Thursday 31 July 2008

Background

We live in a time of instant communication - and instantgratification. Why take time to write and post a letter whenthere's email? And why wait for email when we can text friendswherever they are - immediately? Microwave meals and takeaways nowmake up a large portion of our diets. Things that take time arescoffed at. Why waste time?

In the world of the Bible, wisdom (khokmah) was something that wasvalued. A large part of its value derived from the fact that ittook time - years - to acquire, and even the passage of years didnot guarantee the acquisition of wisdom. The 'seed' of wisdom isrooted both in the knowledge and reverence of God. It is nurturedand developed in our relationships with others. Many in our societyscoff at teaching and discipline and yet the wisdom books of theOld Testament (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song ofSolomon) make it clear that wisdom begins in early life - in thehome with parental discipline and instruction.

Wisdom also involves formal education outside the home as well asthe practical application of knowledge. So wisdom is both acquiredknowledge and experience as well as the ability to put it intopractice. Wisdom is as much about knowing right from wrong as it isabout common sense.

Compare this to the current craze of 'tombstoning' (jumping offpiers), and 'surfing' on the tops of trains. Now hear again thewords from Proverbs - "How long, O simple ones, will you love beingsimple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and foolshate knowledge?"

But again, we do well to remember that wisdom ultimately comes fromGod and the knowledge of God. This requires a relationship whichcan only be developed over time.

To Ponder

How often have you made important decisions inhaste, when allowing more time for reflection might have made for avery different outcome?

Do you allow daily time to 'sit with God' andseek his wisdom? If not, how could you make time for this?