|
Class Discussion of Proverbs 8
What is wisdom?
Class opinion was varied on this question. Some of
the answers are listed below. The discussion will continue
next week.
- One way to look at it would be to look at the definitions
and references to "the fool" in Proverbs
and use that to help you understand the opposite,
which is wisdom
- Wisdom is not related to being mentally deficient
- Intelligence is not necessary for wisdom
- It is related in some ways to experience, or learned
from experience
- In contrast, though, in a lot of ways, it is also
encompassed by moving "backward" into a
more 'childlike' wisdom
- Wisdom does not necesarily dictate a complex choice;
can be simple
- We do not gain wisdom through our own actions
- Wisdom in relational in nature
Other discussion questions raised:
- Why be wise? Why get wisdom?
- Is wisdom an "object" that can be "gotten"
or even defined?
- What role do understanding and knowledge play in
conjunction with wisdom?
Notes from Job on Wisdom
(from Life Application Bible, NIV, copyright
1988 by Tyndale House Publishers)
Job, and three of his friends discuss wisdom:
| Person |
Source of Wisdom |
Attitude toward God
|
| Eliphaz |
Wisdom is learned by observing and experiencing
life |
"I have personally observed how God works
and have figured him out." |
| Bildad |
Wisdom is inherited from the past. Trustworthy
knowledge is secondhand |
"Those who have gone before us figured God
out and all we have to do is use that knowledge" |
| Zophar |
Wisdom belongs to the wise |
"The wise know what God is like, but there
aren't many of us around." |
| Job |
God is the source of wisdom, and the first step
toward wisdom is to fear God |
"God reveals his wisdom to those who humbly
trust him." |
|
