Unpacking the Essence of Wisdom
Wisdom is often misunderstood as merely accumulating data, information, or knowledge. However, from a biblical perspective, wisdom goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition. It’s about knowing what to do with the information we have, and it’s rooted in a deep-seated attitude: the fear of the Lord. This reverent attitude acknowledges God’s sovereignty and our limitations.
The Wise Person: A Master of Observation
Wisdom also involves acute observation and the ability to draw lessons from reality. Proverbs 6:6-11 illustrates this point beautifully, encouraging us to learn from the ant’s industrious nature. The wise person can connect the dots between natural phenomena and human life, prospering as a result.
Reasoning as a Servant of Scripture
In theology, wisdom employs reasoning as a servant of Scripture, not its master. Reasoning is not a separate entity; it’s a human activity that must be submitted to God. The philosopher William James aptly defined philosophy as “the unusually stubborn attempt to think clearly.” Similarly, doing theology requires a stubborn attempt to think clearly, but always in submission to Scripture.
The Moral Dimension of Knowing
There’s a moral dimension to knowing, as the Scottish theologian P.T. Forsyth noted. Our ability to recognize truth has a moral component. Virtue epistemology plays a crucial role, as Jesus taught that the pure in heart see God (Matthew 5:8). The wise person is, in fact, the virtuous one.
The Noetic Effects of Sin
Some argue that the fall has so damaged human minds that true thought is impossible without the Spirit’s aid. However, Jesus expected people to understand natural phenomena and even his own teachings, despite their need for spiritual rebirth. Sin causes an affective disinclination to trust in God, not a cognitive disability.
The Invitation to Reason Together
Throughout the Old Testament, God invites his people to reason together, arguing his case against their rebellion. In Isaiah 1, God offers a prospect of change, conditional upon their willingness and obedience. This invitation to reason together is a recurring theme, seen in God’s challenges to the gods of the nations in Isaiah 41.
The Logician: Jesus in Debate
In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as a master debater, using logical arguments to refute his opponents. Philosopher Dallas Willard aptly describes Jesus as “the Logician” due to his impressive powers of logical thinking. Mark 3 presents a fascinating example of Jesus’ logical prowess in debate.
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