Worldly Wisdom

We are far too easily impressed with the “wisdom” of this world. What our society lacks in truth, it tries to make up for with confidence. But with all the assertiveness of our culture, they have yet to settle the disparity between what they sense they need and what they actually have. In the words of 1 Corinthians 1, “The world through its wisdom did not come to know God” (v.21). But it certainly tries.

Our western culture may have given up on gold and stone idols, but they still seek their ever-changing pantheon of gods in hopes of finding that ultimate fulfillment and lasting satisfaction. But the cisterns are dry, as Jeremiah wrote (2:13). The fountain of living water, which Jesus promised would forever close the gap between what we need and what we have, cannot be acquired through the ideas and prescriptions of the world (cf. Jn.4:10-14).

We must be willing to humbly concede that God has “made foolish the wisdom of the world” and that “it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” (1Cor.1:20-21). When by faith through the cross we are reconciled to our Creator and we find peace with our Maker we quickly learn that, “Christ is the power of God and wisdom of God, for the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (vv.24-25).