Chapter 13: (preliminary)
wis·dom: 1. Understanding of what is true, right, or lasting; insight. 2. Common sense; good judgment. —The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
In this world there is constant intense debate over what is true, what is the right way to go. Talk shows on TV and radio vigorously promote many opposing views. (These are loosely divided into "liberal" and "conservative" camps, with views ranging from anarchic hedonism to totalitarian puritanism.) If we look to the world's "thinkers" for wisdom and guidance, we will end up discouraged and confused, because every viewpoint may seem plausible when considered in isolation— until the opposing argument is presented. We may become convinced that there is no truth, no one "right" way. This will then make us receptive to the heavily promoted view to "follow your heart, trust your feelings, be true to yourself, don't try to be someone you are not." This is in fact the diametric opposite of true wisdom. It is the original lie of the snake in the garden. It sets us up as our own god. It in effect says that we, despite our limited knowledge and experience, can just mysteriously "sense" what is good and bad. What most actually end up doing is rationalizing justifications for what makes them feel good in the short term. Such self-centeredness has led to much heartbreak, broken families and violence. Despite the path of destruction it leaves behind, it remains a very popular view, because it is so alluringly flattering and seemingly so liberating.
True wisdom gives better results. Rather than "follow your heart", Proverbs 28.26 bluntly warns us: "He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape." A wise person will be honest with himself, know his limits, admit his faults, and try very hard to be someone that he is not [yet]: the person he ought to be. He will escape the trap of self-worship that Satan sets.
Solomon, said to be the wisest person of ancient times, said: "Wisdom is the prime thing." Is it really that valuable? He continued: "Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding. Highly esteem it, and it will exalt you. It will glorify you because you embrace it. To your head it will give a wreath of charm; a crown of beauty it will bestow upon you." (Prov 4:7-9) But how do we obtain such wisdom? The Bible answers: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear [that is, deeply respect so as to carefully heed] Jehovah, and turn away from bad." (Prov 3:5-7). In fact, the Bible says, "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is." (Ps 111.10, Prov 9.10) So wisdom really is the "prime" thing, for it moves us to seek out and heed the very Source of wisdom. "A wise person listens and takes in more instruction," said Solomon. (Proverbs 1:5) If instead we ignore God, we will lose everything, and that wouldn't be very smart, would it? —Prov 1:22-33.
FRAGMENTS THAT NEED ORGANIZING/INCORPORATING/POLISHINGDepending on our own shortsighted thinking at odds with divine wisdom may seem to be a quick "fix" to whatever our problem is: go straight to divorce for marital friction, steal when we want something, lie to get out of trouble, indulge ourselves in pleasure with a "why not?" attitude. But such a "fix" will not last, just like a drug "fix" that calms an addict's craving for the moment, but actually makes the problem worse. Taking the wise course may at times be as tough as getting off drugs, but in the long run it will be worth it.
Jehovah says, "Do you not know that being friends with the world is choosing to be my enemy?" (James 4:4) If we choose to associate with (befriend, listen to) those who do not accept divine wisdom, we will be influenced to see things as they do. We may wish that we might influence them in a good way instead, and in fact we have a responsibility to try to do that. But it cannot be done by casual association that ignores their bad attitude. And when we do mention godly ways to such ones, we should not be surprised if they rebuff and ridicule us. Some may pretend to respect our words, but nevertheless refuse to take them to heart. [Ps 26.3-5] Put a human and a skunk in a room- when they come out the skunk will not smell like a human. [1 Cor 5.6]
Much more to come . . .
Created on March 25, 2004