http://stephentongsermons.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_stephentongsermons_archive.html
True Wisdom vs. False Wisdom
This is my personal summary of the expository preaching of
Rev.Dr.Stephen Tong on James 3:13-17 on 6 February 2006
Proverbs has many references to wisdom. But the source, essence,
fruit, and responsibility of wisdom is only seen in this passage of
James.
Wisdom is different from knowledge. Many people are knowledgeable
but do not have the wisdom to apply their knowledge and in fact do
a lot of stupid things. The wisdom that the Bible talks about, the
scholars might not have. The Scriptures talk a lot more about
wisdom than knowledge. Knowledge can be acquired from reading and
studying but wisdom is not so. Wisdom is the foundation of
knowledge, the direction/compass and the essence of
knowledge.
What is wisdom then?
According to the Greeks, wisdom, justice, ethics and self-control
are the four most important aspects of life. The Greeks loves
wisdom. The word philosophy comes from the Greek words philia
(love) and sophia (wisdom), which means to love wisdom. (Personal
note: However, in essence, Greek wisdom is not the same as the
biblical wisdom. The direction of Greek wisdom is from human
seeking wisdom upward, while biblical wisdom is descending from
heaven downward, i.e. initiation comes from God).
Eastern wisdom is also not the same as biblical wisdom. Its concept
is to use a lot of strategies to get the end desired. It never
considers the motivation, whether good or evil. Even evil means can
be considered wisdom if the desired end is achieved. We see this
phenomena because intelligence comes from God as part of common
grace but we cannot escape the influence of our fallen nature when
using our intelligence.
Christians need to know the principle of segregation between true
and false wisdom. This knowing is true wisdom. 1Cor.1: 30 say that
Christ is our righteousness, holiness, salvation and wisdom. This
verse says of wisdom that comes only after salvation has come and
it consists in righteousness and holiness. Here we see that wisdom
is not an object sought after, nor theory or topic of discussion in
university. Wisdom is God-Incarnate in the flesh. It is the
intermediate living between God and man. He manifested who God is.
He is the objectivity of wisdom itself. He is the end of all
seeking and is the power to critique all worldly wisdom. Colossians
says that all the treasure of the wisdom of God dwell in
Christ.
How do we differentiate between true and false wisdom?
1. False wisdom starts with sin. Human intelligence joined with sin
results in false wisdom. If we make use of God's gifts to do evil,
no matter how successful, it's false wisdom. True wisdom is not
related to sin, but is pure and is an expression of holiness.
2. False wisdom starts with selfishness. True wisdom is not centred
on self. It cares about common good. If we go after what others
have for our own sakes, it is not wisdom.
3. There is no hatred and envy in true wisdom. Plato says that when
wisdom and power do not come together, there will be chaos. For
example, in China, rulers make use of Confucius teaching to rule
the country, to demand obedience, while they themselves are not
willing to subject to it. This is the problem with Chinese culture.
The Bible is deeper than Plato as it addresses not just the
phenomena, but that the root of disorder comes from hatred and
envy, which cause men to abuse God's gifts for them. Heavenly
wisdom uses God's gifts for heavenly purposes.
Jesus summarizes wisdom as the integration of intelligence and
purity, that is, we are to be as wise as a serpent and pure as a
dove. This kind of wisdom is the compass for our life.
Personal Note: The difference between true and false wisdom consist
not in one's wit or intelligence, but in the foundation, the
motivation and the direction of using all the gifts God has given
to us. Same gifts, different applications, different directions.
False wisdom only appears to work because we are short-sighted, but
in the long run, true wisdom proves to be the right and practical
way of life.