True Wisdom: A Call to Submit to God
Introduction
In Proverbs 9:1-6, we find a compelling declaration about true wisdom:
"Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 'Let all who are simple come to my house!' To those who have no sense she says, 'Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.'"
The main idea here is clear: true wisdom comes not from our intellect but from submitting to the all-wise God.
The Donkey and True Wisdom
To illustrate this, let’s consider a story from Aesop’s Fables about a donkey who finds a lion's skin and dons it, scaring all the other animals. However, his joy fades when he reveals himself with his bray, showing that appearances can be deceiving. Like the donkey, we can often appear wise yet lack true wisdom.
Redefining Wisdom
While wisdom is often defined as the application of knowledge, this definition can be overly simplistic. True wisdom encompasses not just the application of knowledge, but also its source. Not all knowledge is beneficial; thus, distinguishing between useful and harmful insights is vital. So, what defines wisdom?
Wisdom, in Proverbs, is personified as a woman who has built her house with seven pillars—a symbol of completeness and divine purpose. This reinforces the point that wisdom is rooted in God Almighty and is not merely an accumulation of facts or intelligence.
A Divine Connection
The Bible teaches that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). Without a relationship with God, we cannot claim to possess true wisdom. Some of the wisest people I've met have not stepped foot inside a college classroom. They embody the truth of Acts 4:13, where uneducated men Peter and John astonished those around them with their insight, a result of being with Jesus.
Education has its value, but it is our relationship with God that truly cultivates wisdom. He has a divine purpose for us, and surrendering to Him allows us to access a wisdom that transcends mere intellect.
Wisdom’s Invitation
Proverbs 9:2-6 invites the simple to partake in the sustenance that leads to life and insight. This invitation mirrors what Jesus offers in John 6, where He asks others to consume His body and blood—symbolizing the nurturing of eternal life through Him. However, many reject this invitation, letting their limited understanding overshadow the divine truth before them.
Navigating Today's Challenges
In today’s political climate, there are numerous competing influences claiming to offer wisdom. Yet, as followers of Christ, we must discern what aligns with God’s will. True wisdom asks us to look beyond our intellect and trust God’s guidance, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
Conclusion
Ultimately, true wisdom emerges from submitting to God rather than relying solely on our intellect. Our minds are gifts that should be used to seek understanding. However, wisdom calls us to surrender our reasoning to God.
As Proverbs teaches, the outcome of true wisdom is life. John 3:16 reminds us that this life is found in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
To emphasize this, remember the transitive property of equality: if Wisdom equals Life and Jesus equals Life, then it follows that Jesus equals Wisdom.
So, if you wish to be wise, come to Jesus. Embrace Him as your Savior and submit to Him as the Good Shepherd of your life. In His nourishment, we find true wisdom that guides us toward eternal life.
