Let’s now look at the nature of “the wisdom of God.”

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of (man’s) wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. [2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save (except) Jesus Christ, and him crucified. [3] And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. [4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: [5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

“[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (complete in Christ): yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a ‘mystery’ (according to the ‘secret plan’ of God) even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the (Satan inspired) princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1Corinthians 2:1-9)

God is operating today by God ordained “hidden wisdom” (v 7), something once “kept secret” but now is made fully manifest in the form of “the mystery (secret)” that was revealed to Paul… for us.

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, ²  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: ³  How that by revelation he made known unto me (Paul) the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, ⁴  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) ⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles (sent ones) and prophets (preachers) by the Spirit; (Ephesians 3:1-5 (KJV)

From time immemorial philosophers in all cultures have speculated as to the origin of the universe, the existence of one God or numerous deities, what that God or those gods might be doing, and sundry related beliefs. Overwhelmingly, however, their explanations can be summed up as “excellency of speech” and “excellency of wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:1), and “enticing words of man’s wisdom” (verse 4). Man’s wisdom sounds right and appears good but it is grandiose verbosity—impressive long-windedness—it fails to adequately address the matters at hand. Such was the dialogue between Job and his three friends!

As their name implies, the Corinthians resided in Corinth, a city close to Athens (then world intellectual capital). After the Apostle Paul visited them in Acts 18 and led them to faith in Jesus Christ, they became increasingly infatuated with human philosophy (the wisdom of man’s self-soul). They supposed that man’s knowledge could provide them with insight into God’s wisdom. You would do well to read the first three chapters of 1 Corinthians. They gently rebuke these precious saints to return to the simplicity of God’s Word spoken through Paul. Despite all their philosophy and education, they were spiritual children, utterly clueless to the workings of God. True wisdom—the wisdom they lacked—would not be found “in the wisdom of men” but “in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (verse 9).

Science, empiricism, that says knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience, could not help man learn God’s wisdom. Rationalism, reasoning, religious tradition, afford no Divine understanding. Natural intuition, hunches and inner impressions, could not bring them spiritual insight. If they were to “find out God,” “find out the Almighty unto perfection,” they would have to come to it God’s way.

Although it is impossible for man to naturally comprehend what Almighty God is doing, there is a supernatural way to grasp such information. First Corinthians 2 continues,

“[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, The Deep Things Of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; (so) that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

“[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [14] But the natural (Gk. psuchikos, soulish) man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. [16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.”

The above passage underscores the idea of knowing what God is doing. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit imparts this knowledge to us that we would otherwise never have. The key is;

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (v 13, above).

Only by ‘words’ from the Holy Spirit, not man’s wisdom, are how we comprehend the things of God. The Holy Spirit wrote (inspired) a Book, the Holy Bible, and then preserved it through time so we can study it today. We thereby can understand what God is doing. Note here 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”