|
Where are the Wise Men?
| 1Co 6:5 I speak
to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no,
not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
One does not have to worry too much about forgiving someone, because to
forgive someone, they need to ask for forgiveness. Since few ever think
they have done anything wrong, having someone ask for forgiveness is
pretty rare.
Seeking the counsel of the wise is also a pretty rare phenomena. First,
one has to have enough humility as to recognize that they need advice
or help. Secondly, one has to be able to recognize someone else as
being wise. Some might see a pastor as one to seek for help, but this
is not the same as wisdom. One might seek another who is intelligent,
but this also is not the same as wisdom. Pastors are seldom hired for
their wisdom. Smart people are seldom wise as most have been to college
where they are usually persuaded to see the benefit of atheism and
Communism.
If one were to try to define wisdom, it might be attempted to describe
some of the components. Being able to accurately asses consequences is
something useful. Being able to discern what is true from what is not
is also useful. Since wisdom is from God, having a mature faith is
useful.
Christian maturity is essential. This is a state of development where
one has transitioned from a life lived mostly for self to a life lived
mostly for others. Self-seeking blinds the perception of wisdom. Sadly
most that claim Christ remain immature and cannot even recognize wisdom
much less seek it. It is sad that in almost 2,000 years Christianity
remains largely at the same level of maturity as the Corinthians (1Cor
3:1-3).
To have both intelligence and wisdom can be a great advantage. However,
even without above average intelligence, wisdom is advantageous. A
person who is close to God may not be able to articulate his
observations but often can act reflexively with wisdom. For
example, when presented with the theory of evolution he may feel that
it is not true not so much by analysis, but recognizing that it lacks
that which resonates with truth.
Paul writes the Corinthians that there must be someone with wisdom who
can decide a matter fairly and justly. A problem arises when people are
not seeking fairness or justice, but want an advantage. Paul’s
following question, “why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be
defrauded? “ illustrates a key point. If we are willing to take a
loss, are we not showing the selfless love of Christ.
So many Christians who have a sincere desire to grow in faith and dig
deeper in understanding get diverted into the snare of “being right”.
These often become convinced of a particular doctrine such that they
seek out those who differ to quash them, sometimes with the best of
intentions and sometimes with the self-righteousness of the Pharisees.
This contention is of the flesh and prevents one from obtaining actual
wisdom. (1Cor 3:3).
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with
thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine
heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and
liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as
silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt
thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of
God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh
knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the
righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He
keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his
saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment,
and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine
heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion
shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: -
Proverbs 2:1-11 |
|
|
