An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Wisdom 101

(Pro 8:28 KJV)  When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

As you read through this passage beginning in verse 22 it seems clear that Solomon is talking about creation.  Wisdom was involved.  I keep trying to fit wisdom into the scheme of things.  Wisdom is personified in Proverbs.  The noun is feminine and is thus expressed in good translations.  We have her speaking here.  What is wisdom?  Who is wisdom?  Where does literal understanding morph into figurative speech?

Wisdom seems to be something that is outside of us yet can be possessed.  It can grow in us and be a part of our decision making process.  One thing is clear though, Biblical wisdom is knowable and is rooted in the character of God.  As I read fantasy and modern fiction there is a pagan idea of wisdom that becomes a mantra about mysterious, unknowable knowledge that is reserved for the few, the initiated.  That is not Biblical wisdom.  Biblical wisdom binds us together.  Pagan wisdom sets up elites, haves and have nots.

So?  Seek the wisdom that God offers.  It is available.  Start with simple bits of foundation like Genesis 1:1.
(Gen 1:1 KJV)  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
From there you can move to the obscure prophecies of Revelation.  Get started or keep moving.

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

I'd never stopped to contrast Christianity and paganism on this matter, but I'd have to agree.

Pumice said...

It is the same mind set that believes that children are a great source of wisdom. They might get lucky once in awhile but cut me a break.

Grace and peace.