“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19
During my Bible reading I began to reflect on how little any one person knows and how limited one person’s wisdom is.
Each of us have some insights, knowledge and wisdom, but the scope is usually fairly narrow and limited to our sphere of influence and knowledge. Our world. We are good at what we do and have gained wisdom and knowledge regarding our special interests and experience. But if we were suddenly placed in a new, unfamiliar position or found ourselves in a foreign city unable to speak the language, not knowing know how to even find a bathroom, we would become aware of limitations. Our knowledge and experience would not help us. We need someone else to help us.
When I consider the six billion people in the world – each having wisdom about life in their world – I realize how little wisdom each of us as individuals possess. Compared to God – next to zero.
Now then, think about the wisdom of God. He knows everything and is all wise. Even if we compiled all the wisdom of everyone in the world and measured it against God’s wisdom, it would be almost nothing.
Also, when we remember that everything we know and everything we have comes from God anyway, we cannot think ourselves wise, but only be humbled.
Remember the “wise advice” Job’s friends gave him when he had lost everything? They thought they were very wise. Job himself questioned God about why this disaster happened to him. God was not impressed by any of them. (Read Job 38 to 41)
What is wisdom? The Bible tells us,
“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7).
When we begin to recognize that our life is about God, not about us – that is the beginning of wisdom.
How do we get more wisdom? One way is to read God’s Word and to learn from Him.
“Nothing is perfect except your words. Oh, I how I think about them all day long. They make me wiser than my enemies, because they are my constant guide. They make me even wiser than the aged.” (Psalms 119:96-100).
Fear God. Know God by reading His word and obeying the insights and directions He gives you.
Next time you think you are wise in your eyes, remember, you may be knowledgeable and have some insights in your small world, but compared to total wisdom, you (and I) know little. And even if we added all the combined wisdom of the people in this world, compared to God, it is nothing.
God, build in us a healthy fear and reverence for You. Cause us to soak up the wisdom of Your Word – the only perfect words. Help us to be humble. Amen.
By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• God is Faithful
• God Knows Everything
• Salvation Explained