In Part one we discussed how Wisdom is older than the universe itself and a fundamental principle to its design. There is not an aspect of God’s creative order that isn’t touched by Wisdom’s hand. But what or who exactly is Wisdom. Was Wisdom a created being of some sorts? Was Wisdom a concept or construct? Was Wisdom actually Jesus? Well, we have some clues in the immediate passage of Proverbs 8:22-31. But, as is often the case, the body of the evidence pertaining to what or who this Wisdom was is revealed progressively in the pages of Scripture, particularly in the New Testament.
Wisdom was by God’s side during creation
In the poetry of Proverbs chapter eight, Wisdom, as an excellent lady, says that she was right next to the Creator, “like a master workman” (v. 30). That was essentially an architect, engineer, and artisan, assisting the Creator with the process. This role speaks to excellence, order, precision, and rationality. In fact, if all of those qualities were a person, then Wisdom would be that person. So in essence, the Wisdom that is personified in Proverbs chapters one, three, and eight, is a poetic way of describing the character of God by which He created the universe. It’s easy to see why some early scholars would conclude that this was a reference to Jesus Christ in a preincarnate state.
Jesus Christ was, in fact, the incarnation of that divine person through whom God made the world.
Consider these New Testament passages that reveal more about this role and relationship.
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3
- For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe . . . but we preach Christ crucified . . . Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God . . . 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.” I Corinthians 1:21-24, 30-31
- [Christ Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17
- . . . to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3
- Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power . . . And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the world of your hands” Hebrews 1:1-3, 10
- And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.’ Revelation 3:14
The Apostle Paul describes this role and relationship as a “mystery” (Col. 2:2). All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, God’s eternal Word (Logos). Everything in creation was made for Him and by Him. Christ is also God’s eternal Wisdom and Power. He was and is God’s cosmic mediator– “he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).
The Wisdom of Proverbs chapter eight is the very eternal Wisdom of God that would be bodily lived out in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Wisdom was God’s delight
The workman beside the Creator, His very Wisdom, was “daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man” (Proverbs 8:30-31). The idea of delighting and rejoicing speaks to joy and satisfaction. God, before creating the universe, delighted in Himself. God in His very essence is joy and delight. In the original language, delighting and rejoicing carry the idea of laughter. Uninhibited, uncaused, uncreated laughter of delight. Satisfaction, first and foremost, with His own character and wisdom–a wisdom that was on grand display in the creation of the cosmos.
In the final part, we will consider why Wisdom is needed in every aspect of life. Until then, check out www.wisdomcalling.org where you can learn more about the mission of Wisdom Calling, to order a copy of Volume I and Volume II of the devotional series, listen to the podcast, or read previous posts. Feel free to reply to bobo@wisdomcalling.org with any questions or feedback.