The law of the LORD is perfect reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them you servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19.7-11
There is much about wisdom and being wise in the pages of the Bible. The Book of Proverbs has many insights into wisdom and its benefits, especially that simple and yet profound statement that ‘that fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom’ chapter 9 v.10
Then famously Solomon when told by God to ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you’ 1 Kings 3.5 asked for ‘a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong’ a request that pleased the Lord.
Moving to the New Testament, writing to the church at Corinth Paul asks ‘Where is the wise man? Where is scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1.20.
A statement, a request and a series of questions that surely strike a chord as we look at this present age, almost 2000 years on from Paul’s writing. Two thousand years in which we seem to have learnt very little! Yes, we are wise in terms of knowledge of things which would have astonished the ancients, although note 1 Kings 4.28-34!
But tragically with regard to wisdom in ethics, morality and spirituality we are in desparate need, for in these areas we constantly demonstrate that we are simple. Sadly the ‘wise ‘ of this world ignore Proverbs 9.10 dismissing it as irrelevant nonsense and the results are only too apparent.
But there is a way forward and it is for God’s people to live according to the LORD’s statutes which will make us wise and that will show in our lives and by the grace of God equip us to challenge the prevailing culture with a godly lifestyle.
Do we have sufficient confidence in the efficacy of God’s statutes to live by them? It is little wonder that we are in a mess as ‘the fear of the LORD’ is conspicuously absent in our world. In the light of this it is too easy to give up and forget that we, as God’s people, are called to be salt and light in a dark world. We have the means. We have God’s Word.
Let us pray for each other that we may have the courage to display heavenly wisdom as we fear the LORD.