| wis 3 | | Print | |
| Written by drk |
| Thursday, 11 June 2009 08:45 |
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The Queen of Sheba (whose name meant seven, fullness, and completeness) recognized this wisdom by seven OBSERVABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: she saw (1 Kings 10:4-5) the temple, the food on his table, his servants, the attendants, the waiters and how they were dressed, his cupbearers, and his entry way. The gift of Wisdom allowed Solomon to display a competent lifestyle.
But, what a paradox — the wisest man ended his life unwisely! At least by the end of his life, he did recognize his foolishness. Solomon’s life illustrates that “once wise” doesn’t mean “always wise.” Like the rest of us, Solomon was influenced by his passive decisions, peer pressure, and external social expectations (Ecc. 11:9). To understand God’s wisdom, we must examine the “should have been” strength of Solomon as a king. We can learn how to properly use this wisdom for ourselves and not make the same mistakes. This passionate desire to operate in the force of accurate wisdom and to correctly rule the government of God brings to pass the new-dimensional revelation that greatly impacts our cities and nations. Building our “sure house.” If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 1 Cor 3:14 NIV As we compare building our life to building a house, the Scriptures tell us about other people who “should have made it.” There was an ancient priest named Eli who failed to teach his sons properly. The sons lived an ungodly life and Eli didn’t do anything about it. Therefore, God raised-up another leader who would replace Eli (1 Samuel 2:35), And I will raise me up a faithful priest, who shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a SURE HOUSE; and he shall walk before my anointed forever. This same terminology is used again about Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:38), 1 Kings 11:38 … If thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments. I will be with thee, and build thee a SURE HOUSE… (KJV). There are four issues to notice on both these verses about the sure house. The sure house is also translated “a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David” (NIV). A sure house is one that can stand the test of time. That means that our lives don’t regress into sloppy or undisciplined ones. We need to focus on endurance and the long haul – so that our house will withstand the storms and not collapse to temptation. A sure house will stand up under pressure and chastening. Notice also that in each example, the building of this sure house is predicated on obedience. It’s not enough to be willing, or to have good intentions, or to want to have a house. We must build a life of obedience and not self-seeking. When Joshua was one hundred years old he said, As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. His “house” represented the various components of his life. The “me” and the “my” of this statement not only represent his family but his own body and soul coming into line with his spiritual decision. God builds the house and we help. Psalm 127:1 confirms it, Except the Lord build the house, they labor (to burdensomely toil and labor severely without joy) in vain that build it. The believer must labor with God in obedience. We understand that becoming a “sure house” means that we BECOME what is in God’s heart and mind. Guarding your house moves you to new dimensions: The first Passover (a picture of our salvation) illustrates the critical urgency demanded of the believer to guard his own house. (Exodus 12:17-51). This intense personal preparation is the ultimate requirement before transitioning to the next dimension. As we study this famous feast, let’s consider how it applies to our living a life of wisdom. No uncircumcised person was allowed to participate (43-51). On the first day of the first month of the year, (Nissan — our March/ April), leaven (that which spreads rapidly) was to be removed from the whole house. Removal of leaven represents a type of separation from sin. Characteristics of internal defilement and old patterns that could grow were to be purged from each house (see 1 Cor. 5:6-8). A holy convocation was called and no one could stand “afar off” (Ex. 12:16). Each household must participate in the experience for themselves, but they could share the Lamb with their neighbor if needed. The sacrificial lamb (for each house) was killed (1 Pet. 1:19-20) at twilight by the whole assembly in a spirit of oneness (we all killed Him). This entire sacrifice implies multiple sacrifices counted as one corporate Sacrifice by God. The unblemished lamb (Ex. 12:5, 1 Pet. 1:19) was killed (Ex. 12:6, John 12:24, 27), roasted in the fire with unleavened bread (type of sanctified walk and conversation (Mark 8:15, Gal. 5:9), and bitter herbs (which represent repentance (2 Cor. 2:15-17). The Israelites were to be fully dressed and ready to go (vs. 11, see Eph. 6:14, Heb. 12:2). Their shoes were to be on their feet (ready to run — see also Acts 7:33, 13:25). The staff was to be in their hand (ready to run farther – Ps. 23:4, Zech. 8:4, Heb. 11:21). The lamb was to be eaten in haste (acted out in faith—ready to leave any moment). Apparently the lamb was slain at the threshold or doorway of the house. Hyssop dipped in blood must then cover the lintel and two doorposts (prefiguring blood at His head, hands and feet) at the door (of our temple —heart Ex. 12:7, Heb. 9:22) so that the Lord would “pass over” (meaning hop, skip, dance, leap) and not allow the destroyer to come into the house. Only the blood made the immunity difference between the Israelite and Egyptian households. Israel’s actions speak of our needed behavior modifications in order for protection and survival during crisis. “Now the blood shall be a sign on your house” (vs. 13). This would be a night of awakened vigil with thanksgiving to the LORD for bringing them out of Egypt (vs. 42). All past subjugation, philosophical supposition, heritage, custom, tradition, and blinding mentalities must be put aside – leaving them vigilant for the final dispatchment assignments of the Lord. They were to stay in the house until daybreak (under protection provided in their dwelling place with God). Observance of these expectations was a matter of life and death. “On that very same day” that Israel went forth from Egypt” – the new order broke free and began great exploits. A memorial (remembrance, celebration) of Passover was to be kept forever (vs. 14). Jesus became the Passover Lamb for our house which we celebrate with the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 27:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, John 13:1-30 etc.). As we obey and respond in faith, we move to new dimensions. Further dimensions: Many of our Bible heros discovered invisible dimensions of God. Enoch walked with God and was not. (Gen. 5:24). Because Moses was overly concerned about people’s problems, he saw that new dimension, but was unable to access it. But, it’s how God sent a ram into the thicket before Abraham climbed the mountain with Isaac. It’s why David dared to eat the priest’s bread and found the very heart of God. These “new places” are unexplored territories that transcend the present known structure of things. Jesus lived in them... He walked on water. That’s how He multiplied loaves and fishes. God said He would make known the end from the beginning. Praise be to…God … wisdom and power are His. He …gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things. Dan. 2: 20-23 Having God’s wisdom unveils mysterious hidden concepts that no one has thoroughly searched out. They are there, you know. It’s easier to imagine these hidden dimensions when we remember that we hear only a small section of the sound waves. Dogs hear higher frequencies than we can detect. Porpoise and dolphins communicate in levels beyond our ability to discern. Elephants communicate on lower levels than we can hear. But it’s all there the whole time. We see only a small part of the light wave. This isn’t a fairyland delusion. In the same way, there are unsearched dimensions in the spirit, just waiting for us to heed – to plug into the frequency and hear a new sound– to perceive dimensional insight – to apprehend new arenas of understanding. We must transition with God into new dimensions. We must discern where the cloud moves, and obediently follow it. Old ways must give way to new ways. Old information must be replaced by relevant proceeding insight. Transitioning must be planned movement in a forward, proceeding direction (Josh. 4:3-9). the wise wife builds her house: Lady Wisdom knew how to access “new dimensions.” The first thing to notice is that she purposefully “built.” And, you must build. No one can do it for you. Prov. 9:1 Wisdom, She BUILDS. Jesus said, “I will BUILD my church.” In the New Testament, the word “edification” means to BUILD an edifice or building, (Rom. 15:2, 1 Cor. 14:5, 12, 26, 2 Cor. 10:8, 12:19, 13:10, Eph. 2:21, 4:12, 4:29, 1 Tim. 1:4, etc.). 1 Cor 14:12 NIV- Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification (building up) of the church that you seek to excel. Jesus spoke about the wise man who built his house upon a rock (Matt. 7:24-27). If you build upon the rock of Jesus Christ, then your house can be that “sure house.” We must build wisely. Please read along in your Bible as we examine our primary text for this book, Proverbs 9:1. We’ll return to this scripture verse many times. Wisdom (plural as in 1:20 –Chokmah, the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time.) has built her house (already built a permanent dwelling place for God). She has hewn out her seven (fullness of golden candlesticks, seven horns of power, the seven eyes of revelation, seven rainbow colors, seven colors on Joseph’s coat) pillars; She has slaughtered her meat, (she works). She has mixed (mingled or mixed with honey and spices) her wine, She has also furnished her table (prepared a feast). She has her maidens, (those others who help). She cries out from the highest places of the city (she preaches). Our Lady Wisdom shows us how to build the house that God wants. We’ll continue to learn about that house and its pillars, but for now, we need to realize that her construction demands that she follow a floor plan — one board at a time – precept by precept. How ridiculous it would be for her to just gather up a bunch of wood, hay, and stubble and start nailing. We must understand that our prophetic vision (our floor plan) is summed up in the will of God. choosing to use the blueprint: Jeremiah 29:11-12 says that God has a detailed plan for our lives, For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (NIV). We’ll call this plan the blueprint, or floor plan. This original blueprint produces a diagram that utilizes your potential (talents). The Great Architect drafts the overall picture and decides if your house is a skyscraper or a log cabin. He decides the room’s dimensions and locates them where He wants them, including the non-external necessities such as the electrical and plumbing plans. Jesus looks back from the finished work. From our beginning, the Master Builder decrees the present tense of our end result. We must contend earnestly for the faith to comprehend this PROCEEDING Word of God that activates our future... He knows us before we’re born. That means that He visualizes our building before we can comprehend it. Or to say it another way, in His mind, there’s conception that precedes our understanding. He does that so that we would have to seek Him for the plan of action with which to structure and build our lives. Out from the Father’s heart, our mission unfolds – there’s a foundation [30 fold], structure [60 fold], and a completion [100 fold] of our building project. That’s Christ abiding within our temple. Every project should progress toward that desired end. Our job is to DISCERN that plan and then decide to create this one wonderful design. The builder (us) builds what the Architect designs. that house: There are many metaphors about us being the house or the temple of God. Moses diligently followed the pattern to build and carry the dwelling place of God – His tabernacle. According to the Jewish Talmudists, the Tabernacle was to be an insight into deeper wisdom, something more splendid than itself. It was to shadow heavenly and eternal things. Moses was instructed to put the two stone tablets of God’s Word in the ark of the tabernacle (typifying how we put the Word in us). By means of this Tabernacle, God attempted to convey truths of reality and certainty to His people. It was through this similitude that we find a “shadow of the good things to come” (Heb. 8:1,2,4,5, 10:1). The Tabernacle contained the foundation of God’s entire plan for our world – every detail, every color, every piece of material; number, dimension, position, and article of furniture spoke of special significance. Fifty chapters of God’s Word describe this portable house (Ex. = 13 chapters; Lev. =18 chapters; Numb. =13 chapters; Deut. =2 chapters; Heb. = 4 chapters; plus many other references). God considers His house to be of great importance. The great song sung in the courts of heaven (Revelation 15:3) tells about His house. This theme of God’s house presents a pattern that’s consistent throughout Scripture. It was King David who received the plan for the temple. David had it in his heart to build a house of rest for the ark and for the footstool of God (1 Chron. 28:2). But, his lifestyle of war kept him from building. He gave his son Solomon the detailed instructions to build God’s house. Solomon actually constructed the plan. Solomon spent seven years building God’s house - - it became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then, he spent thirteen more years building an even grander house for himself! Unfortunately, Solomon became more concerned with building a house (name) for himself than a house for God. Soon the nation divided in civil unrest. Now, we’re told to build a house for God, not ourselves. Jesus is the chief cornerstone. Our new man is the house with new walls. Our walls are salvation (Is. 26:1, 60:18). Isaiah also points out that our walls are continually before the Lord (49:16). Zech 2:5 says that God will be a wall of fire and He will be its glory within. Our salvation stands to protect the fiery presence of God inside and it contains the structure of the New Creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, If any man be in Christ, then he has become a NEW CREATION. The Greek word for new creation is ktisis which is sometimes translated “building or architect.” We become a new building! Katoika means residence or habitation. Katoiketerion means dwelling pace or abode. Katoikesis means residence or mansion and Katoikeo means to house permanently or reside. Note these Scriptural examples: Acts 7:48 – “The most High DWELLETH not in temples made with hands” Acts 17:24 – “God…DWELLETH not in temples made with hands” Acts 17:26 – “Of one blood all nations of men for to DWELL on…the earth” Eph. 2:22 – “Are builded together for an HABITATION of God through the Spirit” Eph. 3:17 – “That Christ may DWELL in your hearts by faith” Col. 1:19 – “For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness DWELL” Col. 2:9 – “For in him DWELLETH all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” 2 Pet. 3:12 “New heavens…wherein DWELLETH righteousness. Micah 7:11 states, In the day when your walls are to be built, in that day your boundaries shall be extended (RAMV). You can be sure, God’s teaching us to build His house in ourselves. The related concepts of our building and then God extending our building’s dimensions are connected. Yes, today is the day to build. This is the hour for aggressively transforming our character into an established maturity. It’s time to achieve dimension and expansion; it’s time to demonstrate God’s grandeur across this world (Ecc. 3:11). The Lord is in (abides in) this holy temple (Ps. 11). Once we build our house, God abides. the boundaries of the house The dimensions (size, shape, structure) of our house are God given (Gen. 6:14-16, Ez. 40, 41, Hab. 36, Rev. 21:16-17). We can look at Noah’s Ark for our example. It was 300 cubits in length (Gen:14-16). The word for “length” in Hebrew is orek which means “forever.” The length of God’s house stretches throughout eternity and lives forever. 300 represents total redemption (Gen. 52:22) and victory (Judges 7:16, 2 Sam. 23:18). The breadth (width) of Noah’s house was 50 cubits. The word “breadth” means to broaden, enlarge, and to make room. Here we see a concept of giving breadth and expansion to God’s presence in our lives (Is. 54:2). We become enlarged to make room for His glory! Our house contains His abiding! (Of course, fifty represents Pentecost and liberty/Jubilee. At Pentecost we receive His power to become enlarged into the formation of His image.) The height of Noah’s Ark was 30 cubits. Thirty represents maturity, completion, and consecration. God longs for us to grow into the full stature of the pattern Son, (Eph. 4:13). Each of us become a sanctuary, the dwelling place of God built in accordance with the pattern revealed (Ex. 25:9). We frail (earthen/human) vessels possess the precious treasure of the grandeur and exceeding greatness of His power (2 Cor. 4:6-7 AMP). We contain His name, His nature, His likeness and image. In Isaiah, the Lord asks, “Where is the house that you will build Me?” Oh what a question for believers in the last days – we are so busy being busy. And God continues, “Where is the place of My rest?” (Is. 66:1) The Lord yearns to birth a new paradigm – an abiding place of His rest…. In me — in you – and in those who embrace His word. Rest is not inactivity, but the ceasing from our own works (plans & schemes) and entering into His work. We are his building Each individual house becomes fitly framed (Eph. 2:21) – and fitly joined one to another (4:13) in order to become the total habitation of God – the measure (metron or limited portion) of the stature (as big as) the fullness (completion) of Christ. He alone is the measure that determines our boundaries. 1 Cor 3:9, For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry (garden), ye are God's building (KJV). The corporate company of believers (“we are”) becomes God's garden and His building. Paul then tells believers how to build their lives with what they learned. He describes three types of builders: the wise man (vs. 12,14), the unwise (15), and the foolish (vs. 17). The wise work is solid and enduring, the unwise is not lasting, and the foolish work does not belong to God. Whether we desire a natural or spiritual house, in both cases building must occur. We build our beliefs and value systems – these color every experience that funnels into our central nervous system. Just like we interpret a game of sports differently depending on which team we support – we discern opportunity and failure depending on our frame of reference. Our interpretation of circumstances tends to dictate our future ability to make decisions. The problem of instability erodes our structure whenever we build our lives and ministry on false (sandy) foundations. 1 Cor 3:10-15, I (Paul) laid a foundation (Jesus) as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it (that’s you and me!). But each one should be careful how he builds…. If any man builds on this foundation (Jesus) using gold, silver, costly stones (wise building), wood, hay or straw (foolish building), his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light (or declare and make it plain)… and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward… NIV Salvation is a free gift. Rewards are earned or lost. The quality of our choices is the criterion (what sort it is KJV). Natural elements build the NATURAL houses. WOOD: Hag 1:4 Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled (wood paneled) houses, and this house lie waste? (KJV) Scripturally, wood always represents human nature – wood will only build a natural house. For instance, a tradition of a church may require certain dress codes — but that practice produces a “wood builder” lifestyle. If you go along with it, you’ll soon LOOK LIKE A MERE “MAN” INSTEAD OF LIKE GOD’S HOLY HOUSE. HAY: Ps 129:6 Let them be as the grass (hay) upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up: STUBBLE: Exod. 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. Spiritual elements required to build the SPIRITUAL house. GOLD Gold represents Deity and building with God's authority/ wood is building upon your humanity and authority. Every choice you make is either IN WOOD or IN GOLD. SILVER Silver is harder than gold. The trumpets and lamp stands in the tabernacle were silver. Silver speaks of living in functional redemption – while hay speaks of trying to live on the deadness (withered grass) of the word. PRECIOUS STONES Speaks of the jewels of priest’s chest plate, the believer’s crown, and the adornment of the Bride that is valuable and enduring versus stubble that is ultimately worthless. Every choice we make is either in the natural (IN ADAM) or IN CHRIST. The quality of the construction of our building will be determined by our choices (decisions). Trouble is, it’s not always obvious whether we’re building with wood, or precious stones! All of us have at one time or another, built out of wrong motives, wrong teachings, or just plain made mistakes! Therefore, in order for our building to turn out correctly, God will BURN UP any effort of ours that can BURN. God seeks HIS building – THROUGH US. Anything else will be burned up. Building to Finish: We’ve been learning about Wisdom’s incredible overall plan (2 Tim. 1:9); it is the design of all things – the preparations, controlling factors, and circumstances — that guide us to the perfect will of the Father. This plan was laid out before the beginning of time (2 Tim. 1:9). It is a holy calling — not because of anything we have done but because of “His own purpose and grace” (2 Tim. 1:9). Prov 24:3 teaches us that…. Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. (TLB) “Any enterprise,” (any project) must be built by wise planning. Wisdom allows you to anticipate and plan for what is needed to finish the project. Jesus becomes the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Here again we notice the emphasis upon organizational planning. Perhaps this sounds secular to you – but it’s a Bible foundation used from before the onset of time. A plan is made. Luke 14:28 asks which of us intending to build a tower wouldn’t sit down first and count how much it will cost and then see if we have enough funds to finish it. Jesus said His food was to do the will of the Father and to finish His work (John 4:34). Wisdom demands the determination and aptitude to finish the expected plan of God. Wisdom provides the competency to react accurately and effectively in order to accomplish our assignments. Planning and scheduling helps us value our lifetime – which is holy time. We need to sit down, count the cost, and decide how we’ll finish. Ask yourself, am I really going to be a full-fledged, whole hogged, never compromising Christian? It won’t be easy. It’s not enough to just start the job of building your life; you’re supposed to finish it. Then others won’t say “This man began to build, and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:28-30). Before his death, Paul evaluated his life saying, “I have fought a good fight (he kept on going no matter in spite of obstacles), I have finished my course (that which was determined for him to accomplish was completed), I have kept the faith…” Obviously, this lifestyle required a daily self-denial. But the reward is never-ending. In His timelessness, God looks back from the end to show us the way toward the goal. He leads us from being “there” already. We don’t have to be afraid of the unknown. From the vision of completion we can fashion an effective NOW that continuously unveils the intentions of God and invades our personalized future. The Holy Spirit comes to lead us to that finished place. **Write Romans 11:33, 16:25. Wisdom’s actions: Cries (8:1-3) Stands (8:2) Calls (8:4) Speaks (8:4-9) Reproves (8:5) Abhors sin (8:7) Admonishes (8:10) Searches (8:12) Hates (8:13) Counsels (8:14) Advises (8:15) Loves (8:17) Leads (8:20) Blesses (8:21) Rejoices (8:30) Delights (8:31) Builds (9:1) Cooks (9:2) Plans (9:3) Invites (9:5) Her two hands We’ve been watching Lady Wisdom build a house with the intention to finish it. Now, let’s notice what she holds in her hands while she builds. She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her (Prov 3:15-16). Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor (Prov 3:1-2). Notice that Wisdom has TWO hands. She holds long life in her right hand and in her left are riches and honor Verse 16 repeats the Wisdom’s rewards, My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. NIV Wisdom dwells with prudence, and finds out the knowledge of witty inventions… (Proverbs 8:12). Joshua was instructed to turn not to the right hand or the left (Jos. 1:7) – and in like manner, we are not to pursue what she holds in her hands. We seek first the kingdom of God (invisible and intangible wisdom) and then all things (tangible and visible held in the hands) will be apparent (Matt. 6:33). Paul speaks of a similar theme when he told Timothy that all men should “raise (both) their hands without wrath (anger) or doubt.” (Doubt comes from the pressure of daily life.) Lifting our hands signifies that we yield ourselves and let go of this present world and it’s circumstances. Once we let go of anger and disbelief, then we can hold on to what wisdom holds — long life is in our right hand and in our left is riches and honor. Again, in 3 John we read, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper (left hand of wisdom) and be in health (right hand)…” The balanced contents of wisdom’s two hands are our inheritance as we passionately seek Christ, Who is our Wisdom. God will show you: God will show you how to build. “For the Lord giveth wisdom…” (Prov. 2:6). Paul wrote that God “Made known to us the mystery of His own will... (Eph. 1 9). He’s gonna’ let you know! Understanding that our plan is summed up in Christ, makes this wisdom known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places. The job of the church is to reveal Christ and His wisdom to the world (Eph. 3:10-12). Wisdom (the living out of Christ’s abiding purpose) is available for you — in this lifetime. It’s hidden for you to find. Be assured, you can find God’s will for your life. King Solomon said that wisdom was the most important thing — above all, we're to “get it.” Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold… Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom … NIV ** How can you “get wisdom?” Think of one way to do it today. Inside every believer dwells The Wisdom of the ages. Wisdom manifests itself through proper accomplishments. Wisdom, in the deepest sense, is the divine gift that enables us to practically live and become Christ-like. It means that intelligent and sensible godliness results from properly discerning God's purposes. Wisdom cries out to you again today. When you heed her cry, your life will be changed. If you hear her, she will, “Speak of excellent things, and the opening of her lips shall be right things” (Prov. 8:5-6). Let’s continue our definition: Wisdom = the attribute of God that’s given to believers to enable them to build. Wisdom = the faculty of our SOUL that fears God, knows God, and understands His will. Hebrew terms for wisdom 1. Hokma has the special meaning of "dexterity, and skill" in an art (cf. Ex 28:3; 31:6; 36:1-2). It also and more generally means intelligent, sensible, judicious, endued with reason and using it (Deut 4:6; 34:9; Prov 10:1; etc.); skillful to judge (1 Kings 2:9). Thus the Wisdom of Solomon is manifested in his acute judgment (3:26-28; 10:1-8, 5:12; 1:2). Skill in civil matters (Isa. 19:11), interpreting dreams and prophesying (Dan 5:11). Chockma = the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time. The consistency of making the right choice is an indication of maturity and development. As an attribute of God, wisdom is intimately related to the divine knowledge, manifesting itself in the selection of proper ends with the proper means for their accomplishment. Thus, redemption is a manifestation of divine wisdom (Rom 11:33; 1 Cor 1:24; Rev 7:1). Wisdom existed before: (Proverbs 8) God’s creations (22). The beginning of this earth (23). The depths and fountains of water (23-24). The mountains and hills (25). The earth, fields, and dirt of the world (26). Wisdom existed at God’s side and watched Him create the world (Prov. 8:27:31). She saw Him separate the waves on the 2nd day and form the land on the 3rd. Wisdom rejoiced at the work that God did (3:19-20). Wisdom knew the objective of this creation was humanity and understood the mediative role between humanity and God. (R.B.Y. Scott suggests 8:20 be translated, “Then I was beside him binding (all) together.” Wisdom brightens (ENLIGHTENS) a man’s face and changes its hard appearance. Eccl. 8:1
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