CHOKMAH - WISDOM

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

Proverbs 2: 6 (NIV)

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INTRODUCTION

Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. Wisdom is far greater and it is far better to have than mere knowledge. Chokmah, the Hebrew term for wisdom, talks about the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. It is the ability to see something from the perspective of God, which brings forth the best results.

WHAT IS WISDOM?

Knowledge. Something we crave, seek, and consider important. Many wars have been fought for the lack of knowledge and the opportunity to gain it. It is widely known that if you want to control people, you control their ability to learn, to obtain knowledge. It is considered easy to control those who lack it. But as Spurgeon said, “To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool.” He further mentioned that, “it is knowing how to use that knowledge that is wisdom.” (2)

THE DEFINITION OF THE HEBREW TERM CHOKMAH

It is considered better to get wisdom than gold (Proverbs 16: 16). Scripture also adds that the beginning of wisdom is getting wisdom. (Proverbs 4: 7). The Hebrew term for wisdom is Chokmah. It stands for wisdom that works. (3) 

Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon - NAS gives the following definition of chokmah: 

Chokmah Definition

NAS Word Usage - Total: 153

1. wisdom

   1. skill (in war)

   2. wisdom (in administration)

   3. shrewdness, wisdom

   4. wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)

   5. wisdom (ethical and religious) (4)

ETYMOLOGY AND MEANING

The noun derives from the Hebrew verb Chakam, meaning “to be wise, show wisdom …” and is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge, and to see things from God’s perspective. (3, 5)

Vance Havner said, "If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees! Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is proper use of knowledge." (3)

Wisdom comes from the LORD, as do all other things. The beginning of wisdom is the Fear of the LORD. It is akin to a woman crying for disciples who will pursue her. Someone who diligently seeks chokmah will gain understanding and will benefit in life by walking with God. (2)

WISDOM - THE MORAL FIBER OF THE UNIVERSE

The wisdom we are talking about is not one of a theoretical background, it is rather the ability to discern between evil and good, right and wrong. (3) 

Wisdom is the divinely created system of rules that governs the "moral fiber" of the universe. The first step towards receiving it is believing Yahweh, specifically Yeshua. (3) Yeshua is the wisdom and power of God. (3) Knowing Him is key. And reading the Word of God helps with that. 

CONCLUSION

Wisdom is the knowing of how to use knowledge. It stands for wisdom that works. The prerequisite for wisdom is the fear of the LORD. It is the ability to discern between evil and good, between right and wrong. The Hebrew word for wisdom is chokmah and comes from the Hebrew word chakam. 

Application

Fill us, Heavenly Father, to the brim with your Spirit, with your presence that is the very Source of all wisdom. Let us see things from your perspective and choose the right course of action no matter what. 

SOURCES

1. Image created via canva.com.

2. Jonas W. Chokmah — Unveiling the Biblical Essence of Wisdom. Dec 25, 2020. Available at https://wolkenstein.medium.com/chokmah-a-hebrew-word-you-need-to-know-da62c2a25d64

3. Precept Austin. Wisdom - Chokmah.Sunday, 5.10.2020. Available at https://www.preceptaustin.org/wisdom-chokmah 

4. Bible Study Tools. Chokmah. Available at https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/nas/chokmah.html#google_vignette

5. Bible Study Tools. Chakam Available at https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/nas/chakam.html#google_vignette