The Beginning and End of Wisdom - Monergism Books

Ship of FoolsWe All Need WisdomWhen I was a newborn Christian (for me—age nineteen), I rememberthe first time I came across James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom,let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, andit will be given him.” At the time, I considered wisdom to be theicing on the cake of Christian discipleship. I reasoned, “Oh, thingsare going pretty well in my Christian life, but now and then I needa bit of wisdom to make an important decision—what girl I shouldmarry; what college I should attend—and so that’s when I’ll ask forit.” That’s when I rub the lamp, if you will. Yet now I realize, asSolomon did much earlier, that I need wisdom like I need oxygenand water—and love.Isn’t this true for you? We all need wisdom. And not just wisdomin the massive decisions of life but in our everyday relationships withtheir moment-by-moment choices—at home, in the workplace, inour neighborhoods. Thankfully, our gracious God has not left us toour own devices. He has given us the Wisdom Literature of the Bible,especially the book of Proverbs, where its short and salty Solomonicsayings teach us God’s mind on many matters under the sun.How do I find a good wife? It’s in there. How do I raise godlychildren? It’s in there. Why should I deal honestly in business? It’sin there. What I am to do with this tongue, which sometimes likesto fib, gossip, and yell? It’s in there. Why is it important to roll outof bed each morning and work hard? It’s in there. How do I becomea wise and respected leader within my community? It’s in there.Here at the very start of Proverbs (1:2–6), Solomon calls everyonewho needs everyday wisdom—the young, the simple, and thosealready wise—to listen up. Do you need practical wisdom: “instructionin wise dealing” and “prudence . . . knowledge and discretion”(vv. 3–4)? Well, then, listen up. Do you need intellectual wisdom:insight into insightful words (vv. 2b, 4b)? Well, then, listen up. Doyou need moral wisdom: “instruction . . . in righteousness, justice,and equity” (v. 3b)? Well, then, listen up. And do you need mysteriouswisdom: “guidance” and the ability to understand or comprehend35