G4678: Sophia: Wisdom

The use of the Greek word in the Septuigint (LXX), the ancient Greek Old Testament by which we learn much of Greek usage in the era of the writing of the New Testament, uses sophia to represent mastery of particular knowledge which results in a life-skill in applying that knowledge.  Note this excerpt from the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament by Geoffrey Bromley as edited by Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich (highlighting mine), "The most common parallels have to do with perception, understanding, or skill, although parallels with uprightness and honesty are also common. The parallels show that action rather than thought is the point. In contrast, folly is a disorder that also finds expression in behavior."  Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume.

Rienecker and Rogers, referencing Lightfoot and Abbott (Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament), "Mental excellency in its highest and fullest sense."  They also write, "The OT concept was that of applying the knowledge of God's will to life's situations."

Munce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, "Sophia is a word meaning 'wisdom.'  It denotes the capacity to not only understand something (Ac 7.22) but also to act accordingly (Col 1.9, 4.5).  It is the latter that separates wisdom from knowledge."

Paul's usage of the noun sophia, or its adjective form, sophos, follows this perspective of sophia representing both the knowledge one has mastered and the skill/behavior resulting from that knowledge.  For example, in 1 Cor 3.10 Paul said he had been building for the church  the foundation of Christ, and he has been doing this like a wise (sophos) master builder.

Consequently Paul's use of sophia in Colossians and Ephesians represents a believer being filled with divinely-imparted knowledge of God's will, including rightly relating to and responding to God, and the moral, Godly conduct that results.

Abbott says sophia gives the general principles while sunesis is the faculty of deciding in particular cases.  Ref. Word Pictures in the New Testament.