Maclane Forbus

Wisdom is not a weapon.

This was the thought I had this morning as I read Proverbs 9:9, which states, “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will learn more.” This ancient but applicable truth is a lesson in wisdom. It shapes for us the idea that one who has wisdom will understand that the journey of gaining wisdom never ends. It is a spiritual journey that has no finish line in this life.

I saw a social media post recently from someone who postures themselves as possessing wisdom, which according to Proverbs 9:9 is likely an indicator that real wisdom is lacking. The post was hateful, which is not uncommon on social media, and the author positioned himself as a wise person who had attained wisdom at such a high level that it was now their responsibility to correct the lack of wisdom in others.

This is an interesting concept of wisdom, especially considering the absence of kindness, gentleness, peacefulness, and love, which would be present if the postured wisdom was from God. The author James in the Bible makes this statement about such things, “But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” [James 3:14-15 CSB]

The truth from Proverbs 9:9 is important for our spiritual lives because it reminds us that we are on a journey! Every day is a new opportunity for us to gain spiritual wisdom. By doing so, we draw nearer to God and we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. As we abide in Christ and His wisdom, we recognize our frailty and desperate need for Him. The recognition of our need for Him compels us to discover more of Him, which leads us back to the wisdom found in God’s Word. As James finishes his thought about wisdom, he goes on to say, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” [James 3:17-18 CSB]

Wisdom is a gift of grace from a loving God.

Each day we can find deep truths, practical applications, and spiritual wisdom in God’s Word. In Lamentations, we find this reminder, “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” [Lamentations 3:22-23 CSB]

By His grace, God has provided for us a never-ending supply of wisdom. By His love, God has promised us that we can discover fresh and new wisdom each day in His word. And as we mine the pages of Scripture and discover the wisdom from above, it will soften our hearts and increase our love.

Open God’s Word and discover His wisdom for your life today. Obey His teachings and apply His wisdom to your heart. When you do, you will discover that His wisdom moves us further away from our agendas and closer and nearer to His heart.