23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 24 The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. –1 Kings 10:23-24a
18Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. –1 Corinthians 3:18-19a
The wisdom of the world, the mentality that more is more, the mindset that the here-and-now trumps the there-and-later, the attitude that momentary and artificial gain equals satisfaction and happiness, IS foolishness. And, I’d add chaotic. Think about it, think about the actions, doings and strivings such ‘wisdom’ promotes. When adopted (and embraced), this is a way bent on busyness; and with it, come restlessness and an overwhelming sense of just missing what’s constantly sought after and only seemingly within reach. Painted this way, would anyone want this, would anyone be so foolish as to dedicate their life to its pursuit? Probably not. Would anyone admit to it if they did? Even less likely. But the truth is, on some level all of us have, in one way or another, bought into the quest for this kind of ‘knowledge.’ Like Paul exhorts, let’s not deceive ourselves!
Hit up the first set of verses again. King Solomon was the wisest and richest king the world has ever known (literally). The whole world (which had never beheld such breadth of knowledge) sought audience with him. But pay extra attention to the phrasing of the second verse: ‘The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.’ Interesting, is it not? God granted Solomon wisdom beyond measure. But He put it in his heart! Now don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying Solomon’s mind wasn’t comparatively sharp, but perhaps it was his wisdom of heart (his knowledge of God) that really attracted the crowds. This is why some of the most brilliant minds of our time, those with incredible intellect, those ‘wise’ and influential by the standards of our age, were actually fools, in the sense that they did not know nor accept the Truth. The wisdom of God was not in their heart—they didn’t let it be.
The main point here is the following equation: wisdom of heart = peace of mind. And conversely, the wisdom of this world = chaos and unrest. Which do you want? Put in these terms, the best choice is obvious. But I pose the question, to myself and to you, not because of our verbal response, but because of how our actions answer. Do we really want peace? Really? Then why is it we continually wrap our mind (no, our heart!) around the ‘wisdom’ of the world? Why do we painstakingly pursue that which will ultimately leave us spiritually (and emotionally?) malnourished and discontented, and drive us crazy in the process?
God richly bestowed His wisdom upon King Solomon. He will do the same for us, should we desire it enough to seek Him for it, that is.
Seek wisdom of heart, and delight in its derivative: true peace-of-mind.
18Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. –1 Corinthians 3:18-19a
The wisdom of the world, the mentality that more is more, the mindset that the here-and-now trumps the there-and-later, the attitude that momentary and artificial gain equals satisfaction and happiness, IS foolishness. And, I’d add chaotic. Think about it, think about the actions, doings and strivings such ‘wisdom’ promotes. When adopted (and embraced), this is a way bent on busyness; and with it, come restlessness and an overwhelming sense of just missing what’s constantly sought after and only seemingly within reach. Painted this way, would anyone want this, would anyone be so foolish as to dedicate their life to its pursuit? Probably not. Would anyone admit to it if they did? Even less likely. But the truth is, on some level all of us have, in one way or another, bought into the quest for this kind of ‘knowledge.’ Like Paul exhorts, let’s not deceive ourselves!Hit up the first set of verses again. King Solomon was the wisest and richest king the world has ever known (literally). The whole world (which had never beheld such breadth of knowledge) sought audience with him. But pay extra attention to the phrasing of the second verse: ‘The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.’ Interesting, is it not? God granted Solomon wisdom beyond measure. But He put it in his heart! Now don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying Solomon’s mind wasn’t comparatively sharp, but perhaps it was his wisdom of heart (his knowledge of God) that really attracted the crowds. This is why some of the most brilliant minds of our time, those with incredible intellect, those ‘wise’ and influential by the standards of our age, were actually fools, in the sense that they did not know nor accept the Truth. The wisdom of God was not in their heart—they didn’t let it be.
The main point here is the following equation: wisdom of heart = peace of mind. And conversely, the wisdom of this world = chaos and unrest. Which do you want? Put in these terms, the best choice is obvious. But I pose the question, to myself and to you, not because of our verbal response, but because of how our actions answer. Do we really want peace? Really? Then why is it we continually wrap our mind (no, our heart!) around the ‘wisdom’ of the world? Why do we painstakingly pursue that which will ultimately leave us spiritually (and emotionally?) malnourished and discontented, and drive us crazy in the process?
God richly bestowed His wisdom upon King Solomon. He will do the same for us, should we desire it enough to seek Him for it, that is.
Seek wisdom of heart, and delight in its derivative: true peace-of-mind.
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