Wisdom Is a Person

Wisdom is proved right by her deeds. - Matthew 11:19

It may be a little strange to think this way, but Jesus spoke of Wisdom as a person. He uses the feminine pronoun to refer to “her” in this verse. Jesus was in keeping with a long line of believers who did the same, particularly the authors of the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Starting in Proverbs 8:1 and running all the way to Proverbs 9:6, Wisdom is personified. And she’s personified as if she is God - existing before time, participating in creation, calling all people her children, etc.

So it’s no wonder that in the above verse, Jesus refers to himself as Wisdom (that’s clearly the context of what he’s saying). Perhaps this is a new or different way for you to imagine God - as Wisdom incarnate in Christ. It’s not just that Jesus is wise (though of course that is true) - it’s that Jesus is Wisdom.

As was mentioned in the message yesterday, this may be merely interesting for some of us, may be deeply challenging to others, and may be quite comforting for others. Wherever you find yourself, explore a bit of why that is so. Pay attention to what happens in your heart and soul as you pray through this song, which the Dolmages led us in at the end of the service:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Turn your eyes upon Wisdom
Look full in her wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of her glory and grace