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The 3 Dimensions of Wisdom

The 3 Dimensions of Wisdom

A

Arthur Aniefiok

editor

3 dimensions of wisdom

THE 3 DIMENSIONS OF WISDOM

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7

One of the greatest assets God has given to mankind is wisdom. Every invention, innovation, institution, and lasting achievement is a product of wisdom. Even creation itself was established through wisdom.

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. Proverbs 3:19

If wisdom was God's instrument for founding the earth, then it remains man's instrument for building every successful venture - whether in ministry, career, family, business, or any other endeavor on the same earth.

What is Wisdom?

By definition I will say that, Wisdom is the ability to accurately apply knowledge, understanding, and experience to achieve the intended results. It is knowing what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and doing it.

For instance, many Believers know that prayer is fundamental for our spiritual wellbeing (knowledge), and they understand why it is important (understanding), but wisdom is actually praying and praying effectively.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." Matthew 7:24

Wisdom is not merely knowing God's Word but applying it. Knowledge hears the Word; understanding perceives its meaning; wisdom obeys it.

As stated in the book, ‘The Plan’, Wisdom begins as a plan in the mind and becomes a plan in motion when it is expressed and acted upon. In other words, a plan in its nucleus form may be called wisdom; but when wisdom is communicated for execution, it becomes a plan.

The work of creation indeed was largely the product of God’s plan (wisdom).

Therefore, wisdom is the true capital of every successful venture. It is the ability to maximize every resource, opportunity, relationship, and season for profitable outcomes.

Many people think money is the capital for success. In reality, money is valuable, but money without wisdom is easily lost, but wisdom can create, multiply, and preserve wealth. As Solomon demonstrated, God gave him wisdom first, and wealth followed. We build by wisdom; We increase by wisdom; We win by wisdom. Wisdom is Truly the Principal Thing because it is the Actual Capital for every successful venture. - So, above all thy getting, Get Wisdom, Get Understanding!

The Different Dimensions of Wisdom

Wisdom operates in different layers:

  • Common Sense
  • Intelligence
  • Revelation

Each dimension is important, but each builds upon the other.

  1. Common-Sense

    This is the ability to make sound, practical judgments in everyday situations. It is the wisdom expressed through observation, experience, prudent thinking, and the right application of what we know. It enables a person to make sensible decisions, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and respond appropriately to the ordinary challenges of life.

    Common-sense wisdom is a gift from God to humanity. It forms the foundation upon which other dimensions of wisdom are built. Although every normal person has the capacity for this wisdom, not everyone develops or applies it.

    This is why it is often said that “common sense is not common” Whenever we discover deficiencies in our thinking, judgment, or conduct, we should not ignore them. Rather, we should seek godly counsel, and intentionally ask for God's help.

    As James wrote:
    "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

    Jesus Himself demonstrated this dimension of wisdom from childhood. The Bible says:

    "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40

    This is the wisdom that reflects God's generosity toward mankind. If this wisdom is not evident in a person's life, the right response is to seek godly counsel, ask God to impart it, and embrace the corrective measures that will nurture its growth and manifestation.
  2. Intelligence (Intellectual Wisdom)
    This is wisdom gained through learning, study, research, training, and deliberate mental development. It enables a person to analyze situations, solve problems, make informed decisions, and develop expertise.

    It is the product of mental and practical development. This is why Paul instructed Timothy:

    "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..." -2Timothy 2:15

    Knowledge does not come by accident. It requires intentional learning. What you know influences what you can do. When you know better, you usually do better.

    An apprentice eventually becomes a skilled craftsman because of continuous learning and practice. Likewise, professionals become experts through years of study, practice and experience. God empowers people with wisdom in different fields of endeavour Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah is also a perfect example.

    "I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." Exodus 31:3

    Again, "Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work..." Exodus 35:35

    Daniel also acknowledged that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, and he gives it to those who seek and value it, who are mentally mobile and intellectually inquisitive.

    "He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding." Daniel 2:20-21

    This reminds us that excellence is spiritual. God delights in empowering diligent people with skill, creativity, and professional competence. As Proverbs says:

    "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." Proverbs 8:12

    God entrusts this dimension of wisdom to those who are diligent, teachable, and committed to learning. Laziness, indifference, and a poor work ethic hinder the development and expression of this wisdom.
  3. Revelation (Hidden Wisdom)
    This is the ‘highest’ dimension of wisdom. It comes directly from God through the Holy Spirit. It surpasses human reasoning and natural intelligence, revealing divine mysteries, hidden strategies, uncommon solutions, and future realities that cannot be discovered by human effort alone. This is the wisdom Paul described as:

    "...the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory." - 1 Corinthians 2:7

    This wisdom is revealed to those who seek God, walk closely with Him, and depend on His Spirit. Daniel operated in this wisdom.

    "Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision." - Daniel 2:19


    "He revealeth the deep and secret things." - Daniel 2:22 Daniel boldly declared before King Nebuchadnezzar:

    "...The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets," Daniel 2:27–28

    Joseph also demonstrated this dimension – the wisdom that caused even a pagan king to recognize the Spirit of God in him and elevate him to a position of extraordinary authority.

    When Pharaoh sought the interpretation of his dream, Joseph answered:

    "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." - Genesis 41:16

    Afterward Pharaoh testified:

    "...Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?... There is none so discreet and wise as thou art." - Genesis 41:38–39

    Jesus Himself ministered and functioned in this wisdom.

    "What wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" - Mark 6:2

    This is the wisdom that distinguishes ordinary people and produces extraordinary results. It is the wisdom that cannot be explained by education, experience, or natural ability alone. Common sense may help you avoid mistakes; Intellectual wisdom can help you solve problems; but Revelational wisdom lifts you above ordinary and positions you to live in Dominion.

    This is the dimension of wisdom in which every believer should desire to operate, especially in a world filled with uncertainty, complexity, and fierce competition. When you function in this realm of wisdom, your results cannot be ignored because they carry the unmistakable signature of God. This is the wisdom ordained for our glory. It stands in a class of its own, unmatched by human brilliance or worldly intelligence. It produces solutions where others see impossibilities, reveals opportunities where others see obstacles, and brings distinction where others experience limitation. However, this dimension of wisdom belongs to those who are joined to Christ. It is in Christ that

    "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).

    Therefore, those who abide in Him and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit are positioned to manifest this extraordinary wisdom for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Commit yourself to Christ and yield to His leading, and you will walk in the hidden wisdom that God has ordained for our glory as believers.