Notes of Faith May 16, 2025
Skill for Living
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
1 Corinthians 2:6
In the Old Testament, what did the weavers of priestly garments, the builders of the tabernacle, a person regarded as shrewd, a diviner who could cast spells, tiny insects, a craftsman who built idols, and the pilots of ships have in common? They were all said to have hokmah, the Hebrew word for skill. This same Hebrew word is translated “wisdom” in the Old Testament. In other words, wisdom is skill for living that comes from God.
Wisdom is also the theme of 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 where Paul contrasts God’s wisdom with worldly wisdom. If we look around in our world, we see a definite lack of the skill of living. People are trying to figure out how to live successfully apart from relying on God’s wisdom. Everyone needs wisdom, and James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom when we lack the skills to navigate life’s challenges.
If you lack the skill to solve a challenge you are facing, seek out God’s wisdom in His Word and through prayer.
There is no wisdom but that which is founded on the fear of God.
John Calvin
Prov 9:9-12
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Prov 3:5-7
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
True wisdom comes from God. Man learns, sometimes proclaiming his own wisdom to be truth when it is not. Therefore, let us draw near to the Give of Life and Wisdom to know truth and live by that truth for the glory of God! Reading the book of Proverbs (as well as the rest of Scripture) every day may open your heart and mind to the truth of God!
Pastor Dale