The Perfect Wisdom of Our God

“The Perfect Wisdom of Our God” is a theologically rich modern hymn that exalts the wisdom of God as revealed supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Written by Stuart Townend, the text reflects a deeply biblical understanding of God’s redemptive purposes, emphasizing that divine wisdom often stands in contrast to human expectation. What appears as weakness or folly to the world is, in fact, the wise and sovereign plan of God unfolding for salvation.

The hymn centers on the cross as the clearest demonstration of God’s wisdom. Drawing strongly from the Apostle Paul’s teaching, especially in 1 Corinthians, it proclaims that Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God. The suffering, rejection, and death of Christ were not accidents or failures, but the deliberate means by which God accomplished redemption. Through this lens, believers are invited to trust God’s purposes even when His ways seem hidden or perplexing.

Each stanza reinforces confidence in God’s sovereign design. The text affirms that God’s wisdom governs history, guides the church, and secures the believer’s hope. There is a strong emphasis on God’s eternal plan, reminding worshipers that redemption was not improvised, but ordained before the foundation of the world. This gives the hymn a pastoral depth, offering comfort to those who struggle to understand suffering, trials, or the apparent triumph of evil.

Theologically, the hymn encourages humility and worship. Rather than attempting to explain all of God’s ways, it leads the church to adore Him for His perfect knowledge and righteous purposes. The repeated focus on Christ anchors this wisdom in the gospel, ensuring that praise remains Christ-centered rather than abstract or philosophical.

“The Perfect Wisdom of Our God” has become a valued hymn in contemporary worship because it unites doctrinal depth with congregational clarity. It teaches believers to rest in God’s wisdom, rejoice in the cross, and trust that His purposes, though sometimes hidden, are always good, just, and ultimately victorious.

Stuart Townend & Keith Getty Copyright © 2011 Thankyou Music ( Adm. by CapitolCMGPublishing.com excl. UK & Europe, adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, songs@integritymusic.com) and Getty Music Publishing (BMI) (Adm by SongSolutions info@songsolutions.org)