The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom

By Christopher St John

Everyone admires wisdom. We would define Wisdom as "the ability to make good decisions." The dictionary says it this way; wisdom is the " quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment, or insight." I think the overwhelming majority of us believe we are wise. But we are comparing ourselves one to another and missing the truth of the foundation of wisdom altogether.

Proverbs chapter 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table; She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city: "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks understanding she says, "Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed. "Forsake your folly and live, And proceed in the way of understanding."

Wisdom is as a living being who lives in a house built by herself, set upon seven pillars upholding her at her foundation. She has prepared a table of fellowship for all who would come. She has delicacies with wine, blessings for all. She has sent out her invitations and you have one sent to your home; as do I. We love to take hold of the riches of wisdom and the fame of wisdom; so we say we are wise and we are crafty in our ways. However we are deceiving ourselves if in all of our wisdom we are not dwelling in her house supported by all of the seven pillars.

This book takes a look at what I believe could be the seven pillars of Wisdom and their applications. These are qualities all humans have the ability to acquire and practice. Do we want to have a fear of God? Why has the Church lost its power? Who am I in Christ and this world? How do I obtain true knowledge? What is truth? How can I become a person of Wisdom?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher P St John
• Release date: Apr 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386052616

Book preview

Why Wisdom; Why Me?

GOD CHOOSES THE FOOLISH things of this world to show forth His glory. In me, He has chosen the foolish to teach His wisdom to. I had always considered myself smart and therefor wise; but I was instead foolish and crafty. I gave my life to the Lord yet still depended upon my own understanding to get through the questionable ares of life. I thought I knew wisdom. I didn't even know what wisdom was.

Proverbs tells us the fool says in his heart there is no God. This statement simply implies every fool says there is no God. But I believe there is a more challenging and equally accurate understanding for this statement. As I read proverbs I was able to identify and understand  many characteristics of a fool. It had become evident to me that I was a fool; and the fact is, I did not see God in many areas of my Life. When I read this proverb " The fool says in his heart there is no God" I began to see the actions  I performed at times, as symptoms of believing God was not involved in my life. I was portraying by my actions a belief that there is no God involved or concerned in my life in these areas. This lack of confidence or faith in Him was my handicap. I was unaware  God was speaking in every area of my life, and I was not hearing Him. I now listen for His voice as I continue to learn how He is speaking to me. I am trying to walk in faith through my actions. This same scenario plays out in all of our lives. We believe in God; but there are areas of our lives  we maintain control over. Our insecurities will separate us from His blessings as long as we fail to follow His ways in each area. I know I have increased in wisdom and I continue to try to walk in wisdom. Still, since I do not see a standard by which to compare myself, a height obtained by which I can say I now qualify as a wise man and not a fool; I acknowledge that I am on a trek to perpetually grow in wisdom.  I do not know if I am more qualified as a fool or a wise man today. I peer in the mirror of God's word and I am much less foolish than I was 3 years ago, while I remain a fool in comparison to His wisdom.

I originally saw myself as a reasonably wise man. I actually took pride in my assessment of myself. However, my desire to travel toward wisdom increased as I read proverbs and saw myself to be a fool. I knew that I wanted to change. So I decided to set out on a journey to become wise.  Any traveler will acquire a map that will point the way to his/her destination. My map is the Word of God. I looked at Proverbs to show me the way to become more wise. Looking at this map I can both see how far I have traveled, and acknowledge there is a great distance still to go. My focus is on the destination. Looking back from where I came does not propel me forward; but it does encourage me that I am going the right way.  Jesus tells us we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. We must see ourselves in the light of God's Word to know what our true complexion is. My pride ,which was now moving me toward Jesus, was among the characteristics that would have to bow to His Lordship.

This is how my journey started. As you continue to read please remember God's word is infallible. Don't take it too lightly. You will be like a man carrying a sack of gold dust with a hole in the bottom; when you go to purchase your treasure you may find you can afford much less than you intended to purchase. You may disagree with me, but be sure you align your beliefs with God's words.

It is my goal to inspire insight, encouragement,and understanding in the reader.

Anatomy of Wisdom

" skillful wit, understanding and intelligence acted upon that is fundamentally rooted at the heart of an individual; by which, he/she will prosper and experience success."

Everyone admires wisdom . We would define Wisdom as the ability to make good decisions. The dictionary says it this way;  wisdom is the " quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment, or insight ."  I think the overwhelming majority of us believe we are wise. But we  are comparing ourselves one to another and missing the truth of the foundation of wisdom altogether.

Proverbs chapter 9:1-6  Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;  She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table;  She has sent out her maidens, she calls From the tops of the heights of the city:  Whoever is naive, let him turn in here! To him who lacks understanding she says,  "Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed.  "Forsake your folly and live,  And proceed in the way of understanding."

Wisdom is as a living being who lives in a house built by herself, set upon seven pillars upholding her at her foundation. She has prepared a table of fellowship for all who would come. She has delicacies with wine, blessings for all. She has sent out her invitations and you have one sent to your home; as do I. We love to take hold of the riches of wisdom and the fame of wisdom; so we say we are wise and we are crafty in our ways. However we are deceiving ourselves if in all of our wisdom we are not dwelling in her house supported by all of the seven pillars.

Proverb 4:19  The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."

I believe we often take action without wisdom. We think we are alright. We even think we have done the right thing. But as consequences take place we are not blessed with the results we were hoping for. Myself, I had many areas of my life where I thought I was doing alright. However, I was finding myself in so many rough circumstances and I couldn't see what was causing my problems. I often concluded that the problem was due to spiritual warfare. It perhaps had been. But warfare is not over my finances, relationships, or family nearly as often as it is over my pursuit of God's basic principles in my life. I knew I was compromising many decisions in my life and accepting it through rationalization. Perhaps it was in my filing taxes or watching tv shows. It could have been from me telling a little white lie or  walking away with credit I did not deserve. But I certainly was not set firmly on truth and the consequences of my shaky foundation were coming at me in such a fashion, I could not tell which untruth was causing which unwelcomed result.

As I was reading through proverbs, I noticed in Proverbs 9  wisdom has 7 pillars. A pillar is a structural support. It provides stability and ensures the structure is in right standing. If we remove pillars we are probably going to see the structure topple. If the pillars, which operate as a foundation, remain in good repair the structure will remain stable. Therefor it stands to reason  if I establish these pillars in my life wisdom would become dominant and I will no longer be walking foolishly. In fact I will be able to dine at the table and enjoy the fine delicacies and wine; the sweet fellowship of God.

So I needed to find what the seven pillars of wisdom are. I wanted to find how I can see them established in my life.

Proverb 25:2  It is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search out a matter.

Jesus spoke often in parables so people would have to search for the hidden truth. He often said let him who has ears,let him hear. The beginning of Proverbs tells us one purpose of the book is to teach us to understand proverbs and hidden sayings of the wise. It is not surprising to see God has given us a book to help us to hear and understand riddles and proverbs and Jesus came speaking in proverbs and parables. Hearing Jesus and learning wisdom requires an effort on our part. We must set our heart to seek for it.  I have spent many years trying to identify these 7 pillars. I cannot say that I know for certain I have all of them disclosed; but I have gained a great deal of knowledge and understanding of 7 characteristics of wisdom which I think can benefit you and have benefited me.  I see these characteristics operating hand-in-hand. I am calling them the seven pillars of Wisdom.

Wisdom is in essence an ability to be lead by God in our relationships, business transactions, and handling of personal wealth. It is in fact the vehicle by which we follow God in all areas of our life. Wisdom has many promises for those people who are willing to apply themselves to hear the teachings of wisdom. It is a life long pursuit which pays great rewards; but if we ignore wisdom we will not see blessings which were destined for us to enjoy in our life.  These would be blessings our Heavenly Father would love to give us. Listen to some of the blessings wisdom has in store for you.

Proverbs 2:6-8  For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,  Guarding the paths of justice,

And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Proverbs 2:20-21  So you will walk in the way of good men And keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will live in the land And the blameless will remain in it;

Proverbs 3:1-26  My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;  For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.  So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.  Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;  So your barns will be filled with plenty

And your vats will overflow with new wine.  My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord

Or loathe His reproof,  For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.  How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding.  For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold.  She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.

Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant ways  And all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.  The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, By understanding He established the heavens.  By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew.  My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion,

So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.  Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble.  When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.  Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;  For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.

Wisdom is not simply having the ability to make right or good choices throughout life. Wisdom is not the gift of being really smart. It is not a characteristic given to some people and unattainable by others. Wisdom, in simple terms is the ability to hear God and to act appropriately in response. Remember, Jesus said to let him who has ears, let him hear. God gave all of us ears. It is His will that all of us are hearing. Wisdom is attainable by all of us; because in as much as it requires our desire and effort, it is accomplished through God and a relationship with the Holy Spirit. We all are growing in Wisdom as we grow closer to Jesus. But we can do things which enhance our growth. The pure fact is the pursuit of Wisdom is the pursuit of God's will.

There are 6  Hebrew words that are translated as wisdom in the bible.

biynah - Biynah means simply, understanding or knowledge. Proverbs 23:4 tells us to cease from our Biyna, understanding or knowledge of wealth.

sekel- Sekel is discretion ,intelligence, knowledge, policy, or procedure. In Chronicles 22:12 David told Solomon only God give you sekel, wisdom and charge over Israel so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.

tushiyah- means to substantiate or support by understanding. Job 12:16 Job declares,with Him (God) are strength and sound wisdom, tushiyah.

Sakal- means intelligent, consider,expert,instruct,prosper.  Notice the words expert and consider in this definition. It implies a use or a skill, an effort being put forth. Proverbs 1:3 says wisdom, sakal, is to receive instruction in wise behavior.

leb- a form or condition of the heart. It refers to feelings, will and intent. It is referring to the center of anything. Proverbs 10:21 says the lips of the wise,leb, or righteous feed many. Proverbs 11:12 translates leb as a man of understanding. They are speaking to heart conditions, the center of an individuals will.

chokmah- Is the word most often translated as wisdom in scripture. This means skillful wisdom, wise use or wit. This is so significant as it implies wisdom is used carefully and with practice. It uses wit which implies that there is something to be observed, something not generally obvious being presented. Immediately I think of the parables Jesus taught and of the many parables in Proverbs itself. It is with this wisdom, chokmah we will understand the many blessings of wisdom. Therefor, note, we are to practice the skillful wit ourselves.

I would define wisdom as skillful wit, understanding and intelligence acted upon that is fundamentally rooted at the heart of an individual; by which, he/she will prosper and experience success as they pursue the presence of the Lord. Wisdom is almost like a living organism that by reason of use, teaches the individual using it. By using wisdom our eyes and ears are opened to acknowledge hidden things that were before virtually unobserved.

" It is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search out a matter." Jesus declared many times let him who has ears let him hear. He is declaring what He had said has hidden meanings. The bible is packed full of  messages hidden behind messages. Life is packed full of messages hidden behind messages. Our lives are parables being lived out before us. Let those of us who have ears, let them hear.

I want to share with you what I have found out as to how we can hear with our ears. I believe  all of us operate in a degree of wisdom. A simple example of this would be as a man who grabbing a live wire gets shocked. He will only grab that wire so many times before he determines grabbing the wire is producing a result he does not want. Then he will stop grabbing the wire. Many of us go through life being shocked by live wires we have become entangled in. We are being shocked so often we don't even know what wires are causing the shock. Proverb 4:19 says that "the way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble." Please do not be offended by the term wicked being used here. Our righteousness is in Christ. And even now as we are not walking in perfect relationship with Him we are therefore walking in a degree of imperfection. It is by seeing myself fitting the description of a fool where I am able to see my way out of my foolishness. It is by seeing  I am walking in a degree of wickedness or unbelief, where I can see how to be restored. I think it is fair to say as I learned of wisdom I realized how foolish I was. I also have been able to see degrees of unrighteous behavior as I acknowledged I was reaping unrighteous fruit. It is through seeking wisdom  I have been able to learn to discern unrighteous fruit. I also learned I can expect many blessings as I walk in wisdom. I believe understanding wisdom is the key to hearing God's voice. God's voice is always rooted in wisdom. The fact is, the sheer anatomy of true wisdom is intricately entwined with and in Christ. That is, it's very nature is in God. To know wisdom is to know God. I believe God has given us the tools we need to learn to know wisdom in Proverbs. These tools ,I believe, are learned in practicing to lean on the seven pillars of wisdom.

" It is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search out a matter."

I have spent years trying to identify these 7 pillars. I cannot say  I know for certain that I positively identified all of them; but I have gained a great deal of knowledge and understanding. I see these characteristics operating hand-in-hand throughout the scriptures and our lives. These are the seven pillars of wisdom as I understand them.

1)  The Fear of the Lord 

2)  Humility 

3)  Righteousness

4)  Knowledge 

5)  Understanding

6)  Discernment

7)  Prudence

The fear of the Lord is a hard subject to explain without redefining the word fear. Fear is not a negative force in itself. The affects of fear can be very negative though. If we perceive God as someone who is to be feared in the manner we have grown to understand fear, we can easily see Him as someone who is overbearing or over demanding, prepared to deliver judgment on all of us that fall short of His requirements. The fact is, we have fallen well short of His requirements as mankind and God's response to our predicament was to send Jesus, His only son, to pay the price for our sins. In doing this Jesus paved a way for us to be reestablished in a relationship with God. From the ashes of deserving eternal punishment we have been given the gift of adoption into the family of God. Along with our adoption we have been given the Holy Spirit as a seal to our salvation; Who is to lead us into all truth. By this, we also have been given the ability to walk in the nature of God. The art of wisdom has been put within us and we can walk in it. That was our Fathers response to our short coming. He is not waiting to crush us; He is in the  process of restoring us!

If we define fear as it is used in the Bible, we can understand why God tells us to have the fear of the Lord. Fear is the knowledge or perception of an entity, force or situation which motivates you to respond to it or face consequences administered by such entity. We are encouraged not to be afraid of man. Because the fear of man will motivate us to act outside of God's will. We are encouraged and instructed to fear God. The fear of God will motivate us and encourage us to listen to Him and stay on a safe and steady path with the Holy Spirit. It will keep us attuned to the instruction of God and emphasize the value of His word.

In the letter to the Romans , Paul is encouraging the church to know that those in authority are not a cause of fear for those practicing good behavior, but for those practicing evil.

Romans 13:3,4  3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.