In Search of Wisdom

  

      If you were to read what the apostle Paul had to say about wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2, you would find that he's speaking of not one but of two types.  One is far superior, making the other appear foolish.  One form of wisdom comes from natural man, whereas the other only come from the Spirit of God.  Paul is talking to the believers in Corinth when he shares that he speaks not of the wisdom imparted to the mature and understanding that passes away.  But he speaks of secret and hidden wisdom that comes only from God. Later, Paul reveals these thoughts, "Let no one deceive himself.  If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is folly with God." (see 1 Corinthians 3:18-19a) 

Worldly Wisdom:

     Let me illustrate the wisdom of the world by sharing what I've retrieved from the Internet.  I found a few interesting responses to the question "what is wisdom" on a website called Enotes, a student and teacher educational resource that, according to their own self-evaluation, "offers credible, fact-checking content."  

1.     One person suggests, "I'm not sure there is anything like true wisdom.  The people we often tend to think of as wise are often merely experienced."

2.     Another said, "Wisdom comes with experience; I define it as not making the same mistake twice."

3.     A third said, "Wisdom involves thinking a problem through and weighing all the consequences.  It is the antithesis of acting upon an impulse."

These statements sound more like 'opinion' than well researched facts about wisdom.  Is wisdom truly that subjective?  Another person from the same resource reported, "Historically, wisdom is often used as a translation of 'phronesis,' (an ancient Greek term)."   They go on to say that "knowledge about matters such as ethics which are not absolutely knowable, but instead can only be understood in terms of probabilities or relative truths."  

·     Probability describes a mathematical calculation telling (1) how likely an event is to occur or (2) how likely it is that a proposition is true. 

·     Relative truth is covered under the title of Relativism in the field of Philosophy.  It is the idea that there are no universal truths about the world, just different ways of interpreting it.  Although this might sound like a new idea, it was actually introduced by Protagoras, who died in 420 B.C. 

I always wondered if my interest in Philosophy would come in handy.  Here are a few statements that point to how relativism works: 

·     My truth is what I believe, your truth is what you believe,

·     Truth is subjective and changeable, and

·     Truth is in the eye of the beholder.

Unfortunately, today, relativism is more about discounting another person's position and 
holding fast to one's own opinion.  There is little regard for understanding, nor desire for unity.

     Now the world would have us believe, if you apply knowledge with both positive and negative experiences, you might acquire wisdom.  Really, I've checked my facts against a reliable, fact-checking website.  I hope you can see through the fallacy that is presented here.

How Do You Define Wisdom?

     Have you ever tried to define the word wisdom?  Might you first formulate your thoughts by checking its definition?  Let me do that for you.  According to the Meriam-Webster dictionary, the word wisdom holds significant meaning.

1.     As an insight, it is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships.

2.     As a judgment, it is having good or common sense.

3.     As knowledge, it is an accumulation of philosophical or scientific learning.

4.     As a historical premise, it is adapting to generally accepted beliefs.

5.     As a belief, it moves to you a course of action, and

6.     As a noun, it is the teaching of the ancient wise men.

     Are you satisfied with these explanations?  It can easily be assumed within the context of these definitions that the best source of wisdom comes from this world.   I’m not saying that there aren’t fields of study that require a high degree of knowledge.  But should we call this wisdom, or expertise?  After considering these definitions, I now find that I am much more firmly convinced that I need to teach my children how to seek better answers.

  Godly Wisdom:  

     In Proverbs 2:6 (ESV), one of the wisest men to ever live writes, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding."  He tells us the origin of wisdom.  My assessment of Solomon being among the wisest men to ever live is tainted by the fact it is reported in Scriptures and prejudiced by the fact that it refers to my God, the God of Creation. Isn't it sad that this concept is no longer permissible in our public education system?   This truth alone could clear up a lot of confusion regarding wisdom.  If I followed the world's definition of wisdom, my experiences would greatly hinder my ability to obtain wisdom.  So how does one acquire an infinite source of wisdom?  In James 1:5 (ESV), we read, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."  Without reproach means that God will not frown upon our request but offer it whole-heartedly.  There is a caveat, however.  In verse six of the same chapter, we read, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." 

     Can the wisdom found within Proverbs prove the point of view expressed by the passage found in James shown above?   Solomon prayed to God, see 2 Chronicles 1:7-10 (ESV), which says, "In that night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said to God, "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father and have made me king in his place.  O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.  Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?"   The book of 1 Kings chapter 4 tells us several things about Solomon’s wisdom.  His wisdom was compared to the sands of the seashore (verse 29); his wisdom surpassed all the people of the east and in Egypt (verse 30), and we read that people of all nations came to hear his wisdom (verse 34). 

The Value of Wisdom:

     How valuable is wisdom?  According to Proverbs 3:13–18 (ESV) – "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed."  I was especially drawn to the feminine pronouns that Solomon used to describe wisdom. 

     As believers, can we see how our children will lose their perspective on wisdom if we do not show how it is revealed in the Scriptures?  Proverbs 24:3-6 says, "By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance, you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors, there is victory." As a young person, I would have never stopped to consider that my Bible would become my most treasured possession in later years.  Although we sang songs about building our house on a firm foundation in youth group, I never understood the value of pursuing God's wisdom.  I could have avoided many costly mistakes rather than thinking experience would make me wiser.  

Contrasting Wisdom:

     When we seek the world's wisdom, we will find advice telling us to chase new experiences, to know ourselves better, or to learn to see things in shades of grey rather than black and white.   Although to some, this may seem to be sound advice.  Much of the present age turn to Google® for answers rather than to God.  It takes practice to turn to God's Word for answers.  In his epistle to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul tells us that understanding God's will has a close connection to wisdom.  In Ephesians 5:15-17, we read, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

     This article barely scratches the surface of what the Bible has to say about wisdom.  Having a Biblical understanding of wisdom is not a journey for the fainthearted.  There are easily over two hundred references to wisdom in the Scriptures.  Have you read a Proverb today?  If you've not yet thanked God today for opening ears to hear and comprehend where true wisdom comes from, consider this blessing the next time you kneel to pray.