Many ancient cultures produced what is called by scholars
today “wisdom literature.” The Israelites were no exception. The Bible contains
several books that are entirely written in that genre, including most of the
poetic books of the Old Testament. While Psalms is not entirely a wisdom book,
it contains many references to wisdom, and several psalms would be considered pieces
of wisdom literature. Wisdom was a prized attribute for a person in ancient
cultures.
Our own culture generally values knowledge over wisdom.
What is admired is the “expert” who has detailed knowledge about a particular
field. Where modern thought falls short is in what the purpose of knowledge is.
One can accumulate facts forever, yet never really use them to make a
difference in life or society.
Ancient cultures can teach us a lot here, but we must be
careful. Wisdom writings from other ancient civilizations stress the importance
of wisdom for the individual. The wise person is one who can control himself
and who uses what he has gained to make his own life better. Wisdom arises from
pondering one’s own experiences and drawing the proper conclusions from them.
Biblical wisdom has a different emphasis. Wisdom comes
not from personal life experiences, but from the Word of God. By meditating and
studying the Word, you can learn to live a life that is directed by the Lord,
and that avoids many experiences that give you a more painful kind of
experience. (Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book written by someone who learned the
hard way!) Since God is both omniscient (all-knowing) and wise, His revelation
can point you in the right path.
Following the Scriptures doesn’t mean you will never have
difficult experiences. (See Job.) What it will do is enable you, as you follow
the precepts of God, to ensure that you don’t create difficulties for yourself
through disobedience. This section of Psalm 119 (the “mem” section, for those
keeping track of the alphabet) links the study of the Word with obedience to
the Word. Wisdom thus becomes the practical way we put the Word into practice
in our lives.
Even when going through trials, we can find wisdom in the
Bible to take us through those times. We will have troubles, illness, loss, and
struggle, but we can rely on the Word of God to guide us through those times.
Let God’s wisdom, revealed by the power of the Holy Spirit through His Word,
guide you along the path of your life.
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