As a culture obsessed with education, higher learning, and degrees, it could be argued that we haven’t learned much.
We are fools until we also learn to be understanding, just, and fair in everything we do. And it is impossible to do that without wisdom.
The first step on the path to wisdom is to trust and reverence the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). We are all given the gift of choice. Whether we choose to walk the path of wisdom is our decision alone. If we are complacent, defiant, or otherwise refuse to be taught, our path will lead us away from wisdom — and away from the Lord.
Only fools refuse to be taught (Proverbs 1:7-8). Unfortunately, most people do not seek or recognize wisdom. People often seek what they desire, not what they need. They often confuse what they want to believe with wisdom. In the absence of real wisdom, we stray. The only real wisdom is that which pleases God, which leads to a meaningful relationship with Him and with each other.
“Wisdom shouts in the streets for a hearing. She calls out to the crowds along Main Street, and to the judges in their courts, and to everyone in all the land: ‘You simpletons!’ she cries. “How long will you go on being fools? How long will you scoff at wisdom and fight the facts? Come here and listen to me! I will pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise. I have called you so often, but still you won’t come. I have pleaded, but all in vain. For you have spurned my counsel and reproof. Some day you’ll be in trouble, and I’ll laugh! Mock me, will you? – I’ll mock you! When a storm of terror surrounds you, and when you are in distress, then I will not answer your cry for help. It will be too late even though you search for me earnestly.
For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned your back on me, spurning my advice. That is why you must eat the bitter fruit of having your own way and experience the full terrors of the pathway you have chosen. For your turned away from me – to death; your own complacency will kill you. Fools! But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid.” (Proverbs 1:20-33)
It is important that we learn God’s will so that we can obey it. But learning is not a passive activity. It is an interactive one. It requires that we make an effort. It requires that we distinguish wisdom from foolishness.
If we seek God in earnest, we will find Him. If we trust and revere Him, our relationship with God will grow. But we must be careful to whom we listen because there are people among us who teach falsehoods and attempt to lead us astray – sometimes falsely using God’s name in doing so. (Jeremiah 29: 8-9).
So how do we recognize fact from fiction? Pray for wisdom. Make an earnest effort to learn the Bible so you can recognize fact from fiction. Place your trust in God to guide you and revere Him. And love – for love is the key that unlocks fact from fiction.
“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets stem from these two laws and are fulfilled if you obey them. Keep only these and you will find that you are obeying all the others.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
Follow these two commandments and you will be on the right path.
Follow these two commandments and you will be on the path to God.
Photo by Olha Rohulya
REFLECTIONS 