“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” (1 Corinthians 1:19)

“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. ” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

We must keep in mind that wisdom is not just words. Paul was careful to let us know in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that his preaching of the gospel was “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” One of the main distinguishing differences between man and beast is man’s ability to speak or verbalize. It is totally comprehensible and would overwhelm our minds to imagine the amount of “words” that have been spoken, written, or sung in one generation. Most of them have been frivolous, superfluous, and meaningless. This is true even in “religious” circles. We need to be more interested and mindful of the words of the Word than the words of men. Wisdom is not just “words.”

Wisdom is not of the world. In 1 Corinthians 1:20, the question is asked “where is the disputer of this world (age, dispensation)?” Vincent, in his Word Studies in the New Testament, remarks that the disputers were Grecian sophistical reasoners, while the scribes refers to rabbinical hair splitters.

Two words are used for world in 1 Corinthians 1:20. The first refers to this age while the latter refers to the world system at large. Whatever “age” is considered, there have been “the wise,” “the scribes,” and “the disputers.” They have propounded and loudly proclaimed their philosophy, vain deceit, traditions, and the principles of the world (Colossians 2:8). Too many people believe that wisdom is just mental excellence, but believers should realize that:

“Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

Wisdom is a person. That person is the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:30 states:

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

In view of this truth we can see why Paul earnestly prayed in Colossians 1:9, “that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” We should desire to be “filled” with the person of Christ, therefore “filled with wisdom.” We are encouraged in Colossians 2:6:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.”

There is much in the Word about believers walking for the Lord. A believer’s walk is the attitude and activity of a daily life for and with God. This makes the truth found in Colossians 4:5 of utmost importance.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Walking in the Lord and walking in wisdom all become one and the same in light of the Word. In conclusion, it should be added that there is a great need for people to speak or talk for the Lord, by using His Word. Walking and talking are activities that should be used by every believer for the glory of the Lord.

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6)

Wisdom is not mere words of men, it isn’t just mental excellence, it isn’t the philosophy and knowledge of this age, or world system, but wisdom is a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Him? Is He your Saviour?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)