Wisdom
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” I Corinthians 2.9-11
I Corinthians 2.9 has been used many times to express the glorious nature of God and heaven. Of all the beauty beheld through the eye-gate, all the blessings perceived through the ear-gate and all that one’s heart can imagine and long for – they all pale when compared to that which God has prepared for those who love Him.
While all of that is true and expressed in various places throughout God’s Word, here, Paul speaks of the difference between human wisdom and godly wisdom. (Greek which translates “wisdom” is “sophia” – meaning simply “the ability to properly apply knowledge to life’s situations”) By application, this wisdom derives its applied ability from the person’s knowledge base. In other words, one’s wisdom can be no more extensive than the knowledge he has gained.
Paul speaks of two different data bases of information resulting in two distinct modes of interpretation.
The Corinthian church was less than wonderfully pure followers of Christ. They based their application of truth upon human standards – especially, what looked good – sounded good – and, warmed the heart. Because of their secular approach to biblical interpretation, the ancient church in Corinth suffered from severe division, sexual immorality, and pride. Because their hearts controlled their thinking, their wisdom allowed for a “if it feels good, do it” philosophy.
As a result, the church condoned many things that were repulsive to the truth of the Gospel and made some serious mistakes. Calling evil good, and good evil, those with a similar mindset could not see the wondrous work of Christ’s salvation. From the lowly to the highbrows, they missed the most important part of salvation and being a part of the family of God.
There is certainly a “wisdom” in the world and another “wisdom” which is hidden from the world. The worldly wisdom leads adherents into error; however, the wisdom offered to the followers of Christ (those who are “perfect” – téleios – those completed in Christ, I Corinthians 2.6) is based upon the work of God’s Spirit as He applies the Word of God.
Can you imagine the gross error made by the elite of the day (“princes of this world”) as they applied their worldly wisdom to the crucifixion of Christ. Although the Cross was ordained from the foundations of the world (I Peter 1.19, 20; Revelation 13.7), those who were in high places were unaware of the Wisdom that controlled the will of God. Following a similar ignorance, the church at Corinth found themselves in gross error and sinful applications.
Today, we have opportunity to make good and righteous decisions as we learn from God’s Word (II Timothy 2.15) and allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide us (John 16.13). Righteous decisions are based upon wisdom found by knowing and applying God’s Word.
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10.3)
Copyright © 2026 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/
FaceBook page: facebook.com/groups/
Website: firstemmanuelbaptistchurch.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@firstemmanuelbaptistchurch?si=bqoLMLz6UMC_-9no