BIBLICAL WISDOM
When I was in college, I didn’t receive exceptional grades. I worked hard. I completed all of the assignments. I asked teachers for help. But in the end, my test scores were good, but not great. I suspect my grades were a reflection of the way in which I studied. My goal when studying was not to memorize facts or recite figures: my goal was to understand how and why things work the way they do.
I suppose the same can be said about the way I read my Bible. Very rarely am I studying my Bible to learn names and dates. I’m also guilty of not memorizing chapter and verse as I should. I do, however, spend most of my time in the Word looking for WISDOM.
WISDOM is the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and understanding in order to make sound decisions. WISDOM is discerning the fear of the Lord and discovering the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5-6). WISDOM is more than accumulation of knowledge; WISDOM is knowing God. Who is He? How does He operate? What does He want for us? Biblical WISDOM is applying God inspired truths to everyday decisions.
So how does someone gain WISDOM when reading the Bible? Proverbs provides many examples about what WISDOM is, but the first five books of the Bible explain the reasons behind Godly WISDOM. In Greek, these five books are called the Pentateuch. In Hebrew, they are known as the Torah. Scholars of the Bible, the Tanakh and the Quran all agree these five books were inspired by God and penned by Moses. He likely wrote them during the 40-year period of time when God required Israel to wander in the desert. For 40 years, God led Israel by day and by night. For 40 years, Moses received instruction, discipline, and care directly from God. If I’m going to look for Godly WISDOM, it seems to make sense to read what God told Moses to write. So, what is included in these books?
GENESIS
BEGINNINGS… Genesis describes the beginning of all matter, all energy, all time, and all space. This book explains the purpose, position, and plan for mankind. It describes God’s rule over all. Genesis describes the consequences of sinful people and God’s plan for redemption and restoration. Within this book, we learn of God’s design for quantum physics, astronomy, genetics, biology, and chemistry. We learn about first fruits and God’s requirements for sacrifices that honor him, not ourselves.
EXODUS
DELIVERANCE… Exodus details God’s deliverance of the nation of Israel from Egypt. The book describes the unilateral covenants God made with the people of Israel and the laws he implemented for their protection and guidance. This book describes God’s plan to be with his people; his desire for his people to worship him. Within this book, we learn of God’s power and control over gravity, wind, fire, water, and Satan.
LEVITICUS
HOLINESS… Leviticus explains God’s laws for Godly living. The book details the religious practices set forth by God. It describes the sacrificial systems required by God for atonement of sin. In this book, God documents a code of conduct that demonstrates holiness. God provides practical instruction for human interactions, for medical procedures, for sexual appropriateness, and for the social order of nations.
NUMBERS
GUIDANCE… Numbers records a census of all Israel, assessing their collective strength before battle. The failure of Israel to trust in God leading to a 40-year life-sentence for the people of Israel in the desert. This book demonstrates God’s divine guidance, provision, and protection for a fearful, sinful people who continually reject him as King. It includes a detailed chronology of all generations from the flood until entry into the promised land, confirmed by DNA mapping, archeology, and written history by other authors.
DEUTERONOMY
RENEWAL… Deuteronomy documents the renewed covenants between God and his chosen people. Blessings of God along with consequences of sin are retold. A new generation of people is prepared to enter the promised land. God demonstrates his unyielding desire to retain a remnant of Israel that will submit, obey, and follow. This book describes the ongoing crisis within the Middle East. That story continues to play out to this day.
If you seek Godly WISDOM, my recommendation is to read the first five books of the Bible, looking for God’s instruction, correction, and forgiveness.
Wisdom is better than silver and more profitable than gold. Wisdom is more precious than jewels. Nothing man desires can compare to the value of wisdom. (Proverbs 3:13-18)