Wisdom's Roots

Mar 21, 2009 at 8:16 AM
2 comments

Here's another analog I wrote for church. It's a bit dry, but I tried to make it a little interesting.

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"Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?" - Proverbs 8:1

The world is full of problems and advice--people looking for the sorts of absolute truth that describes life in neatly drawn lines. And for many, the search for truth is a ruse that covers over a simple apathy for the real, practical struggles of daily life. Yet given the folly of such fruitless pursuits of understanding, the bible still considers wisdom a virtue of the highest kind.

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding." - Proverbs 4:7

But what is this wisdom? What does this understanding do, and why is it at all important?

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." – Colossians 2:2-3

In Paul's letter, he is attempting to provide subtle theological understanding amidst a teaching that is extremely practical. Though the thinking of God may well be higher than our own, Paul is showing us that the deepest of knowledge can be understood through the day-to-day practices of loving one another. In fact, it is through our love and encouragement to each other that the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are revealed.

"'To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right..." - Proverbs 8:4-6

There is a paradox in that the truth of the highest wisdom brings you right back to where the simplest of minds start: love and kindness. Wisdom calls out to us not only to understand the deep and complex realities, but also their direct relationships to the basic kindnesses that anyone can understand.

"They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9

The "knowledge of the Lord" lies in the simplest of generosities and sacrifices. It is easy to get caught up in arguments—especially when the understanding they can lend seems so important. And though such arguments in the pursuit of absolute truth may get complicated and long-winded, we cannot lose sight of being "united in love" before we are united in understanding.