Podcast Summary: "Wisdom: What is it?"

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Episode: Wisdom: What is it?
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Host: Tim Keller

Introduction to Wisdom

In this episode titled "Wisdom: What is it?", Tim Keller delves into the profound concept of wisdom as presented in the Bible, particularly focusing on the Book of Proverbs. He begins by emphasizing the complexity of life’s decisions and the necessity of wisdom in navigating them effectively.

Scripture Foundation

Keller opens with a scripture reading from Proverbs 1:1-9, 22-33, setting the foundation for his discussion. The passage underscores the importance of gaining wisdom, understanding, and prudent behavior, highlighting that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (00:48).

Defining Wisdom

Keller explores the biblical definition of wisdom, breaking it down into three key components:

1. Insight: Described as the ability to notice fine distinctions and see beyond the obvious. "Wisdom is insight. It's the ability to see distinctions where other people just see a blur" (02:20).

2. Prudence: Translates the Hebrew concept of being practical and strategic, ensuring that knowledge is applied effectively. Keller notes, "Wise people are not just characterized by insight, but also by foresight. They don't just diagnose the problem, they also know how to solve it" (02:45).

3. Instruction: Relates to character depth, indicating that wisdom involves not just knowledge but also the cultivation of a strong moral character.

Keller references Old Testament scholar Gerhard Van Raad, stating, "Wisdom, according to the Bible, is competence with regard to the realities of life. Competence with regard to how life really works" (02:20).

The Necessity of Wisdom

Highlighting the perils of lacking wisdom, Keller warns that "the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them" (02:20). He distinguishes between two types of foolishness:

• The Simple: Often young and naive, influenced heavily by peers, leading to destructive choices.

• The Fool: Individuals who are "wise in their own eyes," obstinate, and dismissive of corrective guidance.

Keller emphasizes that without wisdom, bad choices have severe consequences that can be irreversible.

Challenges in Acquiring Wisdom

Keller acknowledges the cultural challenges in developing wisdom. He references psychologist Jerome Kagan’s research on human responses to threats, categorizing people into anxious, aggressive, and philosophical types. Each type has habitual responses that may not always be appropriate, leading to dysfunctional behavior in critical situations. Keller states, "Whatever seems the most natural way for you to deal with threats is usually wrong in the exact right spot. It's perfect, but in many cases, it's inappropriate and kind of dysfunctional" (02:20).

The Role of Parenting and Culture

Building on Kagan’s insights, Keller discusses the role of upbringing and cultural influences in shaping one’s ability to respond wisely. He warns against the modern cultural emphasis on "being yourself" without cultivating wisdom, noting, "The culture says be yourself. And if you've got a problem, find a technique" (21:13). Keller argues that true wisdom requires conforming the soul to reality through knowledge, self-discipline, and virtue, contrasting it with the modern desire to subdue reality to personal wishes.

The Positive Fear of the Lord

A pivotal point in Keller’s teaching is the distinction between negative and positive fear:

• Negative Fear: Fear based on distrust and the anticipation of harm or condemnation.

• Positive Fear: A reverent awe and respect for God that motivates one to avoid dishonoring Him.

Keller elaborates, "The fear of the Lord is a joyful fear with such awe and wonder and such love that you don't wanna grieve him and you would do anything to avoid dishonoring Him" (21:13). This positive fear is the foundation of true wisdom, fostering humility and openness rather than selfishness or obstinacy.

Embracing the Foolishness of Grace

Linking to the New Testament, Keller explains the concept of "the foolishness of the cross." He illustrates how Jesus’ crucifixion, perceived as foolishness by worldly standards, embodies ultimate wisdom. "It's consummate wisdom. Because only by going to the cross and taking our punishment, the punishment that we deserve, could God someday be able to end evil without ending us" (21:13).

Keller emphasizes that embracing this divine foolishness requires recognizing one's own folly and adopting a posture of humility and grace. This transformative process leads to a deeper, more authentic wisdom aligned with God's reality rather than human pride.

Practical Implications for Believers

For Christians seeking to grow in wisdom, Keller advises a lifelong commitment to learning and humility. "Wisdom is acquired. If you're just yourself, you're gonna be a fool. If you don't learn the wisdom... it's going to destroy us" (21:13). He encourages believers to engage in continuous spiritual formation, including prayer, studying Scripture, and being open to correction and mentorship.

Conclusion

Tim Keller concludes by reinforcing that true wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the Lord and is nurtured through a humble, grace-filled relationship with God. This wisdom enables believers to navigate life's complexities with discernment and integrity, avoiding the destructive paths of foolishness and simple-mindedness.

Notable Quotes:

• "Wisdom is competence with regard to the realities of life." (02:20)
• "The fear of the Lord is a joyful fear with such awe and wonder and such love that you don't wanna grieve him." (21:13)
• "The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men. The weakness of God is stronger than the strength of men." (21:13)

This episode serves as a profound exploration of biblical wisdom, urging listeners to cultivate a deep, reverent relationship with God as the cornerstone of true understanding and effective living.