SERIES: MY LIFE WITH GOD
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Life Reference: Proverbs 9:1-10
Focus Verse:
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven
pillars” (Proverbs 9:1).
It is a great compliment when someone remarks,
“She is a very wise person.” We interpret this to
mean that the person is intelligent, careful, farsighted, and has good judgment. All are very
desirable traits to possess.
Life Reflection:
Think of someone you consider a wise person. What characteristics does this person
possess that causes you to think she is wise?
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SERIES: MY LIFE WITH GOD
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
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The Bible speaks much about wisdom. Vines Expository Dictionary says the Hebrew
word "wise" means "a mastery of the art of living in accordance with God's
expectations." This definition goes beyond society’s definition. Wisdom is a trait we
should value and desire in our lives.
What Is the Source of Wisdom?
The Bible clearly provides the answer to this question.
•
“From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of
understanding … God understands its way, And He knows its place … And
to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to
depart from evil is understanding’” (Job 28:20, 23,28, NKJV).
•
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of
the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Within this context “fear of the LORD” refers to awe, reverence, honor, and respect.
The Book of Proverbs provides numerous contrasts between a person who is wise
and one who is foolish. From the various passages we soon discover that wisdom is
essential for a successful life, especially a successful life in serving God.
•
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy
getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).
Life Reflection:
In reading Proverbs 9, what are some of the differences we see between wisdom and
foolishness? List them below.
Wisdom
Foolishness
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SERIES: MY LIFE WITH GOD
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
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•
“Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth
darkness” (Ecclesiastes 2:13).
The House of Wisdom
Any house needs a good foundation to stand strong. Once a good foundation is laid,
the rest of the building can be safely erected. Wisdom’s house, as we have learned,
is founded upon the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:1 tells us that also reinforcing the
structure of wisdom are seven pillars or supports. This passage does not provide us
with a 1-2-3 list of the qualities that comprise wisdom, but a search of God’s Word
provides insight.
James 3 tells us there are two kinds of wisdom: the wisdom of this world (“earthly,
sensual, devilish”) and the wisdom that comes from above. Verse 17 describes the
wisdom from above as follows:
•
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality,
and without hypocrisy.”
It is possible that this verse gives us the key to the seven pillars of wisdom
mentioned in Proverbs 9:1.
Characteristics of Godly Wisdom
Pillar
Quality
Meaning
1
Pure
Undefiled, spotless
2
Peaceable
Peace-loving
3
Gentle
Tender, kind, temperate
4
Easily entreated
Reasonableness; willing to
yield
5
Mercy and good
fruits
Compassionate and helpful
6
Without partiality
Impartial, unbiased,
balanced
7
Without hypocrisy
Sincere, without pretense
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Evident in
my life
SERIES: MY LIFE WITH GOD
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
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Life Reflection:
Using the chart above, which qualities do you feel are evident in your life?
Are there any areas in which you feel you could be stronger?
Who Are Your Friends?
Proverbs 13:20 tells us that we are influenced by those with whom we associate.
•
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools
shall be destroyed.”
Life Reflection:
Have you had a spiritual role model or mentor in your life that you feel displayed
true biblical wisdom? What impact has this person had upon your life?
Life Response:
The seven pillars of wisdom are qualities that we as Christians should strive to build
into our lives. (Read Proverbs 14:1.) Otherwise, our spiritual house lacks strong
support. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God. It is His
desire that we all possess wisdom, and He is the source.
Galatians 5:22-23 describe the fruit of the Spirit. These are qualities that should be
evident in the life of everyone who serves the Lord. It should not surprise us that
many of the qualities mentioned in this passage strongly parallel the characteristics
of wisdom.
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SERIES: MY LIFE WITH GOD
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
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•
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Life Reflection:
Compare the seven traits of wisdom with the nine fruit of the Spirit. How do you feel
they relate to each other?
My Prayer
Lord, You have promised that if anyone lacks wisdom but desires it, we have only to
ask You. I seek Your help in developing these qualities in my life, for You are the
source of all wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I do not desire the wisdom of
this world but the wisdom from above. Your Word tells me that the fool will be put to
shame but the wise person will find honor. My desire is to walk wisely before You and
be pleasing to You in all my ways.
More Life with God References
Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 19:8; I Corinthians 2:13; II Corinthians 1:12.
Bible study written by Mary Loudermilk
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