Wisdom in Social Settings
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Introduction

Wisdom in social settings is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of discernment, understanding, and righteous conduct in interactions with others. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to navigate social relationships with integrity, humility, and love, reflecting God's character in our dealings with others.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament offers numerous examples and teachings on wisdom in social settings. The Book of Proverbs is particularly rich in this regard, offering practical advice for daily interactions. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This highlights the power of words and the importance of responding with gentleness to diffuse conflict.

Ecclesiastes also provides insight into social wisdom. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 notes, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, his companion can lift him up." This passage underscores the value of companionship and mutual support in social settings.

Wisdom Literature and Social Conduct

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of justice and fairness in social interactions. Proverbs 21:3 declares, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This verse emphasizes that God values ethical behavior and justice in our relationships over ritualistic offerings.

The Book of Job also provides a profound exploration of wisdom in social settings, particularly in the context of suffering and friendship. Job's interactions with his friends reveal the importance of empathy and understanding, as well as the dangers of presumption and judgment.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues the theme of wisdom in social settings, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate example of wise conduct. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the attitudes and behaviors that should characterize His followers. Matthew 5:9 states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the importance of promoting peace and reconciliation in social interactions.

The Apostle Paul also provides guidance on social wisdom in his epistles. In Colossians 4:5-6 , he advises, "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Paul emphasizes the need for wisdom in dealing with those outside the faith, advocating for gracious and thoughtful communication.

The Role of Love and Humility

Central to the biblical concept of wisdom in social settings is the role of love and humility. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul describes love as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. This passage serves as a blueprint for wise social conduct, where love governs interactions and relationships.

Humility is another key aspect of wisdom in social settings. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This teaching encourages believers to prioritize the needs and well-being of others, fostering harmonious and respectful relationships.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and practicing wisdom in social settings. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers are called to embody wisdom through gentle speech, just actions, love, and humility, reflecting the character of God in all social interactions.
Subtopics

Personification of Wisdom

Statecraft: Wisdom In

The Wisdom of God is One of his Attributes

The Wisdom of God: All Human Wisdom Derived From

The Wisdom of God: Beyond Human Comprehension

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Counsels

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Foreshadowing Events

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in His Works

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: His Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Actions

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Afflictions of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Heart

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Infirmities of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Minutest Matters

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Most Secret Things

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Time of Judgment

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Want of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Way of Saints

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Wicked

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Words

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Knowing: The Works of the Wicked

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Redemption

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Searching the Heart

The Wisdom of God: Exhibited in Understanding the Thoughts

The Wisdom of God: Incomparable

The Wisdom of God: Infinite

The Wisdom of God: Mighty

The Wisdom of God: Nothing is Concealed From

The Wisdom of God: Perfect

The Wisdom of God: Saints Ascribe to Him

The Wisdom of God: should be Magnified

The Wisdom of God: The Gospel Contains Treasures of

The Wisdom of God: The Wicked Question

The Wisdom of God: Underived

The Wisdom of God: Universal

The Wisdom of God: Unsearchable

The Wisdom of God: Wisdom of Saints is Derived From

The Wisdom of God: Wonderful

Wisdom

Wisdom Literature

Wisdom of Aholiab

Wisdom of Bezaleel

Wisdom of Daniel

Wisdom of Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda

Wisdom of Ezra

Wisdom of God

Wisdom of Hiram

Wisdom of Jesus

Wisdom of Joseph

Wisdom of Moses

Wisdom of Other Skilled Artisans

Wisdom of Paul

Wisdom of Solomon

Wisdom of the Magi (Wise Men from the East)

Wisdom of the Princes of the Tribe of Issachar

Wisdom of Women

Wisdom: Prayer for Spiritual

Wisdom: Spiritual, from God

Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to

Wisdom: Worldly

Related Terms

Wise-hearted (10 Occurrences)

Wise-men (4 Occurrences)

Over-wise (1 Occurrence)

All-wise (1 Occurrence)

Discerning (29 Occurrences)

Mocker (11 Occurrences)

Conceit (14 Occurrences)

Advisers (22 Occurrences)

Scorner (12 Occurrences)

Suggestions (9 Occurrences)

Prudent (40 Occurrences)

Magicians (16 Occurrences)

Stupid (20 Occurrences)

Shrewd (14 Occurrences)

Scoffer (11 Occurrences)

Discernment (43 Occurrences)

Skillful (42 Occurrences)

Skill (26 Occurrences)

Discretion (20 Occurrences)

Brutish (12 Occurrences)

Consultation (8 Occurrences)

Arioch (6 Occurrences)

Senseless (22 Occurrences)

Magi (4 Occurrences)

Skilled (44 Occurrences)

Ability (34 Occurrences)

Discern (49 Occurrences)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Simple (40 Occurrences)

Purposes (67 Occurrences)

Suggestion (25 Occurrences)

Advice (52 Occurrences)

Cunning (43 Occurrences)

Plans (55 Occurrences)

Kill (310 Occurrences)

Dark (234 Occurrences)

Diligently (85 Occurrences)

Men (18419 Occurrences)

Meaningless (32 Occurrences)

Prudence (9 Occurrences)

Bar-jesus (1 Occurrence)

Beth-lehem (49 Occurrences)

Barjesus (1 Occurrence)

Bezalel (10 Occurrences)

Builds (18 Occurrences)

Compared (29 Occurrences)

Counsellors (21 Occurrences)

Conjurers (7 Occurrences)

Counselors (21 Occurrences)

Aholiab (5 Occurrences)

Admonition (8 Occurrences)

Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences)

Astrologers (9 Occurrences)

Sensible (15 Occurrences)

Standards (14 Occurrences)

Season (101 Occurrences)

Star (16 Occurrences)

Designs (118 Occurrences)

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)

Consult (27 Occurrences)

Succeed (47 Occurrences)

Discipline (63 Occurrences)

Mary (50 Occurrences)

Amen (74 Occurrences)

Builder (33 Occurrences)

Puts (197 Occurrences)

Companion (44 Occurrences)

Sense (195 Occurrences)

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)

Assemblies (48 Occurrences)

Blindness (7 Occurrences)

Sayings (134 Occurrences)

Becometh (82 Occurrences)

Considered (80 Occurrences)

Slow (43 Occurrences)

Determined (89 Occurrences)

Wisdom in Social Interactions
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