Get Real

Where Does Wisdom Come From?

According to my recent Costco magazine wisdom comes from Kirkland® children’s vitamins. Their sales pitch suggests young minds should be fed multivitamins because they need these essential nutrients. As a nutritionist, I agree that certain supplemental nutrients are essential for good brain development. However, I don’t see the connection between healthy gray-matter and wisdom, at least not as the Bible describes wisdom.

The concept of wisdom is an important one especially in our technological society, where we place a strong emphasis on knowledge. The Scriptures do not make the mistake of confusing wisdom with other mental capacities.

Over 300 times in the Old Testament a basic word group (hāķam, hoķmâh and hāķām) is used to mean understanding. These terms refer to wisdom to master life’s challenges in light of our relationship with God. Take a look at these verses from Proverbs 2:

6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11Discretion will protect you, understanding will guard you. 12Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.

In the New Testament the concept of wisdom is expressed with the Greek word sophia representing an unusual mental ability, a philosophical or speculative knowledge. However, Paul referred to this concept as “human wisdom” in 1 Corinthians 1–3. This type of wisdom is prevalent today as people try to use their human wisdom and knowledge to reach God. God calls these attempts foolish. Ironically, sinful mankind sees God’s solution of Jesus Christ dying for their sins foolish. Who is right?

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Although multi-vitamins are good supplements to add to any diet, they will not provide wisdom. Only when we abandon what seems wise by human standards and accept without hesitation the divine viewpoint as reveled in Scripture can we claim true wisdom. Wisdom comes from God.

So, what do you think? Multi-Vitamin or One-true God?

Basically Good

My friend Janna Rust has posted some very good thoughts over at our other blog. Take a look at Truth Talks.

Universal Questions

Where did I come from? What is my purpose? Where am I going? The answers to these three questions can put your mind at ease and give you hope to face each day.

My answers to these questions are:

1)    I came from my mother’s womb but was created in the image of God and designed to have a rich relationship with Him as I live out life on this earth.

2)    My purpose is to share the knowledge of this relationship with others who are also designed to have a rich relationship with Him as they live out life on this earth.

3)    When I die, I’m going to be with Jesus in heaven.

These may not be the universal answers you are familiar with, but they are philosophically sound once you consider the bigger picture.