“Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars.” (Prov. 9:1 NASB)

What are the 7 pillars of wisdom?

Lots of opinion and commentary has been written about what the “7 pillars of wisdom” are. In fact entire books have been written on the subject. But, I will simply refer to the previous chapter, Prov. 8:12-14, where 7 characteristics of wisdom are listed. 

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate. “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.”

 (Prov. 8:12-14)

The above passage lists seven ways we can become wiser in the way we deal with things in our lives.

1. Prudence: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Prov. 27:12 ESV)

2. Knowledge & discretion: “A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” (Prov. 24:5 ESV). “My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion.” (Prov. 3:21 ESV)

3. Fear of the Lord: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7 ESV) 

4. Counsel: “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.” (Prov. 8:14 ESV)“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Prov. 11:14 ESV)

5. Sound wisdom: “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.” (James 3:17 NIV)

6. Understanding: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV)

7. Power: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.” (Prov. 8:32 NIV)

 Listen and be wise

“Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” (Prov. 8:33-34 NIV)

 Find life and receive favor 

“For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.” (Prov. 8:35 NIV)

 Don’t fail to find wisdom!

“But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” (Prov. 8:36 NIV)

 “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” (Prov. 8:22-23 NLT)

 Before the oceans …

“I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters.” (Prov. 8:24 NLT)

 Before mountains and hills …

“Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born— (Prov. 8:25 NLT)

 Before the earth and fields …

“Before he had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil.” (Prov. 8:26 NLT)

 Before He established the Heavens …

“I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. I was there when he set the clouds above,
    when he established springs deep in the earth.” (Prov. 8:27-28 NLT)

 When He set the limits of the seas …

“I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.   And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,” (Prov. 8:29 NLT)

 Wisdom was His constant delight! 

“I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!” (Prov. 8:30-31 NLT)

You get the spirit of wisdom and revelation through the knowledge of Him

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” (Eph. 1:16-19 ESV)

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.” (Prov. 8:12 NLT)

 Wisdom hates pride and arrogance 

“All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.” (Prov. 8:13 NLT)

 Wisdom brings insight, common sense, strength and success 

“Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.” (Prov. 8:14-16 NLT)

 Love wisdom, search for it, and you will find it

 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.” (Prov. 8:17 NLT)

 Wisdom’s gifts are better than the purest gold

 “I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver!  I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.” (Prov. 8:18-21 NLT)

“Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people.” (Prov. 8:1-4 NLT)

 Use good judgment and show some understanding 

“You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.” (Prov. 8:5-6 NLT)

 Wisdom’s advice is wholesome

“Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it.” (Prov. 8:7-8 NLT)

 Wisdom’s words are plain and clear

“My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.” (Prov. 8:9-11 NLT)

“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Prov. 7:1-3 NIV)

 Words of wisdom and insight will keep you from evil seduction 

“Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.”  They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.” (Prov. 7:4-5 NIV)

 An example of what wisdom and insight will protect you from 

“While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said, “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses, for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month.[b]” So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap,[c] awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.” (Prov. 7:6-23 NLT)

So listen and pay attention!

“So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.” (Prov. 7:24-27 NLT)

“Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.” (Prov. 6:30-31 NLT)

I’ve traveled to jails and prisons a few times over the years to share Christ and to visit with the prisoners. Some of those I spoke with were truly sorry for what they had done. They admitted their sins, repented from them and prayed to receive Christ. They were transformed by His Spirit (John 1:12). Others were only sorry for getting caught and they justified what they had done with excuses. I couldn’t help them. Unfortunately, it is impossible to help a non-repentant person (Luke 13:3). 

 An adulterer will be disgraced

“But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. He will be wounded and disgraced.” (Prov. 6:32-33 NLT)

He will be shown no mercy 

“His shame will never be erased.
For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
He will accept no compensation,
nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size.” (Prov. 6:34-35 NLT)

“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.” (Prov. 6:20-22 NLT)

Your parent’s collective discipline will protect you from immorality

“For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman. Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you. (Prov. 6:23-25 NLT)

A command with a promise 

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Eph. 6:1-3 NIV)

Well pleasing to the Lord

“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” (Col. 3:2 NASB)

“There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” (Prov. 6:16-19 NLT)

The above passage includes a short list of things that God detests. It’s very important to know what these things are and not to allow them into our lives! Period!

1. Haughty eyes - Haughty is defined as arrogant, vain, conceited, snobbish, superior, self important, pompous, supercilious, condescending, patronizing; scornful, contemptuous, disdainful; full of oneself, stuck-up, snooty, hoity-toity, uppity and big-headed. 

1. A lying tongue – To lie is to deceive someone else and to be in agreement with the devil who is the father of lies! (John 8:44). Deception of any kind leads away from God because He is truth and will not associate Himself with liars and deceivers. The opposite of lie is truth, Jesus is the truth and the truth will set you free! (John 8:32).

1. Hands that kill the innocent – To kill the innocent is to commit murder (Exo. 20:13). This is why abortion is wrong. It is killing the innocent. (Gal. 1:15 & Jer. 1:5)

1. A heart that plots evil – Evil is defined as any of the following: wicked, bad, wrong, immoral, sinful, foul, vile, dishonorable, corrupt, iniquitous, depraved, reprobate, villainous, nefarious, vicious, malicious; malevolent, sinister, demonic, devilish, diabolical,fiendish, dark; monstrous, despicable, atrocious, heinous, odious, contemptible, horrible, execrable; dirty “an evil deed".

1. Feet that race to do wrong – Wrong is defined as not true, incorrect, mistaken, in error, erroneous, inaccurate, inexact, imprecise, fallacious, wide of the mark, off target, unsound, faulty. It’s to know what is good but then not to do it: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17 NIV)

1. A false witness who pours out lies – One of the Ten Commandments is, “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” It forbids: Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive your neighbor. Speaking unjustly against your neighbor, to the prejudice of his reputation. In other words, a righteous witness must tell only the truth and be trustworthy. “A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness utters lies.” (Prov. 24:5 NIV)

1. A person who sows discord in a family – Discord is defined as Conflict, friction, hostility, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, bad feeling, ill feeling, bad blood, argument, quarreling, squabbling, bickering, wrangling, feuding, contention, dissension, dispute, disunity, division, opposition, infighting.