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 man in the East until Solomon came on the scene. He was also a talented musician. In First Chronicles 15:17-19, he is listed as a singer and percussion instrumentalist (brass cymbals) that helped lead the children of Israel in worshiping the Lord God.
How did Ethan use his God-given wisdom? He used his musical ability to lead others in worshiping before the Lord God of Israel. We can also use our God-given gifts and abilities to participate in, and bless others, during the corporate worship experience.
Daniel ~
Captured as a young man, he was taken into a foreign land to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. "And the king spake unto Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, of the king's seed and of the princes... children in whom was no blemish, but well favored and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science..." Daniel behaved himself wisely before the king and was soon counted among the princes of Babylon.
How did Daniel use his wisdom? Even though blessed with a great deal of knowledge,Daniel humbled himself to serve. When the expectations of the king conflicted with Daniels' moral customs and laws, he appealed to those in authority. We should also do our best to serve those in leadership. If we have conflicts of interest, we can and should make an appeal.
Jesus ~
Jesus - not Solomon - was the wisest man who ever lived! Over and over in scripture, we are shown how the man Who embodied perfect wisdom conducted Himself. "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40
How could the perfect Son of God "increase in wisdom," as mentioned in Luke 2:52? Because He took upon Himself the form of man, He also limited Himself in certain ways. Although He was 100 percent God and 100 percent man at the same time, He continued to learn. Amazing!
There are many others we could mention, but these examples remind us of some important truths: If we "lack wisdom" we are to "ask of God, Who giveth to all men liberally..." James 1:5. As we meditate on His Word and pray for true wisdom, God will gladly answer our prayer.