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- 🙏 Intelligence and wisdom are not the same things. Proverbs 8:1-3
🙏 Intelligence and wisdom are not the same things. Proverbs 8:1-3
(2 min read) Proverb of the day visualized
Erick Vargas
April 08, 2023
Good Morning 🙏
This is Proverb Pic, the daily devo newsletter that helps Christians become wiser in 2 minutes a day.
Proverb of the day
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
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Meditation
Intelligence and wisdom are not the same things. Some of the dumbest people I know are also the most intelligent. Proverb says that wisdom is attainable for everybody. This is good news for people like me. Intelligence is typically defined by one's ability to acquire, process, and apply information, while wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments based on experience and knowledge. Wisdom is all about seeing reality for what it truly is and acting accordingly.
This proverb is all about how wisdom is obvious but may seem contrarian In light of norms. Wisdom is depicted as taking a stand against foolishness. Wisdom takes her stand at the highest point for everyone to see yet people still do not acknowledge her although she calls out for us.
It is possible for intelligent individuals to lack wisdom if they make poor decisions or do not learn from their experiences. In some cases, highly intelligent people may be overconfident in their abilities or overlook the importance of emotional intelligence and humility, leading to unwise choices. On the other hand, individuals who may seem simple or less intelligent can possess great wisdom. They may have strong emotional intelligence and the ability to see the bigger picture, leading to better decision-making. Furthermore, simple people might have a more humble approach to life, acknowledging the limits of their knowledge and being open to learning from others.
True wisdom calls out to everyone (verse 4), even the naive—those who are highly susceptible and uninformed (verse 5). No one has to remain ignorant. A key insight from this passage is that wisdom actively seeks us out. Proverbs 8 personifies Wisdom as an actual individual, emphasizing that our pursuit, as genuine as it may be, is a response rather than an uncertain endeavor.
Who is this person? The New Testament identifies them as Jesus, who is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). Greek philosophers thought that a cosmic principle, the Logos, existed behind the universe, accessible only to the educated and refined. However, the Gospel of John unveils that the Logos underpinning the universe is Jesus—a cosmic being—who can be known and cherished. Ultimately, the primary path to wisdom is cultivating a personal connection with Jesus and centering our hearts on him. This is something anyone can do, regardless of social standing or education.
Prayer
Lord, help us see reality for what it really is and as you for wisdom.
Application question
What does God say that is wise that the world does not find wise? How is God right?
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