The Wisdom of God
Bible Reading: Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; James 1:5
It was Voltaire who, hundreds of years ago, observed that “common sense is not so common.” One wonders what he might think of our day! There is a relationship between wisdom and common sense, if wisdom is knowing what to do; then common sense is knowing when and where to do it. In an age where the exercise of wisdom and practice of common sense are in severe decline, it’s good to be reminded that God is perfectly wise.
As with the other attributes of God, it is not just that He is wiser than we are, in a “more” or “better” sense, His wisdom is infinitely transcendent. A.W. Tozer has a wonderful description of how God’s infinite wisdom is made manifest, “Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning, so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relationship to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision.” God is infinitely wise in who He is and all He does.
Creation testifies to the wisdom of God, as the Psalmist declared “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you made them all” (Psalm 104:24). Whether God is acknowledged, or not, how much scientific research is devoted to a better understanding of the intricacies and interactions of that which has been created by God?
We read in the gospels of how folks repeatedly marveled at the wisdom of Jesus and on one such occasion asked, “How is it this man has learning, when he has never studied? (John 7:15). Jesus’ learning and wisdom came from no outside source, it was intrinsic to His Being, and He navigated life accordingly. Indeed, in Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).”
The wisdom of God has likewise been made plain in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Though to some it is a stumbling block and to others a foolish thing, the word of the Cross stands as an abiding testament to the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). Those who receive Jesus as Savior can testify to that! The Apostle Paul, concluded his treatise regarding how God has so incredibly worked through Christ to reconcile sinners, be they Gentiles or Jews, to Himself, by breaking forth into praise for the wisdom of God (Romans 11:33-35).
We are exhorted to go to God, who gives generously and without reproach, if any of us lacks wisdom (James 1:5). Let’s go then! Who doesn’t lack wisdom in dealing with the challenges they face? We’ll find no shortage, or rebuke when we bring our requests to Him. As A.W. Tozer has said, “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of creatures.”
Praise You Father, for your infinite wisdom. Forgive us that we are far too prone to rely on our own wisdom or that found in the world, and not Yours and what is found in Your Word. Thank you for your open invitation to come to You for wisdom. Grant us the wisdom to seek Yours!
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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