Short Thoughts

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary gives a simple definition of wisdom.

the right use or exercise of knowledge

This agrees with the scriptural use of wisdom as discernment and application. Knowledge is necessary to wisdom. There cannot be much wisdom without knowledge, but there can be much knowledge without wisdom.

The Bible often pits wisdom in contrast to folly. The self-professed wise men in Romans 1 are in reality great fools. You will note that they have a tremendous amount of knowledge, but they do not make the right use of it. Consequently, they deny God the Creator, worship the creation, and practice all forms of abominable ungodliness. Despite their high IQ’s and mental stockpiles of information, they are fools.

So then, what is a wise Christian? James addressed those who lack wisdom. Does that mean that they do not know about God or His Word? That is not the case; rather, they are not able to make right use of what they know, or they are not able to make practical application of the knowledge they have.

The lack of wisdom is addressed in Hebrews 5:11-6:2. It is interesting that the knowledge of doctrine—“the first principles of the oracles of God” and “the principles of the doctrine of Christ”—is there termed “milk.” Also, those that have progressed no further are called babes. For many the knowledge of doctrine is the pinnacle of Christianity. To have knowledge of some deep doctrine means that one has arrived and to wax eloquent about abstract doctrine from some obscure passage is nearly idolized among some.

However, the passage in Hebrews makes it plain that knowledge is not the summit, but a necessary climb on the ascension to the peak of wisdom. That wisdom is called “strong meat” and is the practical application of Scripture knowledge: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). This wisdom is considered adorning the “doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:10-14).

The babes with all their coveted knowledge are either unwilling or unable to discern “both good and evil.” In other words, they do not make practical application of what they know. Their lives are not impacted and shaped by the application of doctrine. They may speak a long while on the doctrine of Christ’s Lordship, but they know nothing of personal submission to Christ’s reign (Luke 6:46) and forsaking all for the sake of His kingdom. Consequently, they live lives of antinomianism (though they may deny the doctrine), worldliness, and ungodliness, bringing a reproach on the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:27).

The ascension to wisdom is on this wise. The beginning of knowledge is to know the stories and facts of the Bible. We progress from there to gain knowledge of doctrine. We begin to understand the big picture of the Bible and the flow or progression of the stories. We begin to understand the spiritual significance of the Scripture. Climbing yet higher, we begin to make use of this knowledge and discern good and evil. So, we ascend to wisdom and we cannot skip the steps on the way up. If wisdom is like a tall ladder, we cannot get from the bottom rungs to the top rungs if we are missing the rungs in the middle.

On Saturday morning October 6, 2007 God permitted the safe and healthy birth of twins to our family. Jubilee Illa was born at 5:20 AM weighing 6 lbs. 3 oz. She had dark hair and looked remarkably like one of her older sisters. Judah Thomas followed at 5:30 AM weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz. He had lighter hair and resembled his mother and older brother. Each child is a blessed gift from God and to receive two in this manner humbles us and fills us with wonder at the glory and wisdom of God. Mother and babies are doing very well. Judah is on the left and Jubilee on the right in the attached photo.

Oftentimes through the wrath of man and the providence of God, we find ourselves in unexpected situations. Uncertainty causes much anxiety to us and our minds become greatly distressed. This is man responding to his circumstances. We are responsive creatures and cannot help but respond in some way to an unexpected circumstance. However, a prolonged response of anxiety is not Christian.

Paul had learned to be content from one extreme state to another and everywhere in between (Philippians 4:11). The secret of his contentment was stated plainly in the first chapter of the Philippian epistle, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). He was Christ-centered, providing a sure and steadfast anchor for his soul. The storm may come suddenly and his vessel rise and fall with the swelling sea, but his position was fixed because of the anchor.

God’s word to His people is this: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). With our mind stayed on God, we will not waver with the tumult of circumstances. The peace spoken of is in contrast to protracted anxiety of mind over uncertainties. The passage does promise we shall never be exposed to danger, but that we may abide the danger with peace in our mind. So, let us be stayed on God, trusting in Him, and let storms come what may.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea:
Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rocks and treacherous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will When Thou sayest to them “Be still!”
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore, And the fearful breakers roar
‘Twixt me and the peaceful rest. Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me, “Fear not, I will pilot thee.”