Wisdom is no secret. She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words (Prov. 1:20-21). If wisdom is being skilled at life, then one might ask why it (she) is so elusive? The problem is not a lack of knowledge or the information we need to be wise and live well. The problem lies in the power of desire. You do what you want to do.
When it comes to virtuous, noble living, “I can’t” is more accurately put, “I don’t want to.” How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing and fools hate knowledge? (v.22) The history of humanity – with particular focus on the last twelve months – provides vast empirical verification of this reality in the human condition. I like how Todd Brewer puts it: “Neither this global pandemic, the gross injustices, the racial tensions, the mad riots, the macabre political theatre, not even Tiger King should have shocked anyone, especially those schooled in the Torah and the prophets. All human history, from Cain and Abel onward, has amply demonstrated that destruction and stupidity, navel-gazing and bloodshed, the ubiquity of fools, and the thin veneer between civilization and anarchy is the norm, not the exception.”1
The chief problem of humanity is not environmental, medical, political, educational, or philosophical. At the root of human folly and brokenness is a disordered love cemented by stubborn, willful pride – they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD (v29).
When we are bent on doing our own thing, we tend to not factor in the law of sowing and reaping - they shall eat the fruit of their own way (v.31). Complacency in human folly is devastating. “It’s my life” is the most destructive statement a person could say or think. (v.32).
Thankfully, there is an alternative – a life well-lived. It is not arbitrary, nor is it simply bound up in my heart, waiting for me to discover and follow. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (v7). That is a choice you must make to live out the alternative to what is normal in this existence under the sun. Don’t be normal. Because whoever listens to me will dwell safely and be secure, without fear of evil (v33). In the Lord alone is true and lasting peace. That is why Jesus comforted His followers by saying, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27).
____________________
1“The Church in 2020,” Mockingbird (10-16-20)
Copyright © 2021 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.