| Worlds Of Wisdom |
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The definition of wisdom as we can see here is specifically and basically all the wisdom that man can absorb in every way, shape and form. Not unlike the knowledge of things various and diverse, be it of the world, the planets, the stars and/or about God Himself. Everything in total which can be learned by man, while living on this earth. Everything that can enter into the mind of man. So what we use to define the specific types of wisdom is the verb used prior to the word. Do not confuse "wisdom" with "knowledge". Wisdom is the application of knowledge. In other words it's like I've been saying as the difference between knowing "about" things or actually "knowing" things. You can know all about how to play football and you can know how to play football. If you've never played football then you don't have the "wisdom" of the game, you only have a knowledge of the game. There are wo types of wisdom mentioned in the Word.
So first let's go to the Word and look at "the wisdom of the world". The Word gives us a well defined look at both types, as we continue to make our search. In Corinthians it is referenced as the "wisdom of this world" and "fleshly wisdom". In the book of "James" it is mentioned as the wisdom which is not from above, but rather is of the earth, earthy. JAMES 3:14-16
(KJV)
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
(Kliest & Lilly)
But if you have bitter jealousy and a spirit of strife in your hearts, do not boast and so prove false to the truth.
(Wand)
Such is not the wisdom that comes from above. On the contrary it is earthly, animal, devilish. Wherever jealousy and a spirit of strife exist, there is disorder and every vile practice. But if any of them cherish bitter jealousy and rivalry in their heart don't let them boast about it. In so doing they are traitors to the truth.
(Lattimore)
Theirs is not the wisdom that comes from above but a worldly wisdom, materialistic, devilish. But where there is jealousy and rivalry, there disorderliness and all sorts of subversive conduct are the rule But if you have bitter envy and ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful, do not lie about the truth.
(Cressman)
That is not the wisdom which comes from above, but it is earthly, sensual, demonic; for where there is envy and ambition, there is disorder and everything that is bad. But if you are very jealous, and in your hearts you want to be better than others, stop being proud of yourselves. Do not say what is not true.
God did not make you wise if you are like that. But it comes from this world. It comes from people. It comes from bad spirits. If people are jealous and want to be better than others, their lives are not right. They do every kind of bad thing. Pretty graphic if you ask me. This passage is really straight forward about the wisdom of the world and its produce. The main point I would like to make, before we look at the definition of the Wisdom of God is one of the heart. The scripture specifically stated "if you hold these things in your heart." It is the heart that leads men astray. People think that no one knows their heart, but God does and that is what he judges by. Outward show and appearance doesn't count for anything. If we are holding jealousy and competition in our hearts we are on the wrong path, follwing the wrong type of wisdom. |