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.
Much more to come . . .
Created on March 25, 2004