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Life Is Ruled by the Wisdom of God, Rely on It in Death

Concluding what has become one of the most debated sections of scripture, Paul can’t help but praise God, writing: “Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). God is wise. Though one of God’s communicable attributes, throughout the Bible God’s wisdom is often tied to his work of creation and the continued governing of all that he made (Job 38:36; Proverbs 3:19; Jeremiah 10:12; Psalm 104:24; 1 Corinthians 1:21).

Our world is bustling but it isn’t chaotic, because there is a God wisely ruling over it.

So, as we consider what it means for God to be wise, creation is a good place to start. Our world is bustling but it isn’t chaotic. There is purpose and order. This is because there is a God wisely ruling over it. Let’s briefly consider God’s nature as Creator and his continued providence over the creation, probing the depths of God’s wisdom. My hope is that readers will take comfort from the wisdom of God, both for life and in the face of death.

God’s Wisdom is Incomprehensible

Firstly, no one can fully grasp God’s wisdom (Isaiah 40:28). He is infinite. Thus our finite minds cannot fully comprehend him. Theologians, scientists, astronomers, and the rest of the schools of thought cannot fully understand God’s natural and special revelation. God is infinite and we are finite. What we gained in science is certainly marvellous. Yet, we soon realise that science cannot exhaust the infinite wisdom of God in creation. Nor can the Bible get across the riches of his wisdom, hence Paul’s praise already mentioned.

We See God’s Wisdom in Creation

Following the previous point, the remarkable design and clear intention in creation displays God’s infinite wisdom (Psalm 136:5). Our world is marked by order. Consider our bodies. All their parts are immensely interconnected contributing to our health and well-functioning. Or think of the food chain, which provides sustenance and a place for each living creature. If it was unbearably cold or hot, we could not have survived. God has shown immense wisdom in doing so. Where could he have learned such wisdom? He is the beginning and the source of all wisdom.

God is the beginning and the source of all wisdom.

But God didn’t only create an ordered world; he created everything out of nothing. For there was nothing before God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). No pre-existing materials. No matter from which to fashion anything. God didn’t work off of blueprints. Nor does he consult another. All that we see is the result of his independent, uninfluenced work of creation.

The Wise God Governs Our World

Finally, God’s continuing command over creation shows his wisdom. Nature obeys him. Earthquakes occur and the sun comes out at his command. He issues wealth and poverty, health and sickness, famine and prosperity, peace and warfare. Even what seem like aberrations happen at his direction. We die without our consent or advice.

In God’s wisdom, nothing is wasted. No suffering is arbitrary.

In all this, there is none who can question him. For God is the wise creator and ruler of the world (Job 9:12). He is altogether right and just. In his wisdom, nothing is wasted. No suffering is arbitrary. Even death is more than a result of the fall. The death of Christ is a prime example of this truth, and God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).

God is all wise. Therefore we should glorify him, asking for wisdom in our own dealings, while always trusting him as he providentially rules over all things.

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