346. The Breath of the Almighty Gives Understanding

“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit (that gives) knowledge of the Lord and the fear of the Lord.” Isa. 11:1-2. [Norw.]

The Spirit that gives knowledge of the Lord!

In this we cannot possibly help ourselves, and our human understanding is of no use. We must pray and ask God to give us the Spirit that gives knowledge of the Lord.

Elihu says, “I said, ‘Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” Job 32:7-8. By this Spirit of wisdom he was able to reveal Job’s error better than Job’s three friends. See Job 33:8-11.

“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Deut. 34:9. The Spirit of wisdom is a spirit that equips a person to lead.

David says to Solomon, “Therefore, do according to your wisdom.” 1 Kings 2:6.

Everyone acts according to his or her wisdom. The question is: How deep does their wisdom go, and is it encompassed by the Spirit that gives knowledge of the Lord?

The desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom. “If you delight in thrones and scepters, you rulers of the people, then honor wisdom, so you may be kings eternally!” Wisdom of Solomon 6:20-21.

The Spirit of wisdom will reign eternally. Seek it, and it will give you Aaron’s blossoming rod and will forever destroy all human aspirations for power. Num. 17:7-10.

“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths.” Prov. 2:10-15.

Now Christ has become for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 1 Cor. 1:30. Just as the light drives away darkness, evil will not be able to stand before wisdom.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:13-17.

“Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; she has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table.” Prov. 9:1-2.

Dear brothers! How good it is to dine in this blessed house! Here you will never go hungry or faint of thirst even when the floods come, the storms rage, and Bashan’s oxen roar.

This house is where the counsels of war or peace are developed, so you do not follow your own inclinations when waging the wars of the Lord. 1 Sam. 25:30-34. Read about Nabal and Abigail.

“And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you.” 2 Sam. 5:23-25.

The Spirit that gives knowledge of the Lord rules in wisdom’s house. But outside the house, darkness and ignorance rule. A mighty tempest rages around this house which is the Lord Himself. Psalm 50:3. Inside the house all is quiet. Inside there is feasting with old, vintage wine and slaughtered meat. The table is laid and chairs have been put in order according to each one’s rank and seniority—all determined by their personal faithfulness.

It is a great pity that more people do not find the entrance into this blessed house. The reason must be that the door is very narrow and the entrance low. It hurts to bow down. But if you can manage to bow, welcome in!