by Nan Keltie

Created on: October 17, 2009

When the subject of wisdom comes up, we usually think of King Solomon. He was, indeed, a very wise man. In First Kings 4:34, we read, "And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon - even kings from all the earth ..."

But there are other specific people mentioned in the Bible who were known to have wisdom, too. Let's consider them, and how they used their wisdom to benefit themselves or others:

Bezaleel ~

During the design and construction of the tabernacle, God told Moses that Bezaleel , a man from the tribe of Judah, had been filled "with the spirit of God in wisdom, and in understanding and in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works in gold and silver and brass and cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber..." Exodus 31:2-5

Bezaleel was a master craftsman who applied his skills to beautify the tabernacle. He had the help of a man named Aholiab, who was of the tribe of Dan. Together, they would teach others who would assist with the detailed work God had assigned to them.

How did Bezaleel and Aholiab use their wisdom? They used it to follow instructions, do excellent work and see that God's design for the tabernacle was carried out perfectly. We can also grow in wisdom as we follow instructions, do our best work and do those things that follow God's perfect plan for our lives.

Joshua ~

Before Moses died, Joshua was chosen as the next leader of the Israelites. God Himself met with Moses and Joshua in the tabernacle, commanding Joshua to "Be strong, and of a good courage, for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them, and I will be with thee," Deuteronomy 31:23.

After Moses' death, we read that Joshua "was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him, and the children of Israel hearkened unto him and did as the Lord commanded Moses." Deuteronomy 34:9

How did Joshua use his wisdom? He was a strong leader, a great warrior and a conqueror of God's enemies. Joshua saw God's hand at work and learned to trust Him. We also learn wisdom when we place our confidence in God.

Ethan ~

He was one of the wisest men in the East, according to the Bible. In First Kings 4:230-31, we read, "And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country ... for he was wiser than all men - than Ethan, the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol and Darda..."

Since Ethan was the first man listed in this group, it's possible he was considered the wisest

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>