And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (ESV)
A commonly used definition for wisdom is: The ability to use knowledge and experience to make good judgments and decisions. Though there are exceptions, the general rule is that wisdom is a quality obtained over a period of time.
Wisdom is an admirable quality and should be diligently sought. When God appeared to king Solomon he said to him “Ask what I shall give you.” Solomon’s request was the he would be given wisdom and knowledge (2 Chronicles1:7-13). Solomon later urges us to get wisdom (Proverbs 4:5). He even urges us to buy wisdom (Proverbs 23:23). In other words obtain wisdom at all cost. Solomon also wrote that it is God who gives wisdom (Proverbs 2:6). James concurred when he said, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 ESV)
The scriptures clearly communicate to us that wisdom is something to be obtained. However, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul elevated wisdom from something not only to be obtained, but to a person: Christ Jesus who became to us wisdom from God. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). He was in the beginning with God and created the universe by wisdom (Proverbs 3:19; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3). As such he is all wisdom and the giver of true wisdom. Through his word, all who come to Christ Jesus through faith are made wise unto salvation. However, that is not the main point that Paul is expressing in chapter one of First Corinthians.
Even though all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ (Colossians 2:3), Paul’s main point is that Christ [crucified] is the wisdom of God. “Christ crucified is the sum and foundation and price and certainty of God’s wisdom toward us. He has become wisdom to us.” (John Piper)
The crucifixion of Jesus looked foolish to the world, especially to the Jews. They were looking for a king to rescue them from Roman rule. However, the man they thought would be the one to do this was shamefully nailed to a cross. Many were no doubt embarrassed that they had put their faith in him. Even many, if not most, of the Jewish religious leaders who claimed to be wise in the law did not perceive Jesus as God’s Messiah. The Roman soldiers, known for their mighty strength and fighting ability, considered Jesus weak and many of them mocked him for his claims.
God did not use the wisdom of this world to bring salvation to mankind. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 ESV) If man could accomplish is own salvation he could and would boast in it. But, in God’s wisdom the world will neither know him nor be saved through human wisdom, but only through the preaching of Christ crucified. Christ crucified remains a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24 ESV)
Are you depending on your own wisdom to know God and be saved?
Scriptures for meditation:
Galatians 6:14