Not So Wise

Each year I do a Bible plan, and I have started to read a different version to try to gain greater insight. This year, I am reading the Amplified version, and my understanding is truly amplifying as this version gives meanings that I never thought about before, making me ponder the Word even more. I was recently reading Jesus’ parable about the Sower and the Seed. A new significance of this passage illuminated for me because Jesus said something very interesting after telling it.

For whoever has [spiritual wisdom because he is receptive to God’s word], to him more will be given, and he will be richly and abundantly supplied; but whoever does not have [spiritual wisdom because he has devalued God’s word], even what he has will be taken away from him. Matthew 13:12 AMP

I didn’t think this verse was about spiritual wisdom, but it makes a lot of sense. If we do not receive God’s Word and live it, then that is not so wise. Let us hear the Word and take heed. We should not let the cares of this world choke out God’s Word, and we must make sure that the Word penetrates the soil of our hearts before the devil takes its seeds. In addition, we should also be careful to get rid of sin so that the roots of the Word will grow deeply in us to bear good fruit. This is wise. But it is not worldly wisdom, which is different from God’s wisdom.  

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness (absurdity, stupidity) before God; for it is written [in Scripture], “[He is] The one who catches the wise and clever in their craftiness. 1 Corinthians 3:19 AMP

The wisdom of the world may think it is fine to use a little deceit to get ahead in life, but God’s wisdom abhors deception. Self-promotion is also the world’s way but not God’s way as He humbles the proud and exalts the humble. This quote has been attributed to Maria Forleo an American entrepreneur, speaker and writer - “Where did we learn that self-promotion is bad, and most importantly, why do we accept that as truth?”

Well, for those of us who follow the Bible, we would have accepted this as truth as God’s Word exhorts us in Philippians 2:3-4 to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather in humility we should value others above ourselves, not looking to our own interests but each to the interests of the others. This we also believe to be God’s wisdom, but the world finds this laughable and not so wise. But again, these are two different wisdoms.

Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals]. James 3:13-18 AMP

Wow!!! I love how the Amplified version expounds the meaning of this passage. There is disorder in worldly wisdom because it is so self-absorbed and cares about nothing else but its own interests and will do anything to get what it wants. Plus, it can even be demonic. This type of wisdom is selfish and there is no true peace in it. Whereas God’s wisdom is all about righteousness and it loves peace by always seeking brotherly love between individuals. This wisdom is spiritually mature, calm, reasonable and without hypocrisy. The world’s wisdom looks like the opposite of this.

Unfortunately, the wisdom of the world plagues the church these days and sometimes we cannot see the difference between the world and the church. No wonder onlookers will perceive Christians as hypocrites because we practice the world’s wisdom while speaking about God’s wisdom when the two can be like water and oil. They don’t mix.

Where is the wise man (philosopher)? Where is the scribe (scholar)? Where is the debater (logician, orator) of this age? Has God not exposed the foolishness of this world’s wisdom? .., [This is] because the foolishness of God [is not foolishness at all and] is wiser than men [far beyond human comprehension], and the weakness of God is stronger than men [far beyond the limits of human effort].  1 Corinthians 1:20, 25 AMP

We as Christians, may seem not so wise to the world, but when we are submitted to God, He uses us to confound the wisdom of the world.  His wisdom may confuse those who don’t know Him, but it is always best.