Bring Back Wisdom

by Chadwick Brewer

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks” (Proverbs 1:20-21).

It was once considered that wisdom was honored and valued. There were seats at the gates of every city for the wise to sit so that anyone who passed by might seek counsel, insights, and help. Those who had proved themselves through their actions were revered and sought out. Rule and authority were given to those who knew how to rule, rather than decisions made by consensus.

Today, for the most part, wisdom is left abandoned. She still raises her voice in the streets and cries aloud in the market, but she is ignored. Even those in the church ignore her. We indeed focus on defining sin, but beyond that, we rarely give thought to what is wise and prudent and best. We don’t follow guidance. We don’t seek counsel. We let pragmatism guide us. And instead of elders who rule by wisdom and experience, we often prefer to have a rule by consensus, and we are undeniably worse off for it. What fools we are when we ignore wisdom.

“My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck” (Proverbs 3:21-22).

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).