Wisdom - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Wisdom
[ 1,,G4678, sophia ]is used with reference to
(a) God, Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:21,1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:10; Revelation 7:12;
(b) Christ, Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2; Luke 2:40,Luke 2:52; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3; Revelation 5:12;
(c) wisdom" personified, Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:35; Luke 11:49;
(d) human "wisdom"
(1) in spiritual things, Luke 21:15; Acts 6:3,Acts 6:10; Acts 7:10; 1 Corinthians 2:6 (1st part); 1 Corinthians 12:8; Ephesians 1:8,Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9, RV, "(spiritual) wisdom," Colossians 1:28; Colossians 3:16; Colossians 4:5; James 1:5; James 3:13,James 3:17; 2 Peter 3:15; Revelation 13:18; Revelation 17:9;
(2) in the natural sphere, Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31; Acts 7:22; 1 Corinthians 1:17,1 Corinthians 1:19-21 (twice), 1 Corinthians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 2:1,1 Corinthians 2:4-6 (2nd part), 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 3:19; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Colossians 2:23;
(3) in its most debased form, James 3:15, "earthly, sensual, devilish" (marg., "demoniacal").
[ 2,,G5428, phronesis ]
"understanding, prudence," i.e., a right use of phren, "the mind," is translated "wisom" in Luke 1:17. See PRUDENCE.
Note: "While sophia is the insight into the true nature of things, phronesis is the ability to discern modes of action with a view to their results; while sophia is theoretical, phronesis is practical" (Lightfoot). Sunesis, "understanding, intelligence," is the critical faculty; this and phronesis are particular applications of sophia.