Wisdom is the missing ingredient

We call today's world the "information age." Technology has given most everyone the ability to access all sorts of facts and information, even the intimate personal details of fellow human beings.

With all the information available at the click of a mouse it seems ironic that the world is not becoming smarter and safer as we would expect should follow. To the contrary, it seems more confused and aimless than in any period in memorable history. For those who have been around a while, old-fashioned common sense should rather be called "uncommon sense." What is our problem?

The Bible emphasizes a very important element relating to the gifts of knowledge and the ability to utilize information bequeathed upon human creatures. Often, this element is totally ignored or grossly underrated. It is called wisdom, and Scripture places the value of true wisdom far greater than knowledge or wealth.

The definition of wisdom from the encyclopedia is very enlightening. "A deep understanding of information, facts, and situations resulting in a consistent ability to choose or respond in a way that produces the best results with a minimum of time and energy and without regard to personal passions or the pressing urgency of some immediate benefit."

The Bible has many special passages devoted to the topic of wisdom. From these it is clear that the wisdom the Bible speaks of does not refer to classical or political philosophy or the ever changing social views of each new generation. For that matter, neither does it refer to wisdom associated with human experience that we assume is acquired by age. King Solomon's life is an example of a wise man that grew more foolish with age rather than wiser.

According to the Bible, wisdom that has high value will always have consistent moral and spiritual principles at its root. This proposition is expressed in the words of Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." In other words, a great reverence and sense of awe regarding the Creator is the starting point for any wisdom that has value.

In the New Testament, wisdom is also an important topic. The Apostle Paul makes an astonishing and significant statement when he declares that Christ is the very incarnation and embodiment of wisdom. Notice his words in 1 Corinthians 1:24, "... to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God." Those who value wisdom will ultimately be led to the person of Jesus Christ. Confessing our need and a commitment to own Him as the Lord and Savior provides access to a source of wisdom that is literally out of this world.

Pastor Gene Holman of Living Word Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.