The concept of Divine wisdom in Christianity
Divine wisdom in Christianity encompasses a multifaceted understanding of God’s profound knowledge and insight. It is recognized as both a personified entity offering moral guidance and a representation of the divine's inherent intelligence governing creation and spiritual truths. Various traditions, including Eastern Orthodoxy and the Catholic Church, emphasize Divine wisdom as a source of spiritual nourishment, moral clarity, and the understanding of the natural order. Ultimately, Divine wisdom serves as a guiding principle, leading believers toward deeper faith and comprehension of God's nature.
Synonyms: Sacred knowledge, Spiritual insight, Transcendent wisdom, Celestial wisdom, Profound knowledge, Godly wisdom, Celestial knowledge, Spiritual understanding, Heavenly insight, Transcendental wisdom, Religious wisdom, Enlightenment, Insight, Sagacity, Discernment, Understanding, Omniscience
In Dutch: Goddelijke wijsheid; In Finnish: Jumalallinen viisaus; In Spanish: SabidurĂa divina; In German: Göttliche Weisheit; In Malay: Hikmah Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig visdom; In French: Sagesse divine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine wisdom'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Divine wisdom is demonstrated by the creation of things from nothing, and then bringing them to perfection.[1] (2) This refers to the knowledge that the angels need to consult to understand the actions of the higher power regarding various kingdoms and individuals.[2] (3) It is said of Divine Wisdom: "She reacheth from end to end mightily, and ordereth all things sweetly" (Wis. 8:1), as referenced within the text.[3] (4) This refers to the intelligence of the divine, and it inflicts pain to prevent fault, suggesting a prioritization of moral well-being over physical suffering.[4] (5) The Divine wisdom determines the proper measure of grace, which is like that of other forms, and is essential to the understanding of theological concepts.[5]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) This is a form of wisdom that one of the companions of St. Francis soared towards, similar to the eagle, suggesting an intellectual and spiritual ascent towards understanding.[6] (2) This refers to the wisdom that Friar Giles is believed to be filled with, according to the lawyer, indicating its perceived contrast to worldly knowledge.[7] (3) Divine wisdom was revealed through the mouths of the simple, as it is God who openeth the mouth of the dumb and maketh the tongues of the simple to talk very wisely.[8] (4) This is what the individual drank from the fountain of, within the sacred breast of the Saviour.[9] (5) A spiritual insight that allowed both St. Louis and Friar Giles to understand each other's hearts without words.[10]
From: The city of God
(1) The knowledge and understanding that is believed to come from a higher power, and that can guide individuals in making sound decisions.[11] (2) The wisdom that judged certain signs and earthquakes sufficient when the law enjoining the worship of one God was given.[12]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) God's inherent understanding and management of the universe that ensures order and appropriateness amidst human choices.[13]
From: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi
(1) The higher understanding and insight that comes from God, valued above worldly knowledge.[14]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This term signifies the belief that God's plan is manifest in various aspects of life, including marriage and family, as well as in the practice of celibacy.[15] (2) This is something that can be given to those in need, along with worldly wealth, according to the apostle's wishes.[16] (3) The wisdom that the more numerous and simpler class of believers are unable to comprehend, and must entrust themselves to God and the Saviour.[17] (4) The Apostle Paul sought to penetrate into the depths of divine wisdom and knowledge, yet was unable to reach the end, exclaiming in despair and amazement.[18] (5) The only refuge, then, which remains for him who would reach the portals of salvation is divine wisdom, which is a source of protection.[19]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Divine Wisdom is a personified entity that offers gifts and warnings, and her voice is often met with indifference, leading to heavy judgments and the consequences of folly.[20] (2) This refers to the teachings and knowledge associated with God, contrasting the role of Christ as a teacher of spiritual truths with His actions of healing, which were a significant part of His life.[21] (3) The choice of this is considered the truest good, and if chosen, other things will be received as a result, but not if sought first.[22] (4) The text mentions that the contrast between humanity's restlessness and the lower creatures' contentment seems like a mystery and an arraignment of this.[23] (5) A precious insight and understanding given by God, encompassing moral clarity and spiritual empowerment that shapes conduct.[24]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The writer of Wisdom promises to disclose the mysteries of this to readers, similar to the Apostle Paul's approach, within the context of the Apocrypha.[25] (2) A concept in Jewish literature that personifies Wisdom and alludes to a complex understanding of God beyond merely a single entity.[26] (3) The characterization of God's love and its implications for the mutual relationships defined in scripture.[27] (4) The beauty and order of the world are recognized as evidences of Divine wisdom and power.[28] (5) The understanding and clarity that comes from God, enabling individuals to interpret and endure their experiences in light of faith.[29]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The concept representing God's knowledge and insight, conveyed through the speaker Solomon in the Ecclesiastes narrative.[30] (2) God's inherent knowledge and judgment that guides the selection of what truths are revealed in Scripture.[31] (3) A concept that denotes the intelligence and purpose behind the choice of Hebrew as the language for the Old Testament revelation.[32]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The intelligence and insight that arranged the components of the Old and New Testaments after a single coherent plan.[33] (2) The intelligence and understanding of God that influences the production of the Scriptures through human authors.[34]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The inherent intelligence and governance of God, guiding rulers and lawmakers in the establishment of just laws.[35] (2) God's inherent understanding that guides his actions and decisions regarding creation.[36] (3) The intelligence behind the universe's design and variety; it ensures the existence of diverse forms and functions in nature.[37] (4) God's perfect understanding and knowledge that guides his actions and decisions in the world.[38] (5) The understanding and discernment exercised by God in managing the affairs of the world and the beings within it.[39]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) Divine wisdom is a characteristic possessed by the first Order of holy Angels, who also have the streaming distribution of it, as described in the text, which details their attributes.[40] (2) Celebrated as at once bestowing and providing spiritual nourishment to those approaching it.[41] (3) The understanding and knowledge that emanates from the divine nature, guiding theological inquiry and belief systems.[42] (4) The source and essence of all knowledge and understanding that exists beyond the limitations of human intellect.[43] (5) A higher, unfathomable understanding attributed to the divine, which can encompass and lead back individuals to the understanding of true love.[44]
Gnostic concept of 'Divine wisdom'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) This refers to the Sophia, which is the Divine Wisdom that the Ophites believe in, and is rejected by other groups of people.[45]