"The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing." —Socrates - Greek Philosopher
I quoted some well-known philosophers today. The Greek word philosophia means "lover of wisdom." Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. They develop theories about the guiding principles of human behavior. WISDOM - is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; of being WISE (responding sensibly or shrewdly to specific situations). Wisdom goes beyond developing a theory to applying what you know and understand. It takes discipline to be wise. We all could use some wisdom right about now.
Here's an example—we can KNOW smoking is bad for one's health and may result in lung cancer, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - constricted airways), or emphysema (damaged lungs that leave one breathless). We can UNDERSTAND that if we were to smoke, a negative health outcome like these could ensue. If we are WISE...we will apply what we know and understand, and choose not to smoke. The same holds true for other negative or positive interactions. If prudence tells us what to do or not to do...wisdom follows through.
The Old Testament instructs, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) Job reiterates this truth and goes further toward application, "And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:29)
Paul differentiates Heavenly wisdom from earthly wisdom. For Christ-followers, the main consideration is the Gospel, the Good News of God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ is the King. God's only begotten Son chose to die for the sinful state of humankind. This was a powerful act of love, humility, and surrender that defied and was counter-cultural to secular, worldly motivations. The Cross, an expression of God's wisdom, was meant to save us from sin forever and offer us eternal life. Paul explains:
18The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”20So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.24But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
26Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 30God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.” (1Corinthians 1:18-31, NLT)
The Apostle James gives us insight on what the world's/devil's wisdom looks like in contrast to the Lord's wisdom. This simple passage makes the two easily identifiable and allows us to choose between them. He asks:
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18)
Which wisdom are we seeing and walking in these days? The word Selah in the Bible means "pause and think about it." I invite you to read the passages above again and do just that. | 
