Seven Pillars, Seven Stages

“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars” (Proverbs 9:1).

The verses following the theme text say wisdom “has cooked meat, mixed wine, and put food on the table. She has sent her servant girls to announce from the highest hill in the city, ‘Whoever needs instruction, come.’ She invites all the simple people and says, ‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have prepared’” (Proverbs 9:2‑4).

This picturesque language is an invitation to simple people who are more likely to appreciate the meaning of true godly wisdom. The phrase “simple people” does not suggest a lack of intelligence but rather describes those who believe easily and do not question things ad infinitum. The food prepared by wisdom describes the spiritually healthy nourishment of truth. Such food addresses the substantive issues of life in a way that provides practical application of change and growth of the inner man.

Proverbs 9 shares additional life principles: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me [God] thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased” (Proverbs 9:9‑11).

Godly wisdom is extremely important. It must be attained before eternal life will be granted. Imagining a world full of such wisdom is comforting, especially when foolishness abounds today. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus was made unto us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30 ASV). Our Lord’s life is the pattern for achieving true wisdom. It leads to good choices and a lifestyle pleasing to God.

Seven Elements of Wisdom

James details seven characteristics that comprise true spiritual wisdom. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

An exciting correlation occurs when these seven qualities are overlaid onto the seven divisions of the Gospel Age. The first quality is that wisdom from above is pure. This overlays the first stage of the Gospel Age church, termed Ephesus. It existed roughly from the time of Jesus until the last apostle’s death.

The message to the Ephesus stage of the church says, “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. … Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:1‑7).

Wisdom from Above is First Pure

All these beautiful qualities were evident in the early church. The saints patiently labored for the Lord. They withstood false apostles and were firmly committed to Christ. The initial purity was seen in brethren like Stephen, who was moved to preach Christ even to those who would soon stone him to death. There was an idealism in him that even those sinful men could see. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. … And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:9, 15).

Those early brethren opposed false apostles so that the pure truth would not be lost. Paul was a shining defender of what was right and pure. His passion is seen in what he wrote to the brethren in Corinth, “I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2). Here was the purity of leadership, a desire to keep the church as a chaste virgin to Christ.

However, at some point, many followers left their first love. After the apostles’ deaths, ambitious leaders took control. Power and wealth became the misguided goals of many.

Wisdom’s attribute of being “first pure” also has an application to believers of every age. The Christian walk often begins with the sweet idealism of consecration. However, there may come times when first love may not be strong enough to deal with the challenges of life. First love for the Lord must continue to develop into something that will not falter when tested, that will not draw back when challenged, that will not be tempted by other lovers.

The Lord admonished the Ephesian church to “repent and do thy first works” (Revelation 2:5). The early brethren were fervent in works. When we genuinely love someone, we serve them not just out of a sense of obedience or duty. The purest form of service to the Lord is motivated by a deep love for Him. The giver often perceives such service as a personal expression of love. That attitude is the outgrowth of what began as first love.

Wisdom from Above is Peaceable

The second stage of the church, Smyrna, means myrrh. It is surprising that there was no criticism of this stage because, during this time, the church experienced ten years of the bitterest persecution of the age. “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) … Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried … be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. … He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death” (Revelation 2:9‑11).

Brethren were fed to lions, driven underground, or blamed for all the problems of Rome. How could they find peace when, at any moment, Roman soldiers might burst into their homes looking for evidence that they were Christians? How could they find peace when their children were made to suffer for their convictions?

Yet they feared “none of those things.” In other words, they found peace, and likely heavily relied on the scriptural principle described by Paul. “And have hope toward God … that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:15, 16).

Paul understood the power of hope. Knowing of the resurrection gives strength for life’s trials. Having a conscience void of offense helped the Smyrna brethren realize that they were innocent of any wrong and were standing for what was right and good. Loyalty to God was the only way of finding peace during such unsettling circumstances. This gave them courage when facing certain death.

True wisdom knows that lasting peace comes from such heart loyalty to God and His principles. This is also true in the ordinary trials of life. Inner peace is the result of applying godly principles and trusting in Him. A promise so often quoted today was given directly to these brethren. “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). To them, the phrase “unto death” was not merely a noble sentiment.

Wisdom from Above is Gentle

The third church, Pergamos, means “earthly elevation.” This period lasted nearly 850 years and included what is now referred to as the “Dark Ages.” During this period, the nominal church became a world power. Pagan ideas flowed freely into the church, and belief and support for the state church were demanded and enforced.

The quality of gentleness may not be evident when describing this difficult time, yet a brief commendation is expressed. “Even though you dwell where Satan has made his seat, thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith even in the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one. … So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:13, 15).

The term “Antipas” (i.e., anti‑father) refers to those who opposed the elevation of an individual to pope (papa, father) of the church. Nicolaitans were those who advocated for a clergy that controlled other church members, by force if necessary. The real saints, however, knew this was not pleasing to God. Authentic spiritual leadership does not demand conformity. It provides reasonable, scriptural support for believing. Gentleness speaks to the way a doctrine is taught. This is also important in the eyes of the Lord. Godly leadership incorporates a kind and gentle approach.

Gentleness is “the quality of being kind, tender, or mild‑mannered, softness of action or effect.” The saints of this time saw the marked contrast. Had the nominal church leaders possessed these qualities; our brethren would never have been treated as they were.

Wisdom from Above is Easy to be Intreated

The fourth stage of the church, Thyatira, means “sweet perfume of sacrifice.” The name describes those who fought against the entrenchment of the Papal church, in this passage called Jezebel. The Lord gave Jezebel “space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not” (Revelation 2:21).

The nominal church had compromised her devotion to Christ for the support and power of worldly partners, a relationship described as fornication. The Lord was entreating Christianity when he gave Jezebel space to repent. It is the Lord’s loving heart that provides time to repent. Those whose hearts are touched by such opportunities are open to reason and easily entreated. These do not need great coaxing to follow the Lord’s leadings. They look to do his will and consider his providential direction in life. The brethren who understood the Lord’s direction were greatly blessed. Jezebel would also have been greatly blessed had she turned from her wickedness.

Wisdom from Above is Full of Mercy and Good Fruits

The fifth stage of the church, Sardis, means “that which remains.” This name indicates that few true saints remained because of Papacy’s influence.

“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4).

Undefiled garments suggest doctrinal understanding which came to light during this time. John Wycliffe and others questioned accepted doctrines and even challenged the legitimacy of Papal dominance. They preached against the official dogma of transubstantiation, which claimed that the bread and wine used in the mass were miraculously transformed into the actual flesh and blood of Jesus and was what cleansed the participant from sin.

Wycliffe and others understood that justification came through faith in Christ and not through the mass. Their garment of justification was not defiled by this false doctrine. Wycliffe’s followers, known as the Lollards, went throughout Europe preaching this wonderful message. In appreciation of this truth regarding justification by faith, they worked and were filled with the fruits of self‑sacrifice.

Part of the promise Jesus made to these faithful ones says, “I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5). This precious promise is appropriate because they correctly confessed the name of Christ.

Wisdom from Above is Without Partiality

The sixth church, Philadelphia, means “brotherly love.” The event that marked this period was the Reformation. Brotherly love beautifully describes the doctrine of justification by faith, which had been preached earlier by Wycliffe and others and now became the main thrust of the Reformation.

In marked contrast, the nominal church preached the need for indulgences and sold them as a commodity. Wealthy people could sin all they wanted, and to lessen, or even avoid, punishment, they could simply purchase more indulgences. In addition, if they knew someone they believed was suffering in purgatory, they could shorten their time by buying an indulgence on their behalf.

James describes the wisdom from above as being “without partiality.” Scripture clearly teaches that all men are sinners. None can buy their way out of sin or it’s punishment because forgiveness is not for sale. But it is a gift through justification offered in Christ.

The Lord said to this church, “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it” (Revelation 3:8). The blood of Christ opened the door to God’s favor, and it opened without partiality. The door to this precious truth has now been opened, and someday the world will come to appreciate its true value.

Wisdom from Above is Without Hypocrisy

The seventh church, Laodicea, means “justice for the people.” This is the time when God’s judgments are revealed. All the terrible things done to the Lord’s people during the entire Gospel Age will be exposed and dealt with. Justice will be meted out as governments and false religious institutions disintegrate.

“Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:16, 17).

This brief description outlines the great shortcomings of Christianity at the end of the age. Being lukewarm suggests apathy, a condition wholly unacceptable to God. Feeling self‑sufficient and needing nothing reveals a blindness to the reality of one’s actual condition.

The corresponding element of wisdom is being without hypocrisy. Adam Clarke describes the phrase, without hypocrisy as, “without pretending to be what it is not; acting always in its own character; never working under a mask. Seeking nothing but God’s glory.” God looks for complete and genuine devotion.

The promise made to Laodicea says, “He that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). Living at the end of the Gospel Age offers many distractions and allurements that can draw us away from total devotion to God. Sitting with our Lord on his throne is the great reward for a life so lived. We can only imagine the joys of service associated with such a blessed privilege.

The Value of Wisdom

Seeing a prophetic correlation between the elements of wisdom and the Gospel Age church stresses the importance of seeking divine wisdom. When fully developed along these lines, each saint will be qualified to help instruct and guide mankind in the coming kingdom. The work we each do now will reap great rewards, not only for ourselves but also for our human family.

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:9, 10).