“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
(1 Corinthians 1:24)
The displays of God’s wisdom are as infinite as God himself, for his wisdom is an essential aspect of who he is. For this reason, exploring the nature of his wisdom allows us to understand his character more deeply, as his wisdom is part and parcel to his essence.
First, we should understand that the wisdom of God includes an exact and perfect knowledge of Himself and all his creation, as well as his ordering and disposing of them in the most effectual manner to the glory of his own name. As Ephesians 1:11 notes, “According to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”
Extraordinary wisdom can be appropriated to man by God, as God chose to do for Solomon (1 Kings 4:29-34). But man’s wisdom is so slight by comparison that it cannot even be quantified against the wisdom of God. As Romans 16:27 states, God alone is wise. Whatever wisdom can be found in any other creature, be it angels or men, is all derived and borrowed from God. For God is wisdom and the source of all wisdom as Isaiah 40:14 declares, “With whom took he counsel? And who instructed him and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?”
As God’s wisdom emanates from his essence, it is as incomprehensible as God himself. As Romans 11:33-34 tells us, “Oh the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” For this reason, his wisdom is perfect… not only in the sense that it is without flaw; it is also perfect in the sense that it is comprehensive and complete. As an example, his wisdom and knowledge extend to every otherwise undetectable speck on every nucleus of every atom that ever has and ever will exist… simultaneously (Heb. 4:13). In fact, the infinite nature of his wisdom is such that any other “wisdom” by comparison appears utterly foolish, as Job 4:18 states, “And his angels he charges with folly.”
But as Paul states in our text in 1 Corinthians 1:24, there is yet a more notable facet of God’s wisdom displayed in the person and work of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Here Paul describes Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” And that same apostle, in reference to the most glorious display of the wisdom of God through his Son, describes Christ as the one “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” (Col. 2:3).
So regardless of the nature or extent of the storms that surround us, the wisdom of God is sufficient reason for God’s children to be comforted and encouraged, for even the “foolishness of Christ” is wiser than any and every man, as well as whatever invention that man can produce (1 Cor. 1:25).
Finally, when we seek wisdom, we do well to go to the source of all wisdom. As John Flavel said, “The study of Christ, and of the Scriptures, is to be preferred to all other studies in the world,”[1] for it is only in Christ Jesus that “all the treasures of wisdom, and knowledge” are found (Col. 2:3).
Contemplations:
- O Lord Jesus, you are a Friend indeed, for you know how to rescue me, no matter where or how I falter. I may weep and mourn over sin, over circumstances, over all difficulties, but you are the wisdom of God that knows how to lead me in the righteous way.
- Lord, help me that my faith may not be built on the wisdom or power of man, but on the wisdom and power of God.
- Lord Jesus you are the same, yesterday, today, and forever. You are without beginning or end of days. You are the word by which the world is made. Of the Son it is said, you “laid the foundation of the earth,” For you are the wisdom and power of God.
- Lord, help my faith hold fast to Christ Jesus who is the Light, and Wisdom, and Power of God, for it is only then that you will be exalted over all the works of my hands. Then I will know your blessing; for to him belong the dominion and honor of my heart and my life, as he is worthy of it forevermore.
Further References for 1 Cor. 1:24:
1 Cor. 1:18; Rom. 1:16; Col. 2:3; Acts 17:3
[1] John Flavel, An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism, (London: Printed for Tho. Cockerill, 1692), 14.
