Seven Pillars of Wisdom:

Seven Pillars of Wisdom:

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon, renowned for his God-given wisdom, speaks of the personification of God’s wisdom and the seven pillars of wisdom’s power to stabilize our lives and put us over in the challenges of life:

“[Pro 9:1 KJV] 1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:”

Here, wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but a living entity, personified as a woman of virtue and strength, a mother figure who constructs a dwelling place. This imagery echoes throughout Proverbs, where wisdom calls out to us, inviting us to partake in the abundance of her provision, guidance, and protection. This is a picture of God’s desire for intimate fellowship with His creation. He wants us to live in His house, with His wisdom.

But this is not just any house. This house is founded upon seven pillars, hewn out with meticulous care by the Master’s hand, embodying not just natural acumen or inside but wisdom as a personification of Himself, upholding our lives with His seven pillars of wisdom vitally connect to who He is to us. This structure is robust and able to weather any storm, just like the house built on the rock, as illustrated by Jesus in Matthew 7. And when we consider the significance of the number seven in Scripture, we see a recurring theme of divine completeness and perfection. Think of the seven days of creation, the seven feasts of the Lord, and the seven churches of Revelation. Seven speaks of God’s perfect work, His finished design.

Christ: The Embodiment of God’s Wisdom

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reveals a profound truth that connects this imagery of wisdom to the very person of Jesus Christ:

“[1Co 1:30 KJV] 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [1Co 1:31 KJV] 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Jesus, the Son of God, is the very embodiment of divine wisdom. He is not merely wise; He is Wisdom itself. In Him, we find the fullness of God’s understanding, knowledge, and counsel. To seek wisdom is to seek Christ, for in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). To know Jesus is to have everything we need.

The Nature of God’s Wisdom: A Substance Beyond Human Understanding

What, then, is this wisdom that Scripture speaks of, and what conclusion might we make as to its place in our lives? It is far more than mere intellect or common sense. It transcends human rationality and goes to the very heart of God. As someone once stated, God’s wisdom is “an indefinable esoteric substance imbued with the personality and sentience of God Himself.“

This wisdom is not a passive quality; it is active, dynamic, and life-giving. It is the wisdom that spoke the universe into existence, that ordered the stars in their courses, and that sustains all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). It is the wisdom that guides our steps, illuminates our path, and empowers us to live lives of purpose and meaning.

The Seven Pillars: Pillars of God’s Character

Now, let us turn our attention to those enigmatic seven pillars. While Scripture does not explicitly define them, we can glean insights from various passages that shed light on their possible meaning.

I. The Seven Pillars as the Complete and Perfect Wisdom of God

The number seven often symbolizes divine completeness and perfection. Therefore, the seven pillars could represent the fullness and perfection of God’s wisdom.

• Benson Commentary: “The meaning seems to be, that wisdom had built a most magnificent palace, supported by seven pillars, that number being put for a great many, as a certain number is often put for an uncertain.”
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: “The number seven as a symbol of completeness.”
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: “The seven pillars denote many, as the number seven does frequently completeness. “

This interpretation suggests that God’s wisdom is not fragmented or incomplete but whole and perfect, encompassing all knowledge and understanding. To build our house on these pillars is to build our life on the all knowing wisdom of God Himself, what better foundation can there be?

II. The Seven Pillars as Symbols of Harmony and Unity

The architectural imagery of pillars supporting a house evokes a sense of stability, harmony, and unity. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s desire for unity and wholeness in His creation. The original language does indeed hint at a broader structure akin to a tent or tabernacle, suggesting a place of gathering and fellowship.

III. The Seven Pillars and the Sevenfold Spirit of God

Another compelling interpretation connects the seven pillars to the sevenfold Spirit of God, as described in Isaiah:

“[Isa 11:2 KJV] 2 And 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;”

This passage speaks of the Messiah, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord would rest in its fullness. This Spirit is characterized by:

1. The Spirit of the LORD: The foundation of all spiritual life and power.
2. The Spirit of Wisdom: Divine insight into God’s purposes and plans.
3. The Spirit of Understanding: Discernment and comprehension of spiritual truths.
4. The Spirit of Counsel: Guidance and direction in making wise decisions.
5. The Spirit of Might/Strength: Power to overcome obstacles and live victoriously.
6. The Spirit of Knowledge: Intimate, experiential knowledge of God.
7. The Spirit of the Fear of the LORD: Reverence, awe, and worship of God.

These seven aspects of the Spirit represent the fullness of God’s character and power, which are made available to us through Christ. They are the very pillars upon which a life of faith and obedience is built. And they are echoed in Revelation:

“[Rev 1:4 KJV] 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;”

IV. The Seven Pillars and the Wisdom from Above

The book of James offers yet another perspective on the nature of God’s wisdom, describing it in sevenfold terms:

“[Jas 3:17 KJV] 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

This wisdom is:

1. Pure: Untainted by sin or selfish motives.
2. Peaceable: Promoting harmony and reconciliation.
3. Gentle: Showing kindness and compassion.
4. Easy to be Intreated/Reasonable: Willing to listen and yield to reason.
5. Full of mercy and good fruits: Abounding in forgiveness and acts of love.
6. Without partiality/Impartial: Showing no favoritism or discrimination.
7. Without hypocrisy/Sincere: Genuine and authentic, free from pretense.

These qualities reflect the very character of God and are the hallmarks of a life transformed by His wisdom.

The Abundance of God’s Wisdom: A Gift Freely Given

The good news is that this wisdom is not an exclusive possession reserved for a select few. It is a gift freely offered to all who seek it. James makes this abundantly clear:

“[Jas 1:5 KJV] 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

God does not withhold His wisdom from those who earnestly desire it. He is a generous Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children. All we need to do is ask, with a sincere heart and a humble spirit, and He will pour out His wisdom upon us.

Review and Reflection

Let us pause for a moment to reflect on what we have explored:

• Wisdom is personified as a woman who builds a house, a dwelling place for God’s presence.
• The seven pillars represent the completeness, harmony, and unity of God’s wisdom.
• Christ is the embodiment of God’s wisdom, and in Him, we find all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
• God’s wisdom is a transformative power that shapes our character and guides our lives.
• The sevenfold Spirit of God and the sevenfold description of wisdom in James provide further insights into the nature of God’s wisdom.
• God’s wisdom is a gift freely given to all who ask in faith.

A Call to Action: Building Our Lives on the Pillars of Wisdom

How, then, shall we respond to this revelation of God’s wisdom? Let us commit to:

• Seek Christ: Make knowing Jesus your highest priority, for in Him is found all wisdom.
• Pray for Wisdom: Ask God daily to fill you with His wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.
• Study God’s Word: Immerse yourself in Scripture, for it is the primary source of divine wisdom.
• Cultivate Godly Character: Strive to embody the qualities of wisdom described in James 3:17.
• Live in Obedience: Allow God’s wisdom to shape your decisions, actions, and relationships.
• Share God’s Wisdom: Be a vessel through which God’s wisdom flows to others, offering guidance, encouragement, and hope.
• Trust in God’s Plan: Rest in the assurance that God’s wisdom is perfect and that He is working all things together for good.

May God grant us the grace to build our lives upon the seven pillars of His wisdom, that we may be a house fit for His dwelling, a people who reflect His character, and a light that shines brightly in a world desperately in need of His truth. Amen!