Henry H. Halley, author of Halley’s Bible Handbook, believed “the Bible to be the most priceless possession of the human race”. In 1611, the King James Version made it available to the whole world. Gideons International, known for placing Bibles and New Testaments in hotel rooms and other strategic locations, make scripture available to many. John 16:13 states, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” Praise be to God for this “pouring out of the Holy Spirit” through the priceless possession of the printed Word of God.
The Bible is God’s letter to man. His words are written down for all to read. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). He that has an ear let him hear the words of God. To hear in the ear, the mouth must speak it. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) God’s word is for every man, woman, and child. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you understand the words of God. You may not remember all that you read, but the Holy Spirit will. Read God’s word aloud. Think of the Bible as a puzzle. Allow the Holy Spirit to put the pieces together for you.
Occasionally I come across women in the jail who have a hard time relating to God as a man for various reasons. I think it important to look at the nature of God. No earthly father measures up to the goodness and kindness of our heavenly father. The Bible identifies God as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, all of which are male. He is infinitely more complex than we are, and yet He created us in His likeness and image. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female. He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Of all created, humankind is wonderfully different from all else. Although it is not accurate to view God as a woman, the Bible does speak of His feminine side. God’s wisdom is personified as a female in Proverbs chapters 1-9. Wisdom is one of the characteristics of the Spirit.
The Spirit of wisdom:
God is the Almighty, the omnipotent Creator of all. He is a consuming fire as stated in Deuteronomy 4:24, 9:3 and Hebrews 12:29: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”, “Therefore understand today that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire.”, “For our God is a consuming fire.” In addition, God is three “he’s” in one “who”, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Within the Holy Spirit are seven characteristics attributed to God. Revelation chapter 4 speaks of seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God. “And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” (Rev. 4:5) The seven lamps of fire are the seven spirits of God which Isaiah 11:1-2 states the Messiah will have: “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Of these, wisdom is most important as stated in Proverbs. “Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom. In all your understanding get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7). “For wisdom is better than rubies (jewels, money, material possessions) and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” (Prov.8:11). Wisdom is one of the spirits in Jesus and she glorifies Him.
The call of wisdom:
Pay attention. Wisdom is calling. “Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city, she speaks her words: ‘How long you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you.” (Prov. 1:20-23). “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (Prov. 2:6). “Happy is the (person) who finds wisdom, and the (person) who gains understanding.” (Prov. 3:13).
The Excellence of wisdom:
Proverbs 8 talks of the excellence of wisdom. Read it aloud. Proverbs 9 speaks of the way of wisdom. Read it aloud. Read all of Proverbs chapters 1-9 aloud. Remember, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 4:5-9: “Get wisdom. Get understanding. Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. In all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
Wisdom of the Word:
Eternal life comes not in the wisdom of this world, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:5.) The reading of God’s word aloud is vital to the spiritual health of every believer. By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers “might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:14.) He that has an ear let him hear what God speaks through the scriptures. Spiritual wisdom comes with everlasting rewards. The Word of God is a priceless guide that points to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24.) Jesus “will stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10.) Amen! Having wisdom, knowledge, and understanding apart from Jesus will put you in outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Knowing Jesus and helping others is the rent we pay on earth for the room in Heaven. It is not what you know it is WHOM you know.
Monty Spencer, Assistant Chaplain Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Lisa Hunter