This is about confronting the wolves. If you are wise, you’ll do it.
“Whaddya’ mean, ‘If I’m wise!?’” I can hear the question already.
The Bible teaches that wisdom begins with a fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10). Let’s unpack that and see where it goes.
First, in this verse, “fear” is not the same thing as “afraid” – at least not mostly. If we are truly IN the faith, then we should have a constant awe for God that reminds us of His holiness, justice, and righteousness.
And yes – if we have this posture, we’ll also properly “fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matt. 10:28). God is the final judge, and even for the Christian, there will be some face-to-face accountability with Him (2 Cor. 5:10).
But, second, what Proverbs is emphasizing is that a legitimate definition of learning, awareness, and applicable knowledge has to begin someplace. That “someplace” is a correct attitude towards God and a right respect for who He is.
Here’s a gut check. If you doubt Jesus Christ is who He claims to be, then you display a lack of wisdom. If you choose not to believe in Him, if you think there is more than one way to eternal life, or if you’re comfortable defining “God” by your personal preferences and tolerances, then you cannot be wise.
If you don’t believe the Bible says what it means and means what it says – if you’d rather impose your own preferences on Scripture – then wisdom will elude you. You have zero idea how ridiculous and foolish you will become instead (Rom. 1:20-21).
Honestly – this issue is quite plain. If you think you’re wise by any definition other than what is found in God’s Word – you’re not!
Forget about advanced college degrees, framed certificates, and all similar forms of man’s recognition and praise. Big deal!
Those things just mean you got the assignments done. They mean you did what you were told to, and you met man’s standards. A trained dolphin does the same thing.
www.raptureready.com
“Whaddya’ mean, ‘If I’m wise!?’” I can hear the question already.
The Bible teaches that wisdom begins with a fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10). Let’s unpack that and see where it goes.
First, in this verse, “fear” is not the same thing as “afraid” – at least not mostly. If we are truly IN the faith, then we should have a constant awe for God that reminds us of His holiness, justice, and righteousness.
And yes – if we have this posture, we’ll also properly “fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matt. 10:28). God is the final judge, and even for the Christian, there will be some face-to-face accountability with Him (2 Cor. 5:10).
But, second, what Proverbs is emphasizing is that a legitimate definition of learning, awareness, and applicable knowledge has to begin someplace. That “someplace” is a correct attitude towards God and a right respect for who He is.
Here’s a gut check. If you doubt Jesus Christ is who He claims to be, then you display a lack of wisdom. If you choose not to believe in Him, if you think there is more than one way to eternal life, or if you’re comfortable defining “God” by your personal preferences and tolerances, then you cannot be wise.
If you don’t believe the Bible says what it means and means what it says – if you’d rather impose your own preferences on Scripture – then wisdom will elude you. You have zero idea how ridiculous and foolish you will become instead (Rom. 1:20-21).
Honestly – this issue is quite plain. If you think you’re wise by any definition other than what is found in God’s Word – you’re not!
Forget about advanced college degrees, framed certificates, and all similar forms of man’s recognition and praise. Big deal!
Those things just mean you got the assignments done. They mean you did what you were told to, and you met man’s standards. A trained dolphin does the same thing.
Confronting The Wolves :: By Steve Schmutzer
This is about confronting the wolves. If you are wise, you’ll do it. “Whaddya’ mean, ‘If I’m wise!?’” I can hear the question already. The Bible teaches
www.raptureready.com
