What does the Bible actually say? (Part 4: What to do with the "what)

      Ok, so at this point, we have a list of references and a definition. I have to write everything down in order to keep it organized (or copy and paste it into a document). The question now is, what do we do with said information. I know it can look daunting, but let's take it a step at a time, shall we?

The definition I found that corresponded with the Strong's number H2451 in the concordance was: 

- skill in war; in technical work

- wisdom in administration

- shrewdness

- wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 

- wisdom, ethical and religious

 

     What can we gather from this definition? (Don't be afraid to pull out a modern dictionary if the words are unfamiliar. Strong's definitions were written at an earlier point in time, so their vocabulary was a little different - we don't use some of the same words today.) What can we learn about wisdom? How would you put these different aspects of this word into your own words? I would say that wisdom is a skill that you grow in and it helps you know the best way to do things. Ponder your way through the different aspects of the definition and ask the "how" question. "How would one use this skill in war?" "How would one use this skill in religious or ethical decisions?" "How would one use this skill in a position of leadership (administration)?" 

     As you work your way through these definitions, you find out how incredibly practical wisdom is! (And this is just one of the Hebrew words translated wisdom! But don't get overwhelmed. Start small. Keep it simple.)

     Now that we have a definition, let's take a look at how this word is used in the verses it's found in. My next suggestion would be to write out all of the verses (or copy/paste them) that are in your list and begin to look for patterns or repeat ideas. This will help you categorize the verses and make them more manageable. (I like creating a chart that lists the different references for each of the different ways the word is used - I'm a visual learner.)

Materials you will need:

- Your list of references for this Hebrew word

- Your Bible

- Pen and paper (document)

- Inquisitive mind

[My verses are taken from the ESV.]

 

Proverbs 1:2

"To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,"  

Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 2:2

"making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;"

Proverbs 2:6

¨For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." . . . .

      You get the idea. Keep going. It will be worth your time. Even if you only get through a few of the verses, stop and think about them. Once you have the verses listed out, you can begin to ask the other ¨w¨ and "h" questions like, ¨Where does wisdom come from?" "Who can be wise?" "How do you get wisdom?" "Why would you want it (the benefits)?" "Where and when do you need it?" "What are the dangers of not having wisdom, of not being wise, of not growing in this skill?" "What are the commands attached to wisdom?" "How do you grow in wisdom?" Etc.  Take your answers from the text. You may also think of other places in the Bible that talk about wisdom. Go to those places and ask the same questions of them. 

     Once you get in the habit of even looking up a few verses, the definition, begin asking questions, and begin to grasp how to find out what the Bible actually says, you will begin to grow both in your understanding of the Bible and in your ability to discern when what you're hearing/reading does or does not line up with what the Bible actually says. The Holy Spirit is soooo crucial to this! Don't read it without Him! Invite Him along every time you open the Book! Spend much time in it! Listen to solid Bible teachers who will fill their sermons with Scripture and minimize their own opinions. Listen to men who are willing to walk through the Bible, line by line, and explain it. Listen to men who will be bold enough to say what the text actually says and not insert their own opinions or force the text to match those opinions. Believer, you have the Holy Spirit! You have the ability to grow in discernment! (1 John 2) 

     You're not helpless or hopeless and those fiery darts of deception that Satan shoots your way - extinguish them aided in God-given faith in His truth! You have Jesus standing in front of you before the Father and they are the ones who call you blameless! (Romans 8:31-34). You are to put on or slip into/behind His spotless obedience, against which no accusation can stick! Your mind should daily be renewed with the truth of your salvation and of the divine power to protect it against the lies of the enemy (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 10:3-6). You are to be prepared with the truth of the Word of God and your salvation so that you can easily maneuver the daily terrain of life (Ephesians 6:14-15; 1 Peter 1:13). Learn how to wield the sword of the Word well! (Eph. 6:17) Learn how to stand firm in truth when attacked. Your greatest weapons are the God you serve, His Words, and your communication with Him - prayer. You have to do battle with the Word! Know it! Seek Him in it! Learn, grow in your skill (wisdom?) to use it well! 

     If you have any questions, please leave them below. I should get them via email. You can also find me on Facebook (Lynnette McConnell). I know this has been a LOT of heavy information. I would love to work through it with you, should you have questions. "May the Lord bless the reading of His Word."