Proverbs 4:7-27, Wisdom 10:15-21, Matthew 7:13-20
Let’s look at some background:
Solomon was the most esteemed man of wisdom in the Old Testament, so it comes as no surprise that someone wanted to credit him with the authorship of this Book of Wisdom. However, by the first century, scholars were questioning this attribution. The Book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed primarily to King Solomon, although it also contains contributions from other authors.
The Book of Wisdom and Proverbs contain wise sayings, teachings, and advice on various aspects of life: morality, work, relationships, and spirituality.
Wisdom is thinking and acting using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. It is associated with attributes such as unbiased judgment, compassion, experiential self-knowledge, self-transcendence, non-attachment, and virtues such as ethics and benevolence.
Aristotle believed in two types of wisdom: theoretical and practical. The former involves the exploration of things we can’t change but about which we seek truth. The latter explores that which we can change through making good choices.[1]
Wisdom involves several characteristics:
Knowledge and Insight: Learning acquired over time, encompassing factual knowledge and experiential understanding, going beyond mere information, allowing one to discern inner qualities and relationships. Imagine it as a vast library of life lessons and insights.
Sound Judgment: Prudent decision-making by seeing beneath the surface of things, weighing options, and choosing wisely using common sense and unbiased judgment. Picture it as a compass guiding you through life’s complexities.
Ethical Virtues: Virtues like compassion, benevolence, and ethics. A wise person considers their well-being and the greater good. Think of it as a moral compass that steers actions toward kindness and justice.
Self-Transcendence: Rising above personal biases and attachments to see beyond ego and connecting with a broader perspective. Imagine it as a bridge between the self and the universe.
Ancient Teachings: Teachings of old wise men offering guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life. Picture it as a treasure trove of timeless advice.[2]
Wisdom isn’t just about knowing facts; it’s about applying knowledge, making sound choices, and embodying virtues that enrich our lives and the lives of others.
In Proverbs 4:7-27 verses, we hear eight steps to incorporating wisdom into our lives:
- Pursue Wisdom and Understanding: actively seek knowledge, understanding, and discernment, learning from various sources, seeking advice, and being open to growth.
- Cherish Wisdom: wisdom enriches our lives.
- Straight Paths and Steady Steps: walking straight paths leading to righteous living where our steps are sure, and we avoid stumbling.
- Guard Your Heart and Words: Our hearts influence our actions. We must protect our inner thoughts, emotions, and intentions by watching our words, avoiding gossip, lies, and harmful speech.
- Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions: keeping wisdom in sight and within our hearts.
- Choose the Path of Righteousness: the contrast between the righteous and the wicked is clear. The righteous path leads to light, while the evil path is darkness.
The dark side will tell you to believe what you want. It will convince you with thoughts like these:
• Allow hate into your life, and it will give you power!
• Allow your lusts to be released and fed because you deserve it!
But Scripture repeatedly tells us to resist the dark side. The prophet Isaiah said:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20)
- Self-Reflection and Steadfastness: considering your actions, motives, and goals; steadfast in your values, even when faced with challenges or temptations.
- Avoid Extremes, which can lead us away from wisdom. Avoid rigid dogmas or reckless behavior, seeking moderation and discernment.
In summary, applying these principles involves seeking wisdom, guarding our hearts, making intentional choices, and staying focused on righteousness. Let these timeless truths guide our daily lives.
In the Matthew passage, Jesus warns that there are two gates into Heaven: one wide and one narrow. If we live our lives guided by the principles in Proverbs, we will select the narrow gate as our path.
Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide, and the road is easy, which leads to destruction,
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life. (Matthew 7:13-14)
Are you on the narrow path?
Delivered at First Wednesday, March 2024, Trinity Episcopal Church
on Capitol Square, Columbus, OH; 6 March 2024
[1] Aristotle, Lacewing, n.d., Positive Psychology
[2] Dictionary Thesaurus, Meriam Webster.org
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