Where Is The Wise?

The above question was asked by the Apostle Paul (I Cor. 1:20). Because of the emphasis on one preacher or apostle over the other, Paul found it necessary to proclaim his purpose was "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void." He then quotes Isaiah 29:14 to show God's opinion of man's wisdom.

In the world, and the church, Christ was to be preached, although most considered preaching him to be foolish. Man, in his wisdom, could not comprehend why so great teaching would come in such a foolish way (as he saw it). The wise, the scribe and disputers of this world rejected such simple teaching because it did not fit their mold of wisdom.

Those who thought this way, for the most part, rejected Christ. This caused Paul to ask the church to "behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called", and that God has chosen the foolish, weak, base, despised things of the world to "bring to nought the things that are", so man had nothing to glory of in the flesh.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel. (Prov. 12:15) True wisdom comes from God, through His word. "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee; So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thy heart to understanding; Yea, if thou cry after discernment, And lift up thy voice for understanding; If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures: Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah,And find the knowledge of God. (Prov. 2:1-5) James tells us if we desire wisdom we should ask God for it. (Jas. 1:5)

Although teaching in the things of this world is necessary, and degrees are important, wisdom is not necessarily a result of them. Man can know a lot about many things, yet be a fool in God's eyes. This is why we are admonished to study. "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." (II Tim. 2:15)

We will all do well to remember "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov. 16:25). Where are the wise of this world? Many are atheist, some are religious by man's definition, not God's, some read the words of God to find fault, not truth, some profess to be in the church, but are false teachers thinking they know more than others.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom." (Jas. 3:13). "Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness: and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise that they are vain. Wherefore let no one glory in men." (I Cor. 3:18-21)

Let us fully understand that worldly knowledge, and wisdom, are not God's wisdom.

Jack