The Wisdom of the World
He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.
Job 5:12-13
+
The Wisdom of the World
The wisdom of the world says God does not exist. And then immediately sets out to create a God in its own image. Just as the Hebrews crafted the golden calf, we craft our own false idols and worship them as gods. All the while, ignoring the fact that the ways of the world have led to nothing but ruin and sorrow. So why do we do it? Why do we so readily deny God and embrace the darkness? Because we want to be like God. Even though we too often deny Him. We want to be the one who is the wisest and most revered. We want to be the center of everyone’s thoughts and attention. This is what the wisdom of the world gets us. Yet just as we seem on the brink of believing our own press, calamities happen. Things don’t go as planned, and our own craftiness ensnares us. This is what we risk when we turn away from God and towards the ways of the world. God warns of this, “For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:19-20) For the world places its hope in temporal things, not in the things from above. All which we see one day will be no more. To trust in the material things is to trust in nothing. Yet through the Holy Spirit given faith we know a better way. Instead “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21) We trust not in the wisdom of men or ourselves, but in Christ, the light no darkness can overcome.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8)
Job 5:12-13
+
The Wisdom of the World
The wisdom of the world says God does not exist. And then immediately sets out to create a God in its own image. Just as the Hebrews crafted the golden calf, we craft our own false idols and worship them as gods. All the while, ignoring the fact that the ways of the world have led to nothing but ruin and sorrow. So why do we do it? Why do we so readily deny God and embrace the darkness? Because we want to be like God. Even though we too often deny Him. We want to be the one who is the wisest and most revered. We want to be the center of everyone’s thoughts and attention. This is what the wisdom of the world gets us. Yet just as we seem on the brink of believing our own press, calamities happen. Things don’t go as planned, and our own craftiness ensnares us. This is what we risk when we turn away from God and towards the ways of the world. God warns of this, “For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:19-20) For the world places its hope in temporal things, not in the things from above. All which we see one day will be no more. To trust in the material things is to trust in nothing. Yet through the Holy Spirit given faith we know a better way. Instead “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21) We trust not in the wisdom of men or ourselves, but in Christ, the light no darkness can overcome.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8)
Recent
Archive
2021
January
The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
February
The True Center of SalvationThe Purpose of GovernmentWhat Is a Good Work?The Chief DoctrineA Simple ExplanationJoyful NewsHarmless NoiseIn God's HandsTreasure in Weak VesselsThe Pure, Clear WordWas It Better Before?Responsibility to OthersTrue EqualityA Broad InterpretationThe Flesh Is WeakWhen Pity Is WrongNo Sin AllowedTake the High RoadGod Is TrueSetting an ExampleThe Spirit Giveth LifeThe Christian LawBeware of False ShepherdsThe Lofty and the LowlyIn the Hour at HandLearning to CallWhen the Wicked SucceedTake up Your Cross
March
On Godly BehaviorThe Sheep of ChristThe Calm after the StormOn Becoming a ChristianEternal FoodConcerning Knowledge and PowerFight PowerfullyThe Yoke of ChristThe Obedient ChristThe Fulfillment of the LawDivine RighteousnessThe Gospel Is PublicTo Live as a ChristianThe Promise of GodlinessWhy Is Christ Punished?Blind Human NatureHave Faith Like ChildrenThe Spirit of TruthWaiting for GodTo Know GodThe Purpose of NeedWho Is an Apostle?When Salvation BeginsTrust in GodThe Time for RescueGod Is UnchangeableThere Is No Secret SalvationA Chosen RaceFeast of St. Michael and All AngelsWhat to Pray ForGod's Goodness