“3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
This particular section of Proverbs 2 stood out for me this morning. In my relationships with Christian leaders, whether in business, family, community or church leadership, there have been many conversations about the knowledge and wisdom required for leadership. Questions are often asked about whether all wisdom for all situations is found in Scripture. Is there value in psychology as a leader? Is there value in reading “secular” authors with regards to leadership and human behaviour?
These verses in Proverbs 2 instruct us that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and suggest we can understand this fear and receive wisdom if we ask for it. We are actually encouraged to cry aloud for understanding and search desperately for it.
It constantly amazes me that we can have such varying perspectives on situations shared in the media and on social media. Two different news channels share the same news from completely different ideologies that completely contradict one another. On social media, two friends can have opposite reactions to the same “facts”. Yesterday, a friend posted an article from the National Post on his social media feed; some commenters agreed whole-heartedly with the article, while others did not. In fact, one quite vocal commenter refused to even read the article because it was in the National Post; he adamantly disagreed with an article he had not even read and refused to read. This, however, did not prevent him from continuing to comment! I have decided to refrain from commenting on social media “discussions”, but is it right or wise to remain silent?
If our goal is to do what is just, right, and fair, then we must be able to engage our world with wisdom. The famous doxology in Jude 1:25 states, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Saviour, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”
As we seek to be influencers in our communities, especially in this time of crisis that requires much wisdom, how are we applying the wisdom of Scripture to our world? Does God’s wisdom have a consistent perspective? Is it conservative or liberal? Or something other?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Do you believe there is a “correct” perspective on issues that constitutes wisdom? Should all those who seek God’s wisdom on a particular issue arrive at the same perspective or come to the same conclusions? Share your thoughts below.