The Hebrews were not the only ones in the ancient world who appreciated and collected wise sayings. Israel’s neighboring nations also obtained knowledge and valued wisdom in a certain sense. In 1 Kings 4, we observe how the wisdom of King Solomon was compared to that of other wise men in his day.
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom” (v. 29-34).
As this passage reminds us, unbelievers possess wisdom in a certain sense. It’s not unreasonable to assume that Solomon learned from his pagan neighbors. And in the same way Christians—including biblical counselors—can benefit from knowledge which comes from non-Christians [1]. However, while we can appreciate that God blesses unbelievers with a type of wisdom, it is important to recognize how biblical wisdom is unique.
True Wisdom is Grounded in Relationship to the LORD
The wisdom of Solomon recorded in Proverbs is not merely a manual for practical success in life. Real wisdom involves skillfully living before God. The climactic declaration in the prologue is, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7a). The English word translated LORD is the covenant Name for God, YHWH. All true wisdom is grounded in our relationship to the LORD God. Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom was grounded in his covenant relationship to the LORD. The “natural man” is unable to desire or understand such things (1 Cor. 2:14)—however insightful they might be. Man’s wisdom is inherently limited apart from God’s Spirit and Word. Those who reject the LORD are spiritually foolish. “Fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7b).
Good Observations, Faulty Interpretations
An intelligent unbelieving Egyptian, Babylonian, or modern American may make profound observations about what he calls nature, but he does not correctly grasp the meaning of what he observes. All creation is made by God for His glory and our good (Psalm 19:1ff). As Paul tells the Romans, those who suppress the knowledge of God in creation are darkened in their understanding and futile in their thinking.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things” (Romans 1:18-23).
Good Advice, Flawed Ambitions
A secular financial advisor may agree with Proverbs that debt is dangerous (Prov. 22:7) and that hard work pays off (Prov. 10:4). But the financially savvy unbeliever foolishly misuses the prosperity he gains. He saves seeking earthly security; he consumes seeking pleasure; and he builds seeking to make his name great. But as Ecclesiastes reminds us, all such ambitions are vain. He will die. His possessions will turn to dust. His name will be forgotten. Biblical wisdom gives us a much higher purpose. The aim of life is not to make oneself rich, happy, and famous, but rather it is to please and glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31, 2 Cor. 5:9). God’s people avoid debt and work hard, but not merely for earthly success. We work, give, build, and even consume to the glory of God and with thankfulness (Eph. 6:5-8 1 Tim. 4:4-5). We store up treasure which is secured forever in heaven (Matt. 6:18-20).
True Source of True Wisdom
One of the most remarkable things about the book of Proverbs is how it points to Christ. God’s Wisdom in creation is described in language which describes the eternal Son of God who was present in creation (Prov. 8:22-31, Jn. 1:3). He is greater than Solomon (Matt. 12:42) “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). He speaks with perfect wisdom, and He alone exemplifies wise living. He atones for our foolish sinful failures by His death on the cross. And He makes us wise through our union with him (1 Cor. 1:30). Proverbs invites those who are naïve to find wisdom in Christ (Prov. 1:20ff).
The wisdom in Scripture is unique. There is no true wisdom apart from the Lord. “The wisdom of their wise men shall perish” (Is. 29:14). God’s Word does not merely teach us how to be successful during our few years on earth. Biblical wisdom teaches us how to live in covenant relationship with the LORD in this life as we look forward to being with Him forever.
[1] For a more detailed discussion of specific ways biblical counselors can appropriately utilize knowledge from outside of Scripture, along with cautions, refer to my talk on “The Use of Common Grace Knowledge in Counseling.”
Hear more from Jim Newheiser on the topic of wise counsel from Proverbs at this year’s Summer Institute. Tickets on sale now!
