The Superiority of Wisdom

     Those who believe the Bible is credible and the source of knowledge and wisdom have a base for understanding and discernment.  The Bible has a great deal to say about those who take Biblical teachings lightly.  Everyone has the freedom of choice as to view the Bible as credible or not.

     Consider the first of Solomon’s proverbs.

     “Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares… at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words; ‘How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?  For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge.’”  Proverbs 1:20-22

     There are three levels of rejection in the above passage.  The first level is termed ‘simple’ which from its Hebrew base means seducible or ignorant.  The next level is termed ‘scorners’.  Scorners mock or deride the truth, and thirdly are ‘fools’ meaning stupid, obstinate, or those who won’t listen.

     The term ‘knowledge’ in the above passage means insight or understanding.

     In the first and eighth chapters of the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified.  That truth is further explained in the New Testament.

     “…Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God…But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption”  I Corinthians 1:24b, 30

     “…and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2b-3

     So then, to desire wisdom is to desire the person of Christ.  Wisdom is made readily available to those who seek it.

     “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5

     And true wisdom will transcend any counterfeit.

     “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”  James 3:17

     Therefore, true wisdom is invaluable and readily available.  But there will always be those who would rather go it on their own.  The Bible also addresses that segment of any population.

     “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they…despised my every rebuke.  Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way…For the turning away of the simple will slay them and the complacency of fools will destroy them…”  Proverbs 1:29-32

     Likewise, there is a promise for those who genuinely seek wisdom.

     “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely; and will be secure, without fear of evil.”  Proverbs 1:33

     The Hebrew for ‘evil’ in the above has several synonyms including disaster, adversity, distress, or calamity.

     Is America dwelling safely now, and are we living securely without the fear of evil? 

     Every piece of proposed legislation or executive order can be weighed against God’s standard of justice.  Even such national fiscal issues as redistribution, deficit spending, and borrowing are clearly spelled out in the Bible.  But there are more subtle issues that should alert citizens as to the depth of our depravity.

     No one would argue that our constitution originally and openly reflected Biblical principles.  Consider presently, however, that many issues are adjudicated as ‘unconstitutional’ even if the issues adhere to God’s standards.  Examples include the pro-life issue and the definition of marriage.  Recall the warning about calling good evil, or evil good.

     Other attempts to usurp God’s authority include the concepts of progressivism and social justice.  And while mankind may truly believe that changing morality warrants changing legal standards, such thinking cannot be confirmed in the Bible.

     The benchmark for God’s standard of justice and definition of righteousness has not changed through the ages, nor will it change.  One of God’s attributes is His immutability.

        

     Those who believe America has rejected wisdom would also believe those responsible for decision making at the national level are content to be simpletons, scorners, or fools.

     The consequences of this great nation rejecting wisdom are becoming more obvious each day.  Only fools would reject that which is superior and free.