35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children."
Jesus, addressing the rejection of the Pharisees and the “experts” in the law in regard to John and Himself, gives a powerful statement on results. We are to check out the proof – examine the life – wisdom will be proved right by His followers. Wisdom, skill, aptitude, expertise, deep understanding, and insight are divinely bestowed gifts having in them the nature of the Author who, of course, is the Source of all wisdom. Paul tells us in Colossians:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col 2:1-3 (NIV)
The Bible Knowledge Commentary states: "Knowledge is the apprehension of truth; wisdom is its application to life. Knowledge is prudent judgment and wisdom is prudent action. Both are found in Christ whose wisdom is foolishness to the world, but who is the power of God by which a believer receives “righteousness, holiness, and redemption”. Paul gives us insight in Romans regarding the wisdom and knowledge of God:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Romans 11:33 (NIV)
God’s wisdom is vast and beyond measure. Proverbs chapter eight is a grand chapter on the wisdom of God and well worth the investment of our time to read through. I have “cherry picked” a few of the verses to whet our appetites! 1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; 3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: 4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. 5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Prov 8:1-5 (NIV) 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Prov 8:10-11 (NIV) 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity. Prov 8:17-18 (NIV) 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. 36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." Prov 8:35-36 (NIV)
Our choices are wisdom, which leads to life, or folly, which leads to death. Hmmmm... Wisdom is certainly getting my attention! Wisdom displayed in a life is actually the embracing of, the ensuing indwelling of and the “fleshing out” of Christ’s life in the believer. Christ is our Supreme example of wisdom in the flesh. We are told to follow and walk as He did enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit – this is our confirmation that we belong to Jesus: This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.1 John 2:5-6 (NIV) Not an easy task for sure yet nevertheless commanded. I suppose that is what is meant by the word “all” in our verse for today! To demonstrate or show ourselves to be just, righteous and upright evidences that Wisdom (Christ) reigns within us. 6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)