Christian Message Boards: Wisdom & Faith vs. Intelligence

This is topic Wisdom & Faith vs. Intelligence in forum The One Year Bible at Christian Message Boards.

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Posted by phillip tidwell (Member # 6966) on :

I almost overlooked the link David Campbell included with the January 21 reading, but found it to be especially pertinent as well as succinct.

Today’s reading from Proverbs, like so many others in this book, prizes wisdom. Wisdom is not the same thing as intelligence. Personal experience has proven many people who have high intelligence, superlative IQ’s, and impressive pedigrees in education with all manner of accolades are not necessarily wise.

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Prov. 3:7)

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, MAKING WISE THE SIMPLE;” (Psalm 19:7).

Is it a stretch to conclude that wisdom requires enduring faith in our God and His holy word?
Wisdom provides strength against our enemies as the Psalm of David stresses today. But it requires the steadfast faith culminating in the love and forgiveness Joseph showed his brothers in Genesis. Joseph had faith beyond my comprehension.

Matthew 13 closes with Jesus leaving his own country. The people there questioned his authority, or wisdom, largely because he was only a carpenter’s son. (Matt.13:54-56) The chapter concludes “And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.” (Matt. 13:58)

They may have been logical, even intelligent people, but they couldn’t recognize wisdom because they had none.

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :

Hi phillip,

I came across this poem. I don't know who the poet is, but I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Who were the Wise Men in the long ago?

Not Herod, fearful lest he lose his throne;

Not Pharisees, too proud to claim their own;

Not priests and scribes whose province was to know;

Not money changers running too and fro;

But three who traveled, weary and alone,

With dauntless faith, because before them shone

The star that led them to a manger low.

Who are the Wise Men now, when all is told?

Not men of science; not the great and strong;

Not those who wear a kingly diadem;

Not those whose eager hands pile high the gold;

But those amid the tumult and the throng

Who follow still the star of Bethlehem.

Posted by Daddy Raptor (Member # 6975) on :

Want to be wise? Win souls! Prov. 11:30b "...he who wins souls is wise."

Posted by phillip tidwell (Member # 6966) on :

Good catch Mr. Raptor. Ties in very nicely with the conclusion of the poem Carol shared too. It's amazing how much meaning is packed into so few words from Scripture.