Wisdom is not Mentally Taxing

Today's Three-minute Bible Study
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Title: Wisdom is not Mentally Taxing
Keywords:   "wisdom" "wise"
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Passage: Proverbs 4:11-12*

11. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.

12. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.

Question

What is “wisdom” and how is it different from “knowledge”?

 

Practical help

We are guided into wisdom. It is passed on to us more than it is taught. Wisdom sets us on a straight course. It clears the road of compromises, excuses, hidden traps and agendas.

Intellectualism — the worship of one’s native intelligence — enjoys the tricky path, the clever solution. Many who pride themselves as being intellectuals see themselves as “special” because they have the so-called ability to live complicated lives. They foolishly believe they can justify any position they choose and undermine any position that threatens their control. Many very smart people view pornography to “understand” society and they believe their unique intelligence justifies their actions.

But the path of wisdom confounds the worldly wise for its elegant simplicity and clear ability to enable one to walk — even run — easily through issues others find so complex. More than understanding right from wrong intellectually, the truly wise use this information to help them live with power to love and help others as well as themselves. They never have to break a cerebral sweat trying to cover their tracks or justify unjustifiable actions.

You see, obedience to truth is not mentally challenging as much as it requires moral courage to stand against the compromises of the masses. As Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."