The Wisdom of God: Revealed, Reviled, and Reverberated

By Matthew S. Harmon, Series edited by Dane Ortlund, Miles V. Van Pelt

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Tracing God’s Wisdom Throughout Scripture

In an age saturated with breaking news and endless search results, we are overwhelmed with information but starved for wisdom. Where can we turn for guidance that lasts? In this volume from the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, biblical scholar Matthew S. Harmon traces the theme of wisdom throughout Scripture, revealing its presence in Eden, its role in Israel, its embodiment in Christ, and its significance in the life of the church. 

Harmon reveals a recurring pattern in the Bible’s redemptive narrative: God reveals his wisdom, humanity rejects it, and God ultimately vindicates it. This pattern not only shapes the biblical story but also helps readers live faithfully in a fallen world by pointing them to Christ, the one who perfectly embodies the wisdom we so desperately need. 

  • Explores the Wisdom of God: Traces the theme of wisdom throughout Eden, Israel, Christ, the church, and in the new creation
  • Academic yet Accessible: Perfect for pastors, college and seminary students, missionaries, and lay leaders
  • Short Studies in Biblical Theology: Part of a series designed to give readers accessible volumes on God’s word. Other volumes include The Mission of God and the Witness of the ChurchThe Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and more

Author:

Matthew S. Harmon

Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He was previously on staff with Cru for eight years and is the author of numerous books, including commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, 2 Peter, and Jude. He also cohosts the Various and Sundry podcast. Matthew and his wife, Kate, live in Warsaw, Indiana, and have two sons.

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 144
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 7.0 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-8437-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-8437-4
ISBN-UPC: 9781433584374
Published: March 17, 2026

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Wisdom in Eden
Chapter 2: Wisdom at Sinai
Chapter 3: Wisdom in Solomon
Chapter 4: Wisdom in Daniel
Chapter 5: Wisdom in Christ
Chapter 6: Wisdom in the Church
Chapter 7: Wisdom in the New Eden

Conclusion

Endorsements

“In this short, wise, and accessible book, Matthew Harmon introduces us to the way wisdom works in Scripture, how people respond to it, and what God does next. This book is a clear and concise introduction to an important (and often neglected) theme.”
Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor, King’s Church London

“When people consider the storyline of the Bible, the theme of wisdom is often overlooked. But in this insightful work, Harmon demonstrates that wisdom is a major thread woven throughout Scripture—from the garden of Eden to its fulfillment in Christ. With clarity and faithfulness, Harmon traces this theme and illuminates the profound depths of God’s wisdom in his redemptive plan.”
Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Matthew Harmon has given us a unique and readable primer on the role of wisdom in Scripture. Rather than surveying the content of wisdom books, he uncovers the function of wisdom within a recurring narrative paradigm in redemptive history. The Wisdom of God offers a reading of Scripture that underscores the worth of wisdom even while demonstrating our need for the one who is wisdom incarnate, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
L. Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“A notable characteristic of the Bible is its emphasis on ‘wisdom’ rather than just ‘knowledge.’ Matthew Harmon’s The Wisdom of God offers an excellent and trustworthy introduction to this theme, underscoring its significance throughout the Scriptures. Significantly, his study elucidates how divine wisdom can positively influence all aspects of our lives. For those looking to understand the Bible better, this brief study is a worthwhile read.”
T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Research Fellow in Biblical Studies, Union Theological College, Belfast

“Wisdom means many things to many people. Is it synonymous with common sense? Personal insight? Experiential intuition? Not quite. In this wonderful little volume, Matthew Harmon unpacks a big truth: Wisdom is a gift from God that allows us to relate rightly to him and to each other. I warmly recommend this book to pastors, students, and thoughtful laypeople who want to better understand and grow in biblical wisdom.”
Brandon D. Smith, Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology and Early Christianity, Oklahoma Baptist University; cofounder, Center for Baptist Renewal

“In a world where there is a myriad of facts and little coherence, Matthew Harmon takes a big picture look at the importance of wisdom in the storyline of the Bible. He explores this important biblical theme by providing a concise biblical definition of wisdom and by tracing its pattern of revelation in Scripture, its rejection by humanity, and the consequences of that decision. This study provides a great framework for understanding the storyline of Scripture and gives us a powerful vision for making sense of the world of information around us.”
Stephen G. Dempster, Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies, Crandall University

“What is the Bible about? The main storyline of the Bible can be told from many different angles. Matthew Harmon’s book traces a neglected theme across the entire canon of Scripture: He demonstrates that the Bible is about God’s revelation of wisdom, humanity’s rejection of wisdom, and God’s final vindication of wisdom. The result is a theologically unified, historically rooted, progressively unfolding, and Christ-centered narrative of God’s work in our world. A gem of a book, The Wisdom of God is biblical theology at its best—fresh, faithful, and full of practical application.”
Brian S. Rosner, Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Director of Research, Ridley College, Australia