Who’s the Wise Guy?
I’m currently starting a new technology startup, and there comes a point where you get so much advice from mentors and advisors that you get to a point of “advisor whiplash”, where reputable advisors give you conflicting advice in confusing ways. Life can be like that too.
There are a LOT of people out there who claim to have wisdom you should apply to your life. Certainly comparing their “wisdom” to God’s Word is crucial, but not everyone who quotes scripture is wise. Even Satan quoted scripture to tempt Jesus (Matthew 4), so are there any obvious cues to what is actually wise? Can you apply this to things that you say that you think are wise?
In this passage, this word “pure” is used elsewhere to describe things that are worthy to be presented to God. This makes sense that the wisdom that comes from heaven is worthy of heaven, but how often do consider whether “wisdom” we hear passes this test?
The remaining criteria all flow from this – peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, producing good fruit, impartial, and sincere. It may be useful to contrast this with what Godly wisdom is not. It is not conflict-driven, selfish, domineering, merciless, producing bad fruit, biased, or insincere.
So yes, this gives you some shorthand tools to examine wisdom. If it doesn’t have the fingerprints of wisdom that comes from heaven, it’s very likely out of line with scripture as well. This also provides an opportunity for self-examination of the sort of wisdom that resonates with you. Is the wisdom that appeals to your heart considerate or selfish? Impartial or biased? Worthy of a Holy God? In our humanity, we will all find times where worldly wisdom appeals to us. God has armed us with simple guidelines to discern, His word to guide us further, and his Holy Spirit within us to counsel us and refine us into God’s image.
Rob, your insight on this subject shows you are truly a man of wisdom. I pray for wisdom constantly because I too often react foolishly rather than act with wisdom. Thanks for these tools. It is a priviledge to know and serve with you and your beautiful family.