Simple vs Wise
Proverbs 9:6 “Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight”
For this week’s post for Blog Thursday post, I want to talk to you about one of the most important things the bible discusses. The book of Proverbs, also known as a book of wisdom, has many hidden details that have been here for years, yet only a little has been uncovered. Reading Proverbs takes patience and attention, to truly understand the meaning of the words. Today I'll be discussing the motif of wisdom and simplicity, and how these two contrast each other.
First, we must discuss what it means to be simple. Well by biblical definitions to be simple means to be “immature and easily misled”. Now we know just by the definition, these are ungodly characteristics, which makes it dangerous to acquire. But why exactly does the bible, specifically the book of Proverbs, discuss the dangers of simpleness so much? And why is wisdom so adamant about rebuking it?
Well in Proverbs we see that Solomon warns of those who are simple because their ways are destructive and lead only to death. This explains the very first chapter of Proverbs, where wisdom rebukes those who walk in the ways of the simple, “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?---repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you” Proverbs 1:22-23. Interesting, so to gain wisdom, we must leave our simple ways. But how do we leave our simple ways? Great question, because today I will be discussing three important points: How to stop being simple, The two types of wisdom, and How to gain Godly wisdom.
How To Stop Being Simple
Now that we’ve defined simple, we must learn how to stop being simple. See the bible tells us to leave our simple ways or “easily misled” ways. In order to stop being misled, one of the most important things to do is read our bible and understand what it says. If we do not understand the bible, it’s just mere words to us. And if we view the bible as a book of no importance, we’re going to live a life that we think is not important. One of the characteristics of those who are easily misled is not knowing anything. See with a book like the Bible that attains so much wisdom and knowledge, it should be hard for us to be misled. Misleading us should be one of the most difficult tasks for the enemy, but it becomes easy for him when we set that bible down and walk the other way. Our minds should be filled with the word of God so much, that the enemy has no way to enter it. Our mind is like a blank canvas, it has no characteristics and can be freely developed. Now we choose who gets to design that canvas, the devil or the Lord. Because if our mind is a blank canvas, it is easy to fill. So let’s be wise, and choose our artist.
The Bible says to seek wisdom, and when you seek it you will find it. Wisdom can and will save our life, so let’s pick the bible up and read, and ask the Lord to give us knowledge. Because the same God that gave Solomon wisdom is the same God that’s going to bless us with it.
The Two Types of Wisdom
There are two types of wisdom, Godly wisdom and human wisdom. Human wisdom relies on the understanding of humans, while Godly wisdom solely relies on God. As followers of Christ, we should seek out the wisdom of God, because who better understands the world than the one who created it? 1 Corinthians 1:19 states “ For it is written “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart”. The Lord destroyed the wisdom of the people of Israel because they relied on their understanding, instead of the Lord’s. When we rely on our knowledge and wisdom, destruction tends to follow. I believe that one of the wisest things we can do is ask the Lord for help, but I also think it can be the hardest because our pride and ego refuse to be destroyed. Humans trying to understand everything without the help of God is like a student trying to understand a new subject without asking questions, if you don’t ask or receive help you won’t be able to understand, or maybe you will, but it will take longer. When we refuse to ask the Lord for help, we either never receive the blessings the Lord has for us, or we delay the blessings.
How to Gain Godly Wisdom
In James 1:5 it says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. So to get wisdom we must ask the Lord for it. Now it may seem like a ‘it’s too good to be true’ moment, but the Lord is willing for those who are willing. We know as Christians that our God is a father, and a father would do anything to protect his children, so why not give them a tool that can protect them from evil? The Lord wants to give us wisdom, but we don’t ask for it, we don’t seek it.
So My brothers and sisters let’s seek God, so we are entrusted with the gift of wisdom that will lead us throughout this life.