Wise

Lore & Background

The first mention of wisdom in these passages is in the Garden of Eden, where Eve sees the tree as desirable to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). This wisdom is associated with forbidden knowledge and leads to disobedience. Later, in Egypt, Pharaoh calls for all the wise men of Egypt to interpret his dreams, but none can (Genesis 41:8). Joseph, however, is recognized by Pharaoh as discreet and wise because God has shown him the interpretation (Genesis 41:39). In Exodus, the term 'wise' appears in multiple contexts. Pharaoh calls wise men and sorcerers to compete with Moses (Exodus 7:11). The Israelites are warned that a bribe blinds the wise (Exodus 23:8). Most prominently, God fills certain individuals—Bezaleel, Aholiab, and all who are wise-hearted—with wisdom to craft the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:10; Exodus 35:25; Exodus 36:1-2, 4, 8). This wisdom is explicitly given by God for sacred work. A political use of wisdom appears in Exodus 1:10, where the new king of Egypt proposes to 'deal wisely' with the Israelites to suppress them. This shows wisdom can be used for oppressive strategy as well as for divine service.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray wisdom as a multifaceted concept. It can be a human aspiration, as when Eve desired the tree to make one wise (Genesis 3:6), but that pursuit led to sin. Wisdom is also a recognized quality in human counselors: Pharaoh sought wise men (Genesis 41:8) and acknowledged Joseph as uniquely wise because God revealed knowledge to him (Genesis 41:39). In Exodus, wisdom is both a natural human attribute that can be corrupted—bribes blind the wise (Exodus 23:8)—and a divine gift. God explicitly puts wisdom in the hearts of artisans for the tabernacle work (Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:10; Exodus 35:25; Exodus 36:1-2). This wisdom is practical, enabling skilled craftsmanship. The Egyptian magicians are also called wise men, but their wisdom is associated with sorcery and enchantments (Exodus 7:11). Finally, wisdom can be used for political manipulation, as in the plan to 'deal wisely' with the Israelites (Exodus 1:10). Thus, the passages show wisdom as neutral in itself, but its source and use determine its moral value.

Did You Know?

• Eve's desire for wisdom from the tree is the first use of 'wise' in these passages (Genesis 3:6).
• Pharaoh's wise men could not interpret his dreams, but Joseph was called wise because God revealed the meaning (Genesis 41:8, 39).
• God filled specific artisans with wisdom to build the tabernacle, including Bezaleel and Aholiab (Exodus 31:6; Exodus 36:1-2).
• The Egyptian magicians are also called 'wise men' and performed enchantments (Exodus 7:11).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Wisdom is the ability to think and act with prudence, knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. Wisdom is (practical) knowledge gained through experience and observation." — Wise "Prima sapientiae clavis definitur, assidua scilicet seu frequens interrogatio … Dubitando enim ad inquisitionem venimus; inquirendo veritatem percipimus." — Wise "Constant and frequent questioning is the first key to wisdom … For through doubting we are led to inquire, and by inquiry we perceive the truth." — Wise "Peter Abelard (1079–1142) Sic et Non, Prologus; translation from Frank Pierrepont Graves A History of Education During the Middle Ages and the Transition to Modern Times ([1918] 2005) p. 53." — Wise