Proverbs 8:14
“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.”
Loss of Context
What has happened to Western society?
It used to be that younger generations listened to those who had gone before to learn from their wisdom. Previous generations have been through almost everything later generations endure, so they have an understanding of life that later generations do not.
Granted, the rapid growth and expanse of use of technology and information have made our world a completely different place than it was even 20 years ago, but though the context may be different we still go through similar circumstances.
Because of all of our new technology and understanding of how things work, it is generally assumed we know better today than in yesteryear.
However, Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”
The context changes, but the circumstances remain the same.
Strength in Wisdom
It is baffling that, as a culture, we have largely left our past behind us. We do not seek the wisdom previous generations have gained.
This is baffling simply for the fact that, as today’s verse says, we get strength from wisdom.
It is easier to make decisions with a better understanding of what could happen.
It is easier to take the next step with a better understanding of what has happened before.
It is easier to help others with a better understanding of how people react.
It is easier to live when you do not have to worry about all of the variables, because others have explained some of them to you!
It should be apparent by now that the best source of wisdom and understanding, the best source of knowing how to move through life, is walking with Jesus Christ, living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Who better to seek advice from than the One who knows it all?
Great Lord, strengthen us in You. Give us Your wisdom, and help us to live it out every day. Help us to not forget to listen to those around us and especially to You.
Chris Jordan
Daniel M. Klem
dawnlizjones
David
Grady Davidson
Jason Sneed
Μιχαήλ (Michael) Wilson
Nick
Anthony Baker
Katie Marie
Wally Fry
July 8th, 2012 at 2:13 am
Believe it or not, I recently found myself passing over some sermon material simply because it was on cassette tape (out of date and irrelevant). What a shame. Thankfully it was only a glitch in my thinking, otherwise what would I do with all my old books?
July 8th, 2012 at 2:52 am
I am one of those weirdos who has things like “A Day from the Golden Age of Radio – September 21, 1939” on cassette tape. I have theology books written in the 1930’s-1950’s (one of which written by my wife’s great-grandfather). I know more TV shows from the black-and-white days than some people three times my age!
My wife commented about this post that I was letting my crotchety old man out (one of my dreams, you know).