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think it would be a most interesting project to ask every member to write one sentence describing what they believe they have learned in their life that is true wisdom. We could then compile these statements and would have a very helpful little handbook for living our lives. I doubt this method was used to create the Wisdom Literature of the Bible. However, I suspect that whoever did the actual writing of this literature did in fact collect wise sayings from a variety of sources and actual life experiences.
In the case of the book of Proverbs the first nine chapters are a well-developed lecture addressed to a "son" as wisdom and folly, both feminine nouns in Hebrew, attempt to win the "son" as a marriage partner. (Emphasis, Sept/Oct 2006, p. 22) The author of Proverbs wants us to know there is always a choice between wisdom and foolishness. One will put us in solid standing; the latter will destroy us. While there is some benefit to the specific sayings in the book, the author's intention is to have us understand and accept the importance of choosing wisdom in all circumstances.
The book of James in the New Testament is also primarily wisdom literature. Most believe it was written by a brother of Jesus. Its language and ideas are consistent with the primary teachings of Jesus. Since the use of wisdom is always a good thing, its recommended usage cannot be overemphasized. Also, we have ordained and installed elders today. These are women and men that you in the congregation have chosen to be our spiritual and corporate leaders for the next three years. As you have heard their calling is specific, demanding and challenging. They will need our prayers and they will need to rely on the Holy Spirit if they hope to fulfill the expectations God has of them.
Wisdom, of course, is not intended to be limited to church leaders. The wisdom offered in the Bible will serve well all those who pay attention to it including spouses, parents, children, friends, political leaders, business leaders and anyone else having power, authority and responsibility.
If we do a quick outline of the short book of James, we see that wisdom involves:
- active listening — 1:19
- restraining angry outbursts — 1:26
- eschewing flattery —- 2:3-4
- refusing slander — 2:7; 4:11
- expressing mercy — 2:12
- joining words to actions — 2:15-17
- teaching circumspectly — 3:12
- repudiating gossip — 3:5-12
- articulating praise — 3:9; 5:13
- withholding boasts — 3:14; 4:13-16
- nurturing peace — 3:17-18
- muzzling envy and greed — 4:1-3
- empathetic mourning — 4:7-10
- holding back judgment — 4:12
- raising the cry of injustice — 5:4
- rejecting grumbling — 5:9
- witnessing boldly — 5:10
- speaking simply and honestly — 5:12
- praying earnestly — 5:13-18
(Emphasis, p.23)
The idea behind wisdom is that we are to be engaged in those things that promote the fullness of life while avoiding those things that diminish life. The challenge for our new elders and for each of us is to say and do things that will affirm and promote life, the Kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus. A question that needs to be asked of each of us is, "What difference do you intend to make in the world by how you live your life?" Will your efforts be primarily for yourself as you seek power, possessions and prestige? Or, will you be working for something greater? What will be the foundation upon which you will build your life's philosophy and guiding principles?
We have just witnessed the fifth anniversary of 9/11. Our world has changed a great deal in the past five years. A year ago, a major portion of our country was destroyed by hurricanes and floods. Other parts of the world have experienced great disasters as well. We appear to be engaged in a struggle of ideologies pitting the West against the East. Extremists of many religions, including our own, pose potential danger to our world and to our existence.
Given all of this and more it is difficult to accept what Wisdom says in Proverbs 1:33, "Those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster." What makes this so challenging is Folly holds out to us the same promise and makes it most attractive and we have to choose.
Therein lies the challenge. Life is a series of personal choices. Even when we make proper choices there is no absolute guarantee that all will go well but are chances of success and security are greatly increased by choosing wisdom's path. There are far too many examples of bad or foolish choices often made in a matter of seconds with consequences that last a lifetime. One's whole life can be destroyed in a matter of seconds when one is not prepared to make the proper decision or choice. It, therefore, becomes important to have a foundational block upon which your life is built.
Christianity is meant to provide a wise and solid basis for living. From the Ten Commandments to the Great Commandment we are encouraged to choose life, love, relationship and servanthood. The world we live in is always offering shortcuts. In a narrow sense they always look attractive and promise reward. Part of learning wisdom is to realize the falsity foolishness provides.
Part of the wisdom I have learned is true joy involves sacrifice and involvement with others working for justice, mercy and compassion. One who exclusively seeks pleasure often finds very little of it that is lasting and genuine. I came across this quote from John B. Delaunay in the September 17, 2006, Sermon Writer Materials from Richard Donovan:
It has been said that crosses are fashioned of two pieces; the one, the will of God; the other, my own will. Place these two wills side by side and there is no cross, but only pleasure. It is only when God's will is laid across my will there is pain and sorrow.
If one wishes to follow Christ, one must be willing to enter into the pain of the world in hopes of eliminating it. The activity of such engagement is called Love. Jesus tells us over and over we discover what we seek and truly need when we love in this manner. That for me describes wisdom.
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