Definitions of spiritual wisdom vs. earthly wisdom

Christian Alexander

I’m doing research on wisdom based leadership. Wisdom based leaders cultivate and employ a useful reality perspective. They see diversity and inclusiveness as vital to raising consciousness and gaining important insight because they recognize that we live in a relational environment and that we are all interdependent. Utilizing a broad, non-dualistic perspective, they scan the terrain, comprehend the changing surroundings, identify patterns, and perceive entire systems. They don't use motivated reasoning, judgment, or filtering when processing information. They are conscious of the cognitive errors and conditioned biases they possess. I am trying to define spiritual wisdom and earthly wisdom. How do these terms differ according to the Bible? Putting things in perspective, knowing when and how to apply information, and knowing how to share knowledge with others are all aspects of wisdom. I’m trying to find a gpod definition of the term. I’ve read Factbook and LBD. Any advice is appreciated.

Christian Alexander

In James 3:17, it reads, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." I define these terms as follows: Earthly wisdom appeals to both the senses and emotions. In contrast, intelligence that comes from God reflects Him. I am trying to see how this reflects in biblical leadership. These are my research questions. 1. What does the biblical text say about biblical based leadership in wisdom? 2. Where in the Bible does it talk about spiritual leadership? I want to focus this in to the Gospel of John. My friend who is a pastor said to track it down and go to John's Jesus as the good shepherd and link it to Psalms. I automatically went to Psalm 23.  I want to tie spiritual wisdom and leadership to the biblical text and more defined into the Gospel of John. In essence, I want to frame my argument that leadership with spiritual wisdom is essential to the Bible. 

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1286518#Comment_1286518

For the shepherd image it is critical to know the behavior of sheep and of the shepherd and the actual use of the rod and staff. I've seen so much garbage exegesis and bad application when people don't know sheep. (Yes, Dad had a cousin who was a shepherd living in a trailer with the sheep most the year - for a while we supplied him with pups to train into sheepdogs.)

Olli-Pekka Ylisuutari

Christian Alexander said:

I am trying to define spiritual wisdom and earthly wisdom. How do these terms differ according to the Bible?

We Lutherans have this thing called “theology of the cross” (made famous by the reformator, Martin Luther). Really, it's just what st. Paul taught (for example, 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25). It is the opposite of earthly wisdom, for “has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”

Hence, it attacks everything best humanity has to offer, not just the worst. This God’s wisdom leads to defeat, not victory.

But now I must put a stop to my writing in order not to get into theology. Go search for “theology of the cross” and/or “theology of glory.”