The way of wisdom

The book of Proverbs instructs us in the way of wisdom. It also warns us against folly, or the way of the foolish man. Nobody aims to be a fool, but somehow we all manage to do foolish things from time to time. One of the most foolish things we can do is withdraw from relationships when we are struggling in life. This is a common problem for many people. And even more foolish, is to make plans without proper consultation. ‘Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed’. Prov 15:22.

The wise man wrote, ‘He who separates himself seeks his own desire. He quarrels against all sound wisdom’. Prov 18:1. As Christians, we are members of one body. We are joined together. An independent life is never befitting a member of the Lord’s family. So why do we separate ourselves? Why do we withdraw from relationships, fatherhood and instruction? The book of Proverbs highlights the essential reason. We ‘seek our own desire’. This is quite simple. We do not seek counsel because we do not want to hear something that differs from our own opinions and preferences. Often we know in our hearts that our desire is unwise. However, it is easier to withdraw and thus avoid conflict and close out all opinions contrary to our desires. This type of response increases stubbornness and will eventually cause our hearts to be hardened. Intractable stubbornness is of much greater consequence than we generally concede.

The quiet person may simply ‘withdraw into themselves’ when they are not getting their own way. The more verbose person may continue to push their own agenda and force their own viewpoint. Both are quarreling ‘against all sound wisdom’, even if only in the heart. There may be many rational and apparently good reasons to do something. However, wisdom often witnesses in our heart saying, ‘no’. This still quiet voice will provoke us to seek wise counsel. The wisdom of God expressed through fathers in the faith may not always appeal to us. Nevertheless, fellowship and relationship are our protection. We must ‘make plans through consultation’, and avoid at all costs the carnal response which reinforces independent action. Prov 20:18.

When we receive instruction that is contrary to our own desires, we must not harden our hearts. The fool despises the instruction. The wise man recognizes that it is ‘the way of life’. We need to hear the word of instruction and we know it is motivated by love, ‘for whom the Lord loves He chastens’. Heb 12:6. In the end, wisdom is a mystery revealed to those who seek after her. If we lack wisdom it doesn’t have to stay that way. ‘If any man lacks wisdom let him ask God who gives freely’. James 1:5. God gives freely to those who ask. However, we must be willing to ask. And we need to ask the right people. The way of wisdom is the way of ‘wise counsel’.

Sue Falk

Return to top

Feature Articles
June 2008

Sleepless nights

Alive to praise

How are we sent

Wonders for the dead

Faith for our children

The way of wisdom

Light from darkness

Giving to the end

Gathering all Israel