuah used poetic language to bring about a vivid image to the reader of the crime scene. (Another clear example of the use of allegories and symbolism is in Ezekiel 17, which is just one of many metaphors given to us throughout the Bible.)

The writers of Scripture (all of whom were inspired by Yahuah) use many types of metaphors, imagery, similes, symbolism, parables, allegories, and analogies as tools to bring home a profound message or teaching. Yahusha, Himself, used these various literary tools throughout His ministry here on earth especially in His many parables.

Depending on Yahuah’s intent, they can be used to make things seem more relevant and understandable to those who study His Word, or they are sometimes used to hide or cloud the meaning from those who are not seeking after Yahuah, those who have no interest in keeping’s Yahuah’s commandments and who are at enmity with His laws.

Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Yahuah: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Only those are who called and have Yahuah’s Spirit can understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Yah and the truth contained in the Bible. And it is only when we are doing all His commandments that Yahuah grants understanding; the more we seek to obey Yahuah and His Word, the more understanding we will have for: “The fear of Yahuah is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.…” (Psalm 111:10)

The things of Yahuah are foolishness to those who are not being led by His Spirit for it is only by Yahuah’s Spirit that His concepts and principles can be discerned. Even the most brilliant and learned men and women in the world cannot understand the spiritual things of Yahuah if they are of the world and are not seeking His wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of Elohim in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which Yahuah ordained before the world unto our glory:  

2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified Yahuah of glory.  

2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the  things which Yahuah hath prepared for them that love him. 

2:10 But Yahuah hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of Yahuah. 

2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of Yahuah knoweth no man, but the Spirit of Yahuah. 

 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of Yahuah; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of Yahuah. 

2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  

2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of Yahuah: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Those who are called in this age and are diligent to learn the spiritual things of Yahuah, will someday be privileged to teach those who could not understand these things in this present age. Those who are are not called now cannot understand these things, but they will be called in the age to come (their veil will be taken off of their eyes), and if they repent and embrace all of Yahuah’s ways, they too will eventually come to understand the wisdom of Yahuah.

In Proverbs, Solomon uses the symbol of a woman on several occasions to teach his readers certain lessons. In some instances he refers to a certain kind of woman as “the strange woman” which depicts a prostitute, (which is often a symbol for false religions) a type of all the things or persons that tempt us away from Yahuah and the keeping of His commandments, statutes, ordinances and judgments.

Then at other times Solomon uses the idea of a woman as “Wisdom” symbolizing the character quality of divine wisdom, the same quality we must seek and incorporate into our own character. In these cases, Wisdom, impersonated as a woman, is someone who leads us toward Yahuah and calls to us learn of His knowledge, and to then diligently apply it to the way we live our lives.

As we embrace Yahuah’s wisdom, we will take on more and more of His mind and will become like Him (His wisdom leads us to become the “perfect man” as we saw in Matthew 5 in our study of the Beatitudes) and the more we heed and take on the wisdom of Yahuah, the more we are shaped into Yahuah’s divine image, for He is the very essence of wisdom.

Wisdom Cries Out to Mankind

The concept of wisdom as a woman is first introduced in Proverbs 1:20. “She” cries out to mankind wanting their attention and to listen to her and depart from the ways of folly. She is crying out to the spiritually lost men and women in this world and raises her voice in order for all to hear her words and to hear her counsel.

When Solomon uses wisdom as a “she” he is using a poetic metaphor which depicts a very wise woman who is speaking on behalf of Yahuah, who wants to reach out to us on a very personal level. In this way Yahuah uses this metaphor, of a person calling out to humanity, to leave a very profound and sober impression upon our minds for the things He wants to impart are vitally important to all men and women throughout all generations.

This is an analogy of Yahuah calling and exhorting humanity to depart from their foolishness and to then seek the knowledge that will save them and deliver them from being destroyed by their folly. Yahuah’s message to mankind is to seek wisdom from above for it will lead to life. On the other hand,  if we refuse to listen and instead seek foolishness, we will be destroyed.

Wisdom is personified as a woman and speaks in the first person of godly wisdom. Read the word “Wisdom” as “the wisdom of Yahuah” and see the wonderful power of Solomon’s poetic message:

Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:  

1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,  

1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 

1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Toward the end of this chapter is a stinging indictment against all who will not heed the voice of wisdom. But the last verse has a wonderful promise to all those who WILL hearken unto her (Wisdom) who represents the wisdom of Yahuah!

Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of Yahuah: 

1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 

1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.  

1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.  

1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Again, in the eightht chapter of Proverbs, Solomon goes back to the metaphor of Lady Wisdom crying out to  humanity: “Unto you O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men “ (Verse 4). This of course includes both men and women, for Yahuah implores all of humanity to heed His words of wisdom!

The House of Wisdom

In Proverbs 9, Solomon speaks of seven pillars of wisdom. He uses this analogy to teach us that there are certain essential qualities of wisdom that we must incorporate into our character if we want our lives to reflect Yahuah’s wisdom. In this chapter His wisdom is again depicted as a woman but this time as one who has built a house (or it could be described as a palace) and the woman has hewn (or carved out) seven pillars which hold up the house.

Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn [carved] out her seven pillars:

What is Solomon talking about when he refers to the these seven pillars of Wisdom’s house? First of all what is the definition of “pillar”?

The Hebrew word for “pillar” in this verse is ammud (Strong’s #5982) and means: apiece, pillar Or ammud {am-mood’}; from amad; a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e. Platform — X apiece, pillar. (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

The English definition of a pillar is: an upright shaft or structure, of stone, brick,  or other material, relatively slender in proportion to its height, and of any shape  in section, used as a building support, or standing alone, as for a monument: (Dictionary.com)

Solomon says that the woman has built herself a house, and for that house she has cut out seven pillars. Pillars have been used since antiquity, placed or carved into buildings or houses to support the roofs and to carry the weight of the surrounding structures. Throughout history pillars typically were made of strong materials such as stone, bricks, or solid wood and stood upon the foundation of the house or palace.

In this chapter Wisdom is being symbolized as a woman who has built a permanent house for herself. If the pillars are supposed to be the intricate supports of a building (and here we see them as seven supports of Wisdom’s house) just what do the seven pillars stand for? 

This Proverb is telling us that Lady Wisdom has supports, she dwells with certain pillars which represent certain aspects of wisdom and like pillars which support a house, these pillars of wisdom need to be the pillars of a wise person’s character. The pillars are what make up her house and support it. There are seven of them and seven in the Bible connotes completeness or absolute. The Hebrew word for “seven” is sevah (Strong’s #7655).

So, in essence, Solomon is describing a woman who is building for herself a beautiful place to live, her house, and this house is supported by the perfect number of pillars. 

If someone builds themselves a house, that is generally where they dwell. These seven make up the seven components that make for wisdom. This particular narrative about wisdom depicted as a woman really begins in Proverbs 8. To find out what the seven pillars are we go need to go back to the previous chapter to find the source where it tells us what the seven are. In Proverbs, chapter 8, Wisdom is again personified as a woman but this time as a person dwelling or living in a house. It tells us in verses 12 to 14 that this woman called Wisdom “dwells” with seven attributes…and they are seven attributes of wisdom with names of their own.

We are given a clue that this passage is referring to the seven pillars for it says here that “I wisdom” DWELL with seven things, and as we read the list we can perceive that all of them are components of wisdom (or different types of wisdom), therefore this must be talking about the pillars that are the necessary supports or columns of the house that are mentioned in Proverbs 9:1, and there just happens to be seven of them.

Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions [discretion]. 8:13 The fear of Yahuah is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.[The reverent fear and worshipful awe of Yahuah includes the hatred of evil and the perverted mouth, also pride and arrogance] 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom [sound judgement]: I am understanding; I have strength.

From these verses we see that “I” which is wisdom speaking in first person, dwells (resides) with certain things, and then she lists seven components of wisdom indicating that they are the seven pillars of wisdom that are referred to in the beginning of Chapter 9. Again, the seven things or characteristics listed in Proverbs 8:12-14 are as follows:

(1) Prudence

(2) Knowledge of witty inventions [i.e. discretion]

(3) Fear of Yahuah

(4) Counsel

(5) Sound Wisdom

(6) Understanding

(7) Power and Strength

Solomon depicts true wisdom as a house with seven pillars standing on the sure and solid rock foundation of TRUTH (Yahuah’s truth and His Law). It is Yahusha the Messiah and His Word that is the Foundation of Wisdom. This is what Scripture has to say about who and what are the foundation of Yahuah’s House:

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith Yahuah Elohim, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahusha the Messiah.

Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Elohim.

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom must stand firmly on Every Word of Yahuah which is the Foundation of His House, and the pillars stand on that foundation otherwise they are not wisdom.

Pillars are very much a part of the house; along with the foundation they are of vital importance for they are supporting the beams, the walls, and the roof of the house; in addition they connect the rest of the house to the foundation. If one of these pillars is left out or becomes compromised in some way, the whole house will fall apart. Each pillar is a necessary component and support of the house.

Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

In this verse Solomon again speaks of a wise woman and how she builds her house; it is in sharp contrast to how a foolish woman builds her house; in fact the foolish woman tears down her house with with her own hands…by ignoring Wisdom’s call to live according to Yahuah’s righteous principles. The foolish and sinning persons tear apart their houses and it is they themselves that do it. Those who refuse to live according to Yahuah’s commandments and precepts, no matter how smart or skillful they may be in this life, will sooner or later find their house crumbling down around them.

This is an allegory that it is the wise person who builds his or her life upon Yahuah’s Word and contrasts that person to one who is foolish and ignores Yahuah’s instructions to live according to His ways and to seek after His wisdom. Eventually the ways of a fool will bring his house (life) to ruins. On the other hand the wise person builds his or her life on Yahuah’s sure foundation of Yahuah’s commandments, righteous precepts and sound doctrine; and his or her (spiritual) household is built up and prospers.

The Seven Pillars Make up a Complete Package

Compare the seven traits of wisdom with the nine character traits that make up the Fruit of the Spirit. If one of these nine character traits are missing, the Fruit of the Spirit is lacking for all nine must be present to make up the “Fruit of the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Notice that “fruit” is singular, showing us that the fruit of the Spirit consists of the nine things that Paul lists in the verse.

You need all nine of these components to have The Fruit of the Holy Spirit, just as you need all seven of The Pillars of Wisdom in order to have the whole house that makes up the wisdom of Yahuah. If any these virtues of (1) love, (2) joy, (3) peace, (4) longsuffering, (5) gentleness, (6) goodness, (7) faith, (8) meekness, (9) temperance are left out of what makes up the Fruit of the Spirit, there will be severe character flaws and the qualities of Yahuah’s nature will be missing from that person; all the components are supposed to work together to make up the whole.

It is the same with wisdom (Yahuah’s wisdom), a person needs all seven of these things (1) Prudence, (2) Knowledge and Discretion, (3) the Fear of Yahuah, (4) Counsel, (5) Sound Wisdom, (6) Understanding, (7) Power and Strength in order to have the wisdom of Yahuah. The seven pillars constitute the complete package of what divine wisdom is all about.

The Wisdom that is From Above

The qualities that make up the fruit of the Spirit should be evident in the life of all of Yahuah’s called out ones in some degree or another (we do have to grow in them just as natural fruit matures over time so we may be at differing levels). If we look at each one of these qualities we can see that they strongly resemble the characteristics of wisdom as described in James 3. In the Book of James we are told that there are two kinds of wisdom: The wisdom of this world which is “earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15), and the wisdom that comes from above. The apostle James describes the wisdom that is from above as follows:

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality [humility], and without hypocrisy [or double mindedness.]

James is describing the wisdom that comes from Yahuah and calls it the “wisdom that is from above”. He describes what Yahuah’s wisdom is like and the things that it imparts to one who is growing in wisdom: This is what he has to say about what wisdom looks like:

(1) It is pure

(2) Then peaceable

(3) Gentle

(4) Easy to be entreated

(5) Merciful

(6) Full of good fruits

(7) Without hypocrisy

The apostle Paul does something similar in 1 Corinthians 13 in describing what true agape love looks like; he too speaks of love as if it were a person and then tells us that love [charity- agape love] does such and such, they are actions, things that love does and how we can discern if Yahuah’s agape love is working withing a person.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Back to the qualities of the wisdom that is from above:

(1) Purity; Having neither spot nor wrinkle or any blemish of sin, but being completely clean from even the appearance of sin.  Being completely clean from all physical and spiritual uncleanness, washed clean by the washing of the water of the Word and desiring to learn and live by every Word of Yahuah.

(2) Peaceable:  Peace-loving, not a striker not given to violence, being at peace with Yahuah and as far as possible with all men.

(3) Gentle [meek]: Tender, kind, not aggressive, nor seeking to dominate others; is not a bully, is never rude or inconsiderate to another no matter what that person’s station in life may be.

(4) Easy to be entreated: Reasonableness; willing to yield, is humble and willing to listen to the sound advice and counsel of others and if found in error, will graciously repent and change no matter how humiliating it may look to others.

(5) Merciful:  Forgiving toward everyone, as Yahuah has forgiven us; and also showing mercy to the unfortunate and those in need of kindness and of our help.

(6) Full of good fruits;  Full of the fruits of the Spirit of Yahuah: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self control); if we have the wisdom that is from above, all these things will be evident.

(7) Without hypocrisy;  Sincere, without pretense, practicing what we teach, having our conduct match with what Yahuah’s Word teaches, having no guile in the way we treat others; not false accusers or liars.

These seven qualities correspond to what Solomon lists for they each fit within the framework of the Seven Pillars that are listed in Proverbs 8:12-14 and are the spiritual end products of integrating prudence, discretion, fear of Yahuah, etc. into our lives.

The Definition of Wisdom

The Bible has a vast amount of instruction on the subject of wisdom. What is the meaning of the word “wisdom” and what does it mean to be “wise”?

The English dictionary defines wisdom as:

(1) Having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing  discernment, judgment, or discretion.

(2) Characterized by or showing such power; judicious or prudent: a wise decision.

(3) Possessed of or characterized by scholarly knowledge or learning; learned; erudite: wise in the law.

(4) Having knowledge or information as to facts, circumstances, etc.: We are wiser for their explanations). (Dictionary.com)

The Hebrew word for “wisdom is chokmah (Strong’s #2451) and means: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit From chakam; wisdom (in a good sense) — skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. see HEBREW chakam. (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

The Hebrew word for “wise” is chakam (Strong’s #2449) and it means: “a mastery of the art of living in accordance with Yahuah’s expectations”. (Vines Expository Dictionary)

The Bible’s definition of wisdom expands even further upon what our culture defines as wisdom. And the many ways that the words “wisdom” and “wise” are used in the Bible shows us the many shades and applications of what it means to be wise, or to have wisdom.

The wisdom that is of Yahuah, is wisdom that the whole world needs and yet most of mankind rejects Yahuah’s wisdom; they spurn what Yahuah considers as wisdom and they mock the Word of Elohim.

Satan is the biggest fool there is for he had so much going for him (more than any other created being) and he gave it all up because of his foolish pride. Six thousand years ago he imputed his foolishness to our first parents by convincing them that to follow him and his foolish ways was better than obeying their Creator. And all of Adam and Eve’s descendants have come under Satan’s sway; thinking that they know better than Yahuah in how they should live. Because of this, the whole world is one great giant mess and the mess is getting worse every day.

1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of Yahuah, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. [the people of this world are under the power of the evil one who opposes Yahuah and all of His precepts].

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Just being born into this world and coming under Satan’s influence from birth, we all have become fools and we live like fools….until Yahuah begins to call us. He wants us to choose wisdom and live. For Father and His son Yahusha, and by wisdom we can know the right ways of living. Wisdom leads us to Yahuah’s truth and the mysteries of the Kingdom of Elohim and the way of salvation. The wisdom that comes from Yahuah is the key that opens the door to knowing Him and eventually becoming like Him who is the Wisest Being of all.

In Proverbs 2 Solomon instructs us that if we seek her (wisdom) with all of our heart and incorporate this wisdom into our day to day practices and into our very character; this wisdom will protect us and deliver us from the way of the evil man who speaks perverse things and will keep us from being lured by the strange woman (Proverbs 2:16-18).

Solomon uses very beautiful allegories throughout Proverbs and we can learn much by meditating upon his teachings and then putting them to practical use in our lives. No other source is more valuable than Yahuah’s Word which teaches us about how to be wise and the supreme importance of turning away from the foolishness that is in the world. Here is more of what Solomon has to say about wisdom:

Proverbs 2:6 For Yahuah giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 

2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 

2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 

2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 

2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: 

2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; 

2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 

2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 

2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: 

2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 

2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her Elohim. 

2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 2:19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 

2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Paul too gives us sound advice in regard to the value of wisdom and to turn away from those who would deceive us into accepting the foolish philosophy of the world. 

Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 

2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of Yahuah, and of the Father, and of Messiah;

 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.  

2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Messiah. 

2:6 As ye have therefore received Yahusha Messiah our Saviour, so walk ye in him: 

2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 

2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after the Messiah.

It is Yahuah’s wisdom that will lead those who commit to heeding the words of Elohim and then commit that they will live His ways for the rest of their lives even into eternity. If we, who have been called by Yahuah, heed the voice of Wisdom we will be blessed with eternal spiritual happiness and eternal life with Father and Yahusha in Their Kingdom as a member of Their divine Family. If we seek Yahuah’s wisdom with all of our hearts He will deliver us from the throes of death. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom bring life, whereas foolish living (the way that is apart from Yahuah) will only bring destruction and death.

What Is the Source of Wisdom?

This was a question that Job asked and it was revealed to him and recorded for our learning. This is a question that all mankind should be asking and yet only a few really seek to know the answer. Yahuah tells us through Job very clearly where “wisdom” can be found:

Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? 

28:13 Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

28:14 The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.

28:15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. 

28:16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

28:17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. 

28:18 No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. 

28:19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? 28:21 Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.28:22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.

28:23 Yahuah understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. 

28:24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; 

28:25 To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.

28:26 When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: 

28:27 Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.

28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of Yahuah, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

The Book of Proverbs provides many examples of what it means to be wise and what it means to be foolish. Wisdom starts with the fear of Yahuah. “Behold, the fear of Yahuah, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

And if we see that we lack wisdom, we are to go to Yahuah who is the source of all wisdom.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Yahuah, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

In Conclusion

Mankind is offered two ways to live: The way of Wisdom or the way of Folly.

Following are chapters 8 and 9 of Proverbs; both speak of how both (Wisdom and Folly) are sending out their invitations to the world and it is up to us as to which one we will listen to.

One way leads to understanding and the increase of years (eternal life); and the other way leads to foolishness and eventually death. These chapters about wisdom are well worth reading and meditating upon for they contain the keys to a well-lived and successful life if we take their advice seriously to heart. Yes, we may suffer in this life for seeking to live a life that pleases Yahuah and may lose all that we have for doing so; but we will be successful in the end if we hold onto wisdom until the end of our physical lives and then will be richly rewarded for all of eternity.

The words contained in these chapters are priceless advice and yet most of the world thinks that this is nothing but fairy tales and/or not even worth reading and considering. But some day those who finally have their eyes opened will realize that they had the way to successful living and the words of life spelled out to them and it was right under their noses (for all who ever owned a Bible or had access to one).

But for now this message is to Yahuah’s spiritual children. He is inviting us to partake of His Feast, the richest of fare and the finest of wine that we might flourish and thrive on what He has to offer; and then if we take up His offer, we will someday qualify to live the abundant life with Him in His Kingdom as a son or daughter of Yahuah FOREVER.

Here is Wisdom’s advice to Yahuah’s precious children; this cannot be put in any more beautiful words. Wisdom is speaking to you and to me. Please think upon and study these words and the message it contains, especially now as we see how horrible (and foolish) the world is becoming.

Proverbs 8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

8:2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

8:4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

8:13 The fear of Yahuah is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

8:22 Yahuah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 

8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of Yahuah.

8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Wisdom’s Builds Her House With Seven Pillars

Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

9:4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

9:10 The fear of Yahuah is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

9:16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Solomon instructs us in the Book of Proverbs that wisdom is essential for a meaningful and successful life, not only in the secular world in which we have to live, but also the wisdom that is of Yahuah is absolutely necessary if we want to live successfully as a believer and in our quest to become a child of Yahuah fitted and trained to serve in His Kingdom.

King Soloman says “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding.“ (Proverbs 4:7)

And Yahusha says at the end of His Sermon on the Mount in regard to the wise and foolish builders:

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 

7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Next Week’s Study

Next week we will study into The Fear of Yahuah which is included in the list of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom; it is not the first one as per the seven pillar list, but this component of wisdom is foundational to the others for wisdom STARTS with the fear of Yahuah.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of Yahuah is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

If we do not fear to disobey Yahuah or if we have no reverence or respect for Him and His laws; there is no way possible that He is able to work with such a one. If a person is unwilling to take the very first step by coming to fear Yahuah, to revere, honor, and respect Him and fear to disobey Him, then he or she will remain in rebellion against Yahuah, just as Satan and his demons are. They will remain as fools and will reject all of Yahuah’s wisdom and can go no further; they will not be in the Kingdom of Yahuah!

But Yahuah has been calling a certain few (John 6:44) down through history right up to this present time to forsake the foolishness of this world.  Where do we find wisdom? All of Yahuah’s Word is wisdom but we must seek it, imbibe of it, engrave it permanently upon our hearts; and if we have a reverent fear of Yahuah, we will have a burning desire to depart from evil….THAT IS WISDOM.

Again, hear the cry of Wisdom; if we hear her voice and apply the wisdom she offers, Yahuah will pour out His Spirit upon His Ekklesia. Yahusha is getting His Bride ready for His soon return; He wants a wife that is full of the WISDOM of Elohim as His companion, ruling by His side.

Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 

1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 

1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 

1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

My dear friends, you and I have been called to embrace Wisdom, and we have the opportunity to do so at this time; it is more important than anything else we could be doing…now is the time to seek her with all of our heart, mind, and soul.

Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.  She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Psalm 90:8-12 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.  For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

BelAnge