I want to talk with you about authentic wisdom and critical thinking, both of which are in short supply today. People now tend to emotionally react rather than use objective reasoning. We are quick to “cancel” opposing views rather than consider them, and hurl vulgar and crude insults towards one another instead of expressing honest inquiry about what is happening in the nation and world and expressing our thoughts in a calm and civilized manner. Our ability to take the time and think without having some type of emotional “meltdown” has all but vanished from the educational system and no longer a major part of societal behavior. People now prefer to wallow in a world of self-centeredness, vulgarity, emotion, entitlement, and instant gratification. This reprehensive lifestyle is not the “survival of the fittest” born of evolutionary progression, but of outright rebellion and hatred of God, believing that we can run things better than He can. It does not take a genius to conclude that this has been both a bad and foolish decision. The plague of death, destruction, and sorrow throughout history proves this point.
I want to give you the definitions of “wisdom”, found in the 1828 Webster’s Online Dictionary, which presents a more thorough meaning of words than those listed in many modern editions. The 1828 version uses examples from Scripture to illustrate the usage of words. Since this is a site dedicated to the study and defense of the Bible, it only makes sense to use it in the quest for true wisdom and return of critical thought:
Wisdom (noun) – The right use of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or purpose. If wisdom is to be used as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of judging what is most just, proper, and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most, just, most proper, most conclusive to prosperity or happiness.
In Scripture and theology, wisdom is true religion, godliness, piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to His commands. This is the wisdom born from above (Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 3:19; Daniel 2:20; Romans 11:23; 1 Corinthians 1:25; 2 Timothy 2:15).
This is a lot to consider, but also worth the time to examine. It’s time to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:1-2). We’ll get started in the next post.