Wise
Wisdom appears as both human skill and divine gift.
In the source passages, 'wise' describes both human figures and a divine attribute. Eve desired the tree to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). Pharaoh sought wise men to interpret his dreams (Genesis 41:8) and later called Joseph discreet and wise (Genesis 41:39). The term also applies to Egyptian magicians (Exodus 7:11) and to skilled artisans filled with wisdom by God for constructing the tabernacle (Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:10; Exodus 35:25; Exodus 36:1-2, 4, 8).
Quick Facts
- Gifts blind the wise
- Exodus 23:8
Lore & Background
The first mention of wisdom in these passages is in the Garden of Eden, where Eve sees the tree as desirable to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). This wisdom is associated with forbidden knowledge and leads to disobedience. Later, in Egypt, Pharaoh calls for all the wise men of Egypt to interpret his dreams, but none can (Genesis 41:8). Joseph, however, is recognized by Pharaoh as discreet and wise because God has shown him the interpretation (Genesis 41:39). In Exodus, the term 'wise' appears in multiple contexts. Pharaoh calls wise men and sorcerers to compete with Moses (Exodus 7:11). The Israelites are warned that a bribe blinds the wise (Exodus 23:8). Most prominently, God fills certain individuals—Bezaleel, Aholiab, and all who are wise-hearted—with wisdom to craft the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:10; Exodus 35:25; Exodus 36:1-2, 4, 8). This wisdom is explicitly given by God for sacred work. A political use of wisdom appears in Exodus 1:10, where the new king of Egypt proposes to 'deal wisely' with the Israelites to suppress them. This shows wisdom can be used for oppressive strategy as well as for divine service.
Reader's Guide
The passages portray wisdom as a multifaceted concept. It can be a human aspiration, as when Eve desired the tree to make one wise (Genesis 3:6), but that pursuit led to sin. Wisdom is also a recognized quality in human counselors: Pharaoh sought wise men (Genesis 41:8) and acknowledged Joseph as uniquely wise because God revealed knowledge to him (Genesis 41:39). In Exodus, wisdom is both a natural human attribute that can be corrupted—bribes blind the wise (Exodus 23:8)—and a divine gift. God explicitly puts wisdom in the hearts of artisans for the tabernacle work (Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:6; Exodus 35:10; Exodus 35:25; Exodus 36:1-2). This wisdom is practical, enabling skilled craftsmanship. The Egyptian magicians are also called wise men, but their wisdom is associated with sorcery and enchantments (Exodus 7:11). Finally, wisdom can be used for political manipulation, as in the plan to 'deal wisely' with the Israelites (Exodus 1:10). Thus, the passages show wisdom as neutral in itself, but its source and use determine its moral value.
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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