which was fast passing away. (Matt. 9:14-16) For a general discussion of skin bottles and their uses, see BOTTLE.

WINNOWING

The final step in separating cereal grains such as barley and wheat from their chaff and straw. After threshing has broken the grain kernels loose from the chaff, and the straw has been cut into small pieces, the whole mixture is winnowed by tossing it into the air against the wind with a winnowing shovel or fork. (Isa. 30:24) The breeze, especially strong in the evening, blows the chaff away, carries the straw off to the side, and lets the heavy kernels fall back onto the threshing floor. (Ruth 3:2) After the grain is passed through a sieve to remove pebbles and the like, it is ready for grinding or storage.—Amos 9:9; Luke 22:31.

Often ‘winnowing’ is used in a figurative sense. For example, Jehovah purposed to send “winnowers” against Babylon and her inhabitants so that these might winnow her. (Jer. 51:1, 2) The “winnowers” proved to be the Medes and the Persians under Cyrus. In effect, they tossed Babylon and her inhabitants into the air, that the wind might catch them and blow them away like chaff to be burned. (Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17) Similarly, as foretold, Jehovah had earlier used Babylon to winnow his people, scattering them in defeat. (Jer. 15:7) And, through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah gave the assurance to his people that the time would come when they would reduce their enemies to chaff and winnow them. (Isa. 41:14-16) At Jeremiah 4:11 a “searing wind” to come against Jerusalem is said to be “not for winnowing, nor for cleansing.” A tempestuous, searing wind would not be suitable for winnowing, so this points to its destructive nature.

WISDOM

The basic terms signifying wisdom are the Hebrew hhokh·mahʹ (verb, hha·khamʹ) and the Greek so·phiʹa, with their related forms. Also, there are the Hebrew tu·shi·yahʹ, which may be rendered as “effectual working” or “practical wisdom,” and the Greek phroʹni·mos and phroʹne·sis (from phren, the “mind”), relating to “sensibleness,” “discretion,” or “practical wisdom.”

For hhokh·mahʹ the Commentaries on the Old Testament by Keil and Delitzsch (The Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, p. 230) give the basic sense of “solidity, compactness,” and describe it as “solid knowledge of the true and the right.” The Biblical sense of wisdom, whether expressed by the Hebrew hhokh·mahʹ or the Greek so·phiʹa, lays emphasis on sound judgment, based on knowledge and understanding; the ability to use knowledge and understanding successfully to solve problems, avoid or avert dangers, attain certain goals or to counsel others in doing so. “Wisdom is proved righteous [“justified”] by all its children [or, its works].” (Luke 7:35; Matt. 11:19, Kingdom Interlinear Translation) It is the opposite of foolishness, stupidity and madness, with which it is often contrasted.—Deut. 32:6; Prov. 11:29; Eccl. 6:8.

Wisdom thus implies a breadth of knowledge, and a depth of understanding, these giving the soundness and clarity of judgment characteristic of wisdom. The wise man ‘treasures up knowledge,’ has a fund of it to draw upon. (Prov. 10:14) While “wisdom is the prime thing,” the counsel is that “with all that you acquire, acquire understanding.” (Prov. 4:5-7) Understanding (a broad term that frequently embraces discernment and insight) adds strength to wisdom, contributing greatly to discretion and foresight, also notable characteristics of wisdom. Discretion implies prudence, may be expressed in caution, self-control, moderation or restraint. The “discreet [phroʹni·mos] man” builds his house on a rock-mass, foreseeing the possibility of storm; the foolish man builds his on sand and suffers disaster.—Matt. 7:24-27.

Understanding fortifies wisdom in other ways. For example, a person may obey a certain command of God due to recognizing the rightness of such obedience, and this is wisdom on his part. But if he gets real understanding of the reason for that command, the good purpose it serves and the benefits accruing from it, his heart determination to continue in that wise course is greatly strengthened. (Prov. 14:33) Proverbs 21:11 says that “by one’s giving insight to a wise person he gets knowledge.” The wise person values insight (a facet of understanding) and is happy to get any information that will grant him a clearer view into the underlying circumstances, conditions and causes of problems. Thereby he “gets knowledge” as to what to do regarding the matter, knows what conclusions to draw, what is needed to solve the existing problem.—Compare Proverbs 9:9; Ecclesiastes 7:25; 8:1; Ezekiel 28:3.

DIVINE WISDOM

Wisdom in the absolute sense is found in Jehovah God, who is “wise alone” in this sense. (Rom. 16:27; Rev. 7:12) Knowledge is acquaintance with fact, and, being the Creator, who is “from time indefinite to time indefinite” (Ps. 90:1, 2), God knows all there is to know about the universe, its composition and contents, its history till now. The physical laws, cycles, and standards upon which men rely in their research and invention, and without which they would be helpless, having nothing stable upon which to build, are all of His making. (Job 38:34-38; Ps. 104:24; Prov. 3:19; Jer. 10:12, 13) Logically, his moral standards are even more vital for stability, sound judgment and successful human living. (Deut. 32:4-6; see JEHOVAH [A God of moral standards].) There is nothing beyond his understanding. (Isa. 40:13, 14) Though he may allow things that are contrary to his righteous standards to develop and even temporarily prosper, the future ultimately rests with him and will conform precisely to his will, and the things spoken by him “will have certain success.”—Isa. 55:8-11; 46:9-11.

For all these reasons it is evident that “the fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom.” (Prov. 9:10) “Who should not fear you, O King of the nations, for to you it is fitting; because among all the wise ones of the nations and among all their kingships there is in no way anyone like you.” (Jer. 10:7) “He is wise in heart and strong in power. Who can show stubbornness to him and come off uninjured?” (Job 9:4; Prov. 14:16) In his mightiness he can intervene at will in human affairs, maneuvering rulers or eliminating them, making his prophetic revelations prove infallible. (Dan. 2:20-23) Biblical history recounts the futile efforts of powerful kings with their astute counselors to pit their wisdom against Him and the way God has triumphantly vindicated his servants who loyally proclaimed his message.—Isa. 31:2; 44:25-28; compare Job 12:12, 13.

“God’s wisdom in a sacred secret”

The rebellion that broke out in Eden presented a challenge to God’s wisdom. His wise means for ending that rebellion, wiping out its effects and restoring peace, harmony and right order in his universal family formed “a sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the systems of things,” that is, those systems that have developed during man’s history outside Eden. (1 Cor. 2:7) Its outlines were contained in God’s dealings with, and promises to, his faithful servants during many centuries; it was foreshadowed and symbolized in the Law covenant with Israel, including its priesthood and sacrifices, and was pointed to in innumerable prophecies and visions.

Finally, after more than four thousand years, the wisdom of that sacred secret was revealed in Jesus Christ (Col. 1:26-28), through whom God has purposed “an administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth.” (Eph. 1:8-11) God’s provision of the ransom for the salvation of obedient mankind and his purpose for a Kingdom government headed by his Son and able to end all wickedness were revealed. Since God’s grand purpose is founded on and centered in his Son, Christ Jesus “has become to us [Christians] wisdom from God.” (1 Cor. 1:30) “Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.” (Col. 2:3) Only through him and by faith in him, God’s “Chief Agent of life,” can salvation and life be attained. (Acts 3:15; John 14:6; 2 Tim. 3:15) There is, therefore, no true wisdom that fails to consider Jesus Christ, that does not base its judgment and decisions solidly on God’s purpose as revealed in him.—See JESUS CHRIST (His Vital Place in God’s Purpose).

HUMAN WISDOM—BROAD OR LIMITED, FLESHLY OR SPIRITUAL

Wisdom is personalized in the book of Proverbs, depicted there as a woman inviting persons to receive what she has to offer. These accounts and related texts show that wisdom is indeed a blend of many things: knowledge, understanding (including insight and discernment), thinking ability, experience, diligence, shrewdness (the opposite of being gullible or naive [Prov. 14:15, 18]), and right judgment. But since true wisdom begins with the fear of Jehovah God (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10), this superior wisdom goes beyond ordinary wisdom and includes holding to high standards, manifesting uprightness, righteousness, adherence to truth. (Prov. 1:2, 3, 20-22; 2:2-11; 6:6; 8:1, 5-12) Not all wisdom measures up to that superior wisdom.

Human wisdom is never absolute, but is relative. Wisdom on a limited scale is attainable by man through his own efforts, though he must in any case use the intelligence with which God (who even gave the animals certain instinctive wisdom [Job 35:11; Prov. 30:24-28]) initially endowed man. Man learns from observation of, and working with, the materials of God’s creation. Such wisdom may vary in type and extent. The Greek word so·phiʹa is often applied to skill in a certain trade or craft; to skill and sound administrative judgment in governmental and business fields; or to extensive knowledge in some particular field of human science or research. Similarly, the Hebrew hhokh·mahʹ and hha·khamʹ are used to describe the ‘skillfulness’ of sailors and ship caulkers (Ezek. 27:8, 9; compare Psalm 107:23, 27) and of workers in stone and wood (1 Chron. 22:15), and the wisdom and skill of other craftsmen, some having great talent in a wide variety of crafts. (1 Ki. 7:14; 2 Chron. 2:7, 13, 14) Even the skilled image carver or idol maker is described by such terms. (Isa. 40:20; Jer. 10:3-9) The shrewd practice of the business world is a form of wisdom.—Ezek. 28:4, 5.

All such wisdom may be had even though the possessors lack the spiritual wisdom the Scriptures particularly advocate. Nevertheless, God’s spirit may enhance some of these types of wisdom where they are useful in accomplishing his purpose. His spirit activated those constructing the tabernacle and its equipment and weaving the priestly garments, both men and women, filling them with both ‘wisdom and understanding.’ Thereby they not only understood what was desired and the means for accomplishing the work but also displayed the talent, artistry, vision and judgment necessary to design and produce superb works.—Ex. 28:3; 31:3-6; 35:10, 25, 26, 31, 35; 36:1, 2, 4, 8.

Ancient wise men

Men noted for their wisdom and counsel were anciently prized by kings and others, even as in modern times. Egypt, Persia, Chaldea, Edom and other nations had their bodies of “wise men.” (Ex. 7:11, Esther 1:13; Jer. 10:7; 50:35; Obad. 8) Such bodies evidently included the priests and government officials but were not restricted to such, probably including all those ‘elders’ of the nations who were particularly known for their wisdom and who resided near the capital so as to be available for counseling. (Compare Genesis 41:8; Psalm 105:17-22; Isaiah 19:11, 12; Jeremiah 51:57.) The monarchs of Persia had a privy council of seven wise men for quick consultation (Esther 1:13-15), and lesser Persian officials might have their own staff of wise men.—Esther 6:13.

Joseph, by the help of God’s spirit, displayed such discretion and wisdom that Egypt’s ruling Pharaoh made him his prime minister. (Gen. 41:38-41; Acts 7-9, 10) “Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” and was “mighty in his words and deeds” even prior to God’s making him his spokesman. But this human wisdom and ability did not qualify Moses for God’s purpose. After his first attempt (at the age of about forty) to bring relief to his Israelite brothers, Moses had to wait another forty years before God sent him forth, a spiritually wise man, to lead Israel out of Egypt.—Acts 7:22-36; compare Deuteronomy 34:9.

Solomon was already a wise man before entering into full kingship (1 Ki. 2:1, 6, 9) yet humbly acknowledged himself “but a little boy” in prayer to Jehovah, seeking his aid in judging God’s people and being rewarded with “a wise and understanding heart” unequaled among Judah’s kings. (1 Ki. 3:7-12) His wisdom surpassed the famed wisdom of the Orientals and of Egypt, making Jerusalem a place to which monarchs or their representatives traveled to learn from the Judean king. (1 Ki. 4:29-34; 10:1-9, 23-25) Certain women of ancient times were also noted for their wisdom.—2 Sam. 14:1-20; 20:16-22; compare Judges 5:28, 29.

Not always used for good

Human wisdom can be used for good or for bad. In the latter case it definitely betrays itself as only fleshly wisdom, not spiritual, not from God. Jehonadab was “a very wise man,” but his counsel to David’s son Amnon was based on shrewd strategy and manipulation of people by deceit, bringing dubious success and disastrous consequences. (2 Sam. 13:1-31) Absalom cunningly campaigned to unseat his royal father David (2 Sam. 14:28-33; 15:1-6) and, upon occupying Jerusalem, solicited the advice of two of his father’s counselors, Ahithophel and Hushai, as to further steps to take. Ahithophel’s wise advice was consistently of such accuracy as to make it appear that it came from God. Nevertheless, he had become a traitor to God’s anointed, and Jehovah caused his wise battle plan to be rejected in favor of faithful Hushai’s plan, which skillfully played on Absalom’s vanity and human weaknesses to bring about his downfall. (2 Sam. 16:15-23; 17:1-14) As Paul wrote of God: “‘He catches the wise in their own cunning.’ And again: ‘Jehovah knows that the reasonings of the wise men are futile.’”—1 Cor. 3:19, 20; compare Exodus 1:9, 10, 20, 21; Luke 20:19-26.

Apostate priests, prophets and wise men of the Israelite nation in time led the people to oppose God’s counsel and command as spoken by his loyal servants (Jer. 18:18), and Jehovah caused ‘the wisdom of their wise men to perish, and the understanding of their discreet men to conceal itself’ (Isa. 29:13, 14; Jer. 8:8, 9), bringing the five-hundred-year-old kingdom to ruin (as he later did to Jerusalem’s proud destroyer, Babylon, and to the boastful Tyrian dynasty). (Isa. 47:10-15; Ezek. 28:2-17) They rejected spiritual wisdom in favor of fleshly wisdom.