Job asked, “Where is wisdom to be found?” It’s a good question, but an even better question might be, “What is ‘wisdom’?” These days we hear the adjective more than the noun: wise woman, wise words, wise government officials–well, admittedly, we don’t hear those words in combination too much. I wonder if that says something about our times: we understand the characteristics of wisdom (what it looks like) without understanding it.
The Bible doesn’t make that mistake. A quick glance at my concordance shows many more references to wisdom than to wise, which only makes sense. The main character of the Bible is the source of wisdom.
Still, what is it? This week’s survey of Job, Psalms, and Proverbs is aimed at answering that question. (We’ll look at Ecclesiastes next week, and as for the Song of Songs, I’m not wise enough to fit that one in!) For this week’s scripture passages, discussion questions, and activities, click below:
(This is a continuation of a series of posts about the “whole story” of the Bible. I plan to run one every week, on Tuesdays, with a printable PDF. The printable includes a brief 2-3 paragraph introduction, Bible passages to read, a key verse, 5-7 thought/discussion questions, and 2-3 activities for the kids. Here’s the Overview of the entire Bible series.)
David’s reign ended with an ugly scramble for a successor, but God already had someone in mind. Once again, he passed over the older sons to settle on a younger one–a boy who may have been overlooked in the mad scramble of palace intrigue, but who, we are told, was loved from birth (II Sam. 12:24). Solomon was known for wealth, wit, and wisdom–and later for women. But his place in redemption history was secured by what he built.