Ephesians 1:8

“which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence”

“Which”: The riches of His grace just mentioned. “He made”: God took the initiative. “Abound toward us”: “Which He lavished upon us” (NASV). The word abound here means to superabound, to be in excess and to exceed and excel.

God isn't "tight" or "frugal" with His grace. When one becomes. Christian they are abundantly forgiven. Their former sins are not momentarily forgotten or set aside, rather they are completely and forever removed. “God spared no expense” (Boles p. 207). No, former sins will not exhaust the depth of God's grace (Romans 5:20; Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:7). Hence, how foolish and unnecessary to end up lost!. "wealth" or vast treasure house of compassion and mercy exists. There is more than enough "grace" to go around for everyone (2 Peter 3:9).

“In all wisdom and prudence”: “Imparting full wisdom and insight” (NEB); “accompanied by countless gifts of wisdom and discernment” (TCNT). Paul seems to be saying that along with this abundant grace, came wisdom and insight, that is, becoming. Christian enables one to come to. knowledge of God's plan and purpose for man. “Wisdom”: “Knowledge that sees into the heart of things, which knows them as they really are. It is the ability to see the great ultimate truths of eternity” (Coffman p. 126).

“Prudence”: “The understanding which leads to right action, the ability to solve the problems of each moment of time” (Coffman p. 126). “It is the intelligent use of knowledge in dealing with the practical problems of life. God has the answers and He knows how to use them” (Caldwell p. 30).

Without instruction concerning what things are "right" and "wrong" and why, forgiving sinners would be. waste of time, because without the knowledge of the truth, we would all just revert back to our old ways. Hence, incorporated into the gospel and along with the conditions for salvation, is also instruction concerning how to serve God acceptably in all our relationships. “This was notably true in the early church where men and women gathered from the lowest ranks of society, even slaves and freedmen, were enabled to understand such truths, for example, as are set forth in this very epistle” (Erdman p. 37). Not only does the gospel bring salvation to the simple-minded, ignorant and naïve, but God's message to man has also proceeded to instruct, teach, and enlighten (Psalms 19:7). Finally, God's plan for saving man in Christ is incredibly wise and prudent!