The word chokmah חָכְמָה that we translate into English as “wisdom” is a power-packed word.

Power Packed Words of the Bible

Hebrew words are like a loaded suitcase. Each word is packed with multi-dimensional meaning. Biblical Hebrew is around 8,000 words, while most adult native English speakers use around 42,000 words (according to this study). The same depth of meaning is there. It’s just that in Hebrew each word packs a lot of meaning in.

Chokmah חָכְמָה means Wisdom

Chokmah can be broken down into two parts:

• Koach= potential
• Ma= what is

Thus, it carries the idea of “the potential of what is” or “the potential of what will be.” This is related to the first dawning of infinite light that occurred at creation. The first word in the Torah (the first word of Genesis) is B’reishit, which is translated “In the beginning (God created the heavens and the earth)” In the Targum Yonatan, it is translated “With chokmah (God created the heavens and the earth).” (See this). Psalm 104:24 says “You have made everything with chokmah.”

It carries the idea of God’s creativity and His energy personified.

Wisdom is an attribute of God and is energy that flows from Him.

“His wisdom is in the skies Job 38:36; by it he numbers the clouds Job 38:37; founded the earth Proverbs 3:19; and made all things Jeremiah 10:12 = Jeremiah 51:15, Psalm 104:24; it is with him Job 12:13; not to be found by the most persevering human search Job 28:12,20; he alone knows it Job 28:23; gives it Proverbs 2:6; and shows its secrets Job 11:6.” (See this)

Wisdom in Personified

Scripture personifies Wisdom, who existed before the creation of the world, reveals God, and acts as His agent in Creation. “She was begotten before all things to be the architect and counsellor of God in the creation (Proverbs 8:22-31); she builds a palace and spreads a feast for those who will receive her instruction Proverbs 9:1 (compare Proverbs 9:2-5); she teaches in public Proverbs 1:20; Proverbs 8:1,5,11,12 (see context); gives her pupils the divine spirit Proverbs 1:23; by her discipline simple become wise, rulers rule wisely, and those seeking her are richly rewarded Proverbs 8:14 (compare Proverbs 8:1-21).” (See this)

Jewish Definition

One Jewish definition of chokmah (also transliterated from Hebrew as chochma, chokhmah, chochmah, and other forms, since the sounds are different from English sounds and could be written various ways) is:

“Chochma is defined as the germinal, highly condensed revelation of G-dly light in the highest level of immanence that is in the life force of all creation.”

Chabad.org

Wisdom is Jesus (Yeshua)

According to Scripture all the treasures of wisdom are found in Yeshua (Hebrew name for Jesus). Consider these verses:

• 1 Corinthians 1:24—To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
• 1 Corinthians 1:30—You are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
• Colossians 2:3—In [Jesus] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
• Luke 11:49—Therefore the wisdom of God (referring to Jesus) said, “I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute.”

Wisdom is a Complex Compilation of Character

When you exemplify the wisdom of God and Jesus lives through you who He is (wisdom), then it comes out in a humble (meekness), pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, full of good fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), impartial, sincere kind of way.

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵ This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18

So, wisdom is not arrogant and seeking it’s own self-interest or gain. It stands to follow that wisdom is not an arrogant spewing off of knowledge.

The Art of Not Knowing

…the true litmus test of spiritual maturity isn’t how much you know, it’s knowing how much you don’t know. It’s coming to terms with the fact that God is not an object of knowledge as much as He is the cause of wonder, and that sanctified sense of wonder fuels a holy curiosity to keep learning more about the Creator and His creation.

Mark Batterson in Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

Our Pastor Darrel defined wisdom as this, “Art of Not Knowing” last Shabbat (See the video here). He explained that wisdom is more like an open palm than a closed fist. It involves welcoming new insights.

“He is wise who learns from everyone.”

The Mishna

In over 20 years of teaching people from all over the world, I have found this to be true. I have learned an incredible amount from the vast and varying cultures and perspectives of the amazing individuals I’ve gotten the chance to teach throughout the years. Everyone is an expert in something. Everyone knows more about some things than I do. Everyone is designed to represent and reflect God in a unique way that I can know God better through. While Holy Spirit helps me distinguish between truth and lies, I deeply believe that there is something I can learn from every person on the earth.

When we approach others with wisdom, knowing that there is so much we don’t know, we learn from the heart of God. When we walk in wisdom, we reflect the heart of God (in humility, purity, gentleness, love, joy….). And when we seek wisdom, we find Him.

 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

In summary, the word chokmah חָכְמָה that we translate into English as “wisdom” is a power-packed word reflecting the revelatory, creative light of God at creation and the One who is Wisdom, who came and lived out wisdom for us that He may live it out through us now. When we seek Him, He promises we will find Him.

You Might Also Enjoy:

• Mark Batterson’s Book Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity
• The Power of the Names of God in Your Life
• The Secret to Wisdom and Knowledge
• Crazy Amazing Benefit of the Knowledge of God

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