Where do I go?
There are two paths available for people to walk along. One is without the Creator; one is with the Creator. Consider these paths from God’s perspective.
The Path of Wisdom: God’s Delight
From the dawn of creation, wisdom has been woven into the fabric of God’s character. Job 28:20-23 declares that wisdom belongs exclusively to the Lord, “hidden from the eyes of every living thing”. Unlike human knowledge—limited by perspective and prone to error—God’s wisdom is infinite, perfect, and untainted by imperfection. When Jeremiah proclaims, “He founded the world by His wisdom” (Jeremiah 10:12), he reveals that the cosmos itself is a testament to divine intelligence. Every galaxy, ecosystem, and molecular structure reflects a Creator whose decisions are flawless, needing no consultation with advisers (Isaiah 40:13-14).
This wisdom transcends practicality; it is relational. To know God is to align with His mind, for “the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). The apostle Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 1:25, stating that even what the world deems “God’s foolishness” outshines human intellect. Divine wisdom isn’t a commodity to be acquired but a Person to be worshipped – Jesus Christ, in whom “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
God’s wisdom reaches its zenith in the cross, a paradox that confounds earthly logic. The salvation plan—centred on a crucified Messiah—appeared nonsensical to first-century philosophers yet embodies “the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). Paul marvels that this “foolish” method shatters human pretensions, for “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Here, wisdom intersects with humility: the Almighty stoops to redeem through weakness, exposing the poverty of human self-sufficiency.
The Path of Foolishness: God’s Disdain
Scripture equates foolishness with moral and spiritual rebellion. The psalmist warns, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1), a declaration not of intellectual scepticism but of wilful defiance. Foolishness manifests in practical atheism—living as if God’s authority is irrelevant. Proverbs catalogue its fruits: impulsive anger (Proverbs 14:16-17), dishonest speech (Proverbs 19:1), and contempt for instruction (Proverbs 15:5). Such behaviour isn’t mere lack of insight; it is “the scheme of folly” that entrenches sin (Proverbs 24:9).
Paul sharpens this contrast in 1 Corinthians 1:20: “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”. Human systems—whether philosophical, political, or religious—crumble under divine scrutiny. The Greco-Roman world prized rhetorical eloquence and empirical proof, yet God’s wisdom transcended these, choosing the cross as His podium.
Foolishness carries eternal consequences. Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27) reduces life to two foundations: obedience or rebellion. The “foolish” builder isn’t ignorant but disobedient, hearing Christ’s words yet rejecting them. Similarly, the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 amasses wealth but neglects his soul, hearing God’s verdict: “You fool! This very night, your life will be demanded from you.” Foolishness, then, risks divine judgment for temporal gains.
Man’s Folly: Rejecting God
Humanity’s folly originates in Eden’s shadow. Adam and Eve, enticed by the serpent’s promise, “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5), exchanged divine wisdom for delusion. Paul traces humanity’s downward spiral in Romans 1:21-22: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him nor gave thanks... Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” Rejection of God doesn’t elevate human reason; it corrupts it. The more society suppresses truth, the more it descends into “futile thinking” (Romans 1:21).
Modern culture champions self-determination as the pinnacle of wisdom. Yet Scripture dismantles this myth: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). When the Israelites demanded a king to mimic neighbouring nations (1 Samuel 8:5), they traded theocracy for folly, prioritising human systems over divine governance. Similarly, today’s pursuit of identity apart from Christ—whether through materialism, relativism, or technological utopianism—echoes the tower of Babel: striving for heaven while spurning the Architect.
Return to Wisdom – Turn to Christ
Salvation initiates a wisdom revolution. Believers receive “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), a radical reorientation toward divine truth. This isn’t self-help but supernatural transformation: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach” (James 1:5). Unlike earthly knowledge, which inflates pride (1 Corinthians 8:1), Godly wisdom cultivates humility, for it flows from dependence on the Spirit.
Walking wisely involves daily surrender. Proverbs 3:5-6 outlines the process: “Trust in the Lord... lean not on your own understanding... He will make your paths straight.” This trust is active, not passive—choosing God’s Word over cultural trends, prayer over panic, and reconciliation over retaliation. Practical steps include:
- Scriptural Immersion: “The testimony of the Lord makes the simple wise” (Psalm 19:7). Regular engagement with Scripture recalibrates our thinking.
- Communal Discernment: “Walk with the wise and become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). Godly community corrects blind spots.
- Obedient Action: Wisdom crystallises in obedience. As Jesus taught, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man” (Matthew 7:24).
The Spirit’s role is pivotal. He “guides into all truth” (John 16:13), illuminating Scripture and convicting us of folly. When faced with decisions, believers aren’t left to human logic but invited to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This renewal isn’t a one-time event but a lifelong pilgrimage, as we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18).
There are two paths before you. One looks good and is adored by many, but ultimately leads to devastation and destruction. The other does not guarantee ease and comfort but does promise the presence of the Eternal Guide, who leads you to understand that the destination that matters is eternity with Him.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Reflections to Make
- Divine Wisdom: How does recognising wisdom as God’s nature, not just His advice, change your approach to decision-making?
- Foolish Tendencies: Where might you be leaning on human understanding rather than seeking Christ’s mind?
- Transformational Obedience: What practical step can you take this week to align more closely with God’s wisdom in a specific area of struggle?
Actions to Take
- Scripture Meditation: Memorise Proverbs 3:5-6, asking the Spirit to reveal areas where you rely on self-sufficiency.
- Folly Check: Journal instances where cultural values clash with biblical wisdom—pray for discernment to choose God’s path.
- Wisdom Partnership: Partner with a believer to discuss one another’s decisions through the lens of Philippians 4:8-9.
Prayer for God's Sake
- Pray for wisdom, recognising the value God places on it and how it leads to His heart.
- Intercession: remember the wisdom of God is expressed in the Body of Christ – pray for brothers and sisters in Christ to hold that value high.
- Seek opportunities to share with others the wonderful wisdom of God seen in Jesus Christ.
