We have seen how the ancient considered wisdom as the art of learning how to succeed in life. They understood that there was orderliness (pattern, order) to the world in which they lived and that success and happiness came from living in accordance with that orderliness.
So wisdom is about solving life matters efficiently
It is a state of attainment and not accomplishment
We saw wisdom (Hebrew – Chokmah, Greek Sophia) as a compound quality that consists of knowledge and ability to effectively/profitably use it.
Problems in marriages, homes, fellowships, business is traceable to lack of wisdom (Pro.1:26-31; 8:17-20, 32-35; 24:3,4).
DAY I Wealth of Wisdom: we looked at various areas of life where wisdom is expressed; and the 3 kinds of wisdom.
DAY II Wonder of Wisdom: we saw the character and manifestations of wisdom that should thrill one to desire her.
Today, we are considering the Wings of Wisdom
The WING is an appendage with essential functions viz –
- Locomotion
- The wings are the fastest means of locomotion
- So wings denote swiftness/speed (Dan.7:4-6)
- It is symbol of strength (Isa.40:31)
- It also symbolizes deliverance (Con. Exo.19:4; Ps.55:6)
- Others:
- Protection –under the shadow of the wings (Ps.17:8; 61:4; 91:4; Matt.23:37)
- Defence – used to fight off intruder.
We are therefore considering what gives wisdom speed (of operation) strength and security.
The answer lies in our texts Mal.4:2; 1Cor.1:30
1Cor.1:30 – But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us
WISDOM, and …
Mal.4:2 – But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing (marpe mar-pay curative cone: a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidity:- Healthy (5x) Remedy (3x)
in His WINGS (kanaph kaw-nawf – extremity, border, edge, flap).
In Num.15:37-40 – The Lord commanded the Jews to attach fringes (tassels) to the borders (kanaph) of their clothes to remind them of the commandments and as a sign of HOLINESS.
Hence Samuel’s declaration on King Saul (1Sam.15:27) and David’s sorrow over action towards King Saul (1Sam.24:4,5).
Bible scholars inform that the numerical value of the tassels, (tsitsit) coupled with the number of knots and strings used to make the fringes is 613; equal to the number of commandments in the Torah. So the wings represent the TOTALITY OF GOD’S WORD.
The Jews understood the symbolic meaning of the tassels on the edges of the messiah’s garment and went for it (Matt.9:20; 14:36).
The Sun of righteousness has been made WISDOM unto us and He still has healing on HIS WINGS.
- The wings give lift, speed, strength and security.
- Wings (kanaph) is symbolic of the Word of God
Therefore, the Word of God will give strength, speed, security to wisdom (Heb.4:12; 1Tim.1:18; Jn.15:7; 8:31,32; Ps.1:1-2; Jos.1:8)
The Word of God contains ‘particles of the Spirit’ and releases zoe to the eaters (Jn.6:63).
Can you rise to repent of the neglect of God’s word? Sinners who flout, saints who don’t read, study, meditate (Ps.119:165).
Can you then decide to be addicted to the word for therein lies the key to success in your pilgrimage.
Hence wise men were the first to seek Jesus (the Word).