The Road to: Wisdom (revisited)
The Road to: Wisdom (revisited)
Pastor Leanne has launched her summer sermon series, "Wisdom of the Ages," drawing from Proverbs chapter one. Nearly a year ago, I explored wisdom from the perspective of "Wisdom vs. Knowledge" in a blog post. This month, we'll delve into another crucial component of wisdom: judgment and how we arrive at sound decisions.
A Biblical View of Wisdom and Judgment: Proverbs 1:1-6
Let's consider Proverbs 1:1-6:
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
This passage sets the stage for understanding wisdom, particularly its connection to judgment. A classic historical account that beautifully illustrates the wisdom described in Proverbs chapter one is the story of King Solomon's judgment, found in 1 Kings 3:16-28. This narrative vividly reflects the "judgment component" of wisdom.
The Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3:16-28, paraphrased):
During King Solomon’s reign, two women approached him seeking a ruling. Both claimed to be the mother of a living child, while the other's child had died. Solomon, after hearing their arguments, proposed a brutal test: to cut the living child in two, giving half to each woman. The woman who was not the true mother readily agreed to this division. However, the true mother, out of selfless love, begged Solomon to give the child to the other woman. Solomon, observing their reactions, discerned the true mother by her compassionate response. He understood the principles of Proverbs 1 and how to arrive at a just outcome. He then gave the living child to its rightful mother, demonstrating how true wisdom leads to equitable judgments.
What can we learn from this story regarding wisdom and judgment? One key lesson is the importance of listening and understanding, as exemplified by Solomon. He listened intently to the two women, discerned their true intentions, and understood the profound consequences of selfishness versus selflessness.
A Contemporary Parallel:
Now, let's consider a more contemporary scenario:
A tech startup faced a critical decision. Their new software, designed for medical diagnostics, had a rare but potentially dangerous bug that could lead to misdiagnosis. The lead engineer, though brilliant, was prideful and advocated for a quick patch and immediate release, fearing the financial repercussions of a delay. However, the CEO, drawing on an ethical framework and understanding the profound impact of their product on human lives, chose to delay the release for further testing and development. This decision, though costly in the short term, averted potential lawsuits, preserved the company's reputation, and ultimately led to a more reliable and successful product. The CEO's judgment, guided by a sense of responsibility and a long-term vision for their patients, mirrors the wisdom described in Proverbs 1, prioritizing integrity and sound principles over immediate gain.
In the case of the tech CEO, he prioritized ethics over short-term financial gains. He clearly understood the potential downsides of rushing to market versus doing the "right thing."
Key Learning Points:
What are your thoughts about the key learning points from these two stories? Feel free to share your insights.
When viewed through the lens of Proverbs chapter one, the key learning points from both stories revolve around the nature and application of true wisdom in decision-making and judgment:
Solomon's judgment is a powerful demonstration of justice and equity.
The CEO's decision highlights righteousness and wise dealing.
As Proverbs 1:7 reminds us:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Oh God,
We come before You seeking the wisdom and instruction found in Your Word. Like the proverbs, guide us to embrace discipline, justice, and fair dealing. Grant us the ability to understand Your ways, to heed wise counsel, and to recognize the folly of those who would lead us astray. Help us to remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge.
Amen
Praying for you,
PB
Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) welcomes all people into God’s way of life and community.
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Community Presbyterian Church
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