A number of years ago the Lord revealed something to me that I have used many times in teaching The Word of God. And like everything He shows me, it first has to have an impact on me before I can share it with others.
As I was reading Proverbs 24 one morning, the Holy Spirit stopped me at verse 3 and put a question before me… Who is wisdom?
Prov 24:3-4 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
He reminded me of the Apostle John’s opening words… In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I didn’t get the connection at first and so He patiently revealed it to me. If Jesus is the Word of God, it follows that He is also the Wisdom of God. For where God’s Word is, there is Wisdom. And while I was pondering that He reminded me of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
So, if Jesus is Wisdom, then He is the One who builds a house… my house. He is the One who is building my house in heaven with the “wood” of Calvary. It was His sacrifice that paid the price for the house He is building for me.
It was then that I began to consider all the scriptures that talk about Wisdom and a whole new revelation opened up to me. But the Holy Spirit wasn’t done.
He told me to read on… and by understanding it is established. That’s when He told me that He is understanding, and that building a house is more than just a “mansion in heaven. Jesus has made it possible for us to build our house (our life) here on earth. And for us to be able to understand that house (our life), He has given us the Holy Spirit who brings the understanding of how we are to live that life.
I know, I was confused at first too. But after I thought about it for a while, I began to see what He meant. Jesus provides the Wisdom we need to live out (build) the life that He has given us. And that Wisdom is based on the Word of God; Jesus. And in order of us to Understand (establish) that Wisdom in our life, He has given us the Spirit of Understanding. And with Jesus (Wisdom) and the Holy Spirit (Understanding) we are able to take hold of and appropriate all of God’s precious promises:
4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge are all related, related to and a part of the plan for our life that God has given us. And if we will follow Jesus (Wisdom) and allow the Holy Spirit (Understanding) to fill us with the Knowledge of the Word of God and show us how to apply it to our life, we will find that all the chambers of our earthly house will be filled with all of God’s precious and pleasant riches.
We just need to remember that while He gives us Wisdom and Understanding, it’s our job to acquire the Knowledge by spending time in His Word, under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. Think about the college graduate who has spent years in acquiring the knowledge to fulfill their calling. But when they get out there in the world, that knowledge won’t do much without having the wisdom to know how to apply it.
So, consider Jesus and the Holy Spirit the next time you read about Wisdom and Understanding in the Scriptures. I think you might just find the Word coming to life for you in a new way, like this verse:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Lacking Jesus in your life? Wanting more of Jesus in your life? The answer is simply to ask for Wisdom… and Understanding will come. Just remember the caveat…
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Faith… it’s always about faith. And your faith is the key to Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge!