The Wise Woman of Abel: what is wisdom?

Wisdom is sought by many, but only a few find it and apply it. Many think they are wise but few truly are. Greek poet Sophocles (496-406 BCE) said “Wisdom outweighs any wealth.” And Roman statesman Lucius Annaeus Seneca (5 BCE - 65 CE) stated that no man is wise by chance. The wise woman of Abel is a short story told in 2 Samuel 20:14-22. In a few verses, she is able to avoid innocent bloodshed and destruction of her city. While her faithful city is infiltrated by a rebellious leader, she shows wisdom and courage in the faces of grave danger. She acts quickly and decisively to save the citizens of her city from King David’s besieging army. What were the events that led to the siege of her city? How was she able to use wisdom? What is wisdom? And what does wisdom entail? 

Hostilities were high between the “people of Judah” (David’s tribe of origin in the south) and “the people of Israel” (the ten northern tribes) following David’s suppression of Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 19:41-43) (Camp, 1999). The wise woman’s story begins in 2 Samuel 20:14 when Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin attempted to revolt against the king. Joab, the king’s commander, chased him to Abel Beth Maacah in the north. The city was a walled fortified city and served as protection for the surrounding areas. Sheba hides in the city as Joab sets up siege ramps in preparation to take the city. Before he calls for the siege, a woman appears on the wall requesting to speak to the commander. She gives a simple speech in which she reminds the commander that Abel Beth Maacah is a faithful and peaceful city known as the “mother of Israel” (2 Samuel 20:19). Joab demands that Sheba be handed over and he’ll leave the city alone. The woman then states Sheba’s head will be thrown over the wall. She rallies her fellow citizens to act and soon Sheba’s head came over the wall (2 Samuel 20:22). 

Wisdom is often difficult to define because it can encompass so much. Merriam-Webster defines wisdom as “knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life” or “a good sense or judgment.” Psychologists tend to define wisdom as the integration of knowledge, experience and deep understanding as well as a tolerance of the uncertainties of life with a sense of calm. Three components have been identified that are often found in wise individuals. First, cognitive components. This is where knowledge and experience play a role. Wise individuals often engage in intellectual humility. Intellectual humility is recognizing and owning one’s intellectual limitations while pursuing deeper knowledge, truth and understanding. There is also an open-mindedness component in which wise individuals are usually receptive to a wide variety of ideas, arguments and information. Even if they could eventually reject these ideas, arguments and information, they will, at least, consider it before making their final decision. Second, reflective components. The ability to examine one’s self and situations. Wise individuals have the ability to engage in perspective-taking which involves seeing a situation through the perspective of another. Third, prosocial components. This is where benevolence and compassion are involved. The wise woman of Abel certainty had the citizens of Abel in mind when she found the courage to confront Joab and negotiate a peaceful resolution.

One of my favorite verses on wisdom is Proverbs 3:13-18 which describes the blessings one receives when they find wisdom and gains understanding. How does one find wisdom? Essentially wisdom sees the big picture rather than the small picture directly in front of us. Wise living starts with fearing the Lord. Fear the Lord is not being afraid of Him; but, the deep respect and reverent humility for God’s majesty, recognizing Him as the Creator (Stilley, 2014). Wisdom grows with receiving God’s word. Psalm 19:7 says “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” God’s word imparts wisdom to the humble, to those who exercise a childlike submission to Him and follow His commands. We often must ask for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This idea reminds me of the Serenity Prayer. Written by American theologian Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971), the simple prayer asks for the wisdom to know between what can be changed and what cannot. 

What made this story special? The men in the story took the stereotypical, macho approach to seek and destroy. Yet one woman sought a peaceful solution to spare the many innocent lives who would have been in harm’s way. Joab only saw his immediate goal: to capture Sheba. The wise woman of Abel saw the bigger picture of many innocent lives lost and a city destroyed just for one man. Wisdom often comes with knowledge and experience. Cato the Elder (234-149 BCE) once said that the wise learn from fools while fools rarely imitate the success of the wise. Wisdom comes from asking for it in prayer and seeking it through God’s word. From my own experience, wisdom comes from always seeking knowledge, to never stop learning because there is always something more to know and discover. Wisdom also takes courage and bravery to stand up against all odds. 

References

Camp, Claudia V. (December 31, 1999). Wise Woman of Abel Beth-Maacah: Bible. Jewish Women’s Archive. https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/wise-woman-of-abel-beth-maacah-bible. Retrieved December 28, 2021. 

Stilley, Lloyd (January 1, 2014). Sermon: The Wisdom of God - Romans 16, 1 Corinthians 1. Lifeway. https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-wisdom-god-romans-16-1-corinthians-1. Retrieved December 28, 2021.