For in much wisdom is much grief,
And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Whether we are talking about "worldly wisdom" or "Godly wisdom", both can bring sorrow.
* Worldly wisdom is vanity, accomplishes little, and has no eternal benefit, which produces sorrow.
* Godly wisdom however, can accomplish great things and is the only thing that produces an eternal effect but can still produce sorrow. Why?
Have you ever learned a new truth from scripture, just to realize that your life does not line up with the word of God? This produces sorrow in the heart of the true believer. Sorrow for marring the picture of Christ to the world and not giving God the glory due His name. It can even produce sorrow in your heart when the sin belongs to someone else, especially a loved one. Your heart breaks. It is gut-wrenching pain. And your bed is filled with tears...
Psalm 119:136 "Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law".
So, do we throw wisdom out the window because it may be painful? Absolutely not. God's Word is full of admonitions to seek Godly wisdom. But there are two things I believe we need to keep in mind when it comes to searching for wisdom.
#1 We must be careful to not let wisdom (of either sort) become an idol.
#2 We must learn how to rest in Christ when Godly wisdom is given to us.
The latter of the two is the most difficult paradox. Resting in (having contentment in) Christ sovereign and providential work and standards, yet continuing to strive towards Godliness (especially when in affliction).
Take for example, a saved wife and an unbelieving husband. Her desire to be in the Word could easily be stifled by the fact that she will learn more and more of what a Godly husband should look like and how far removed her husband may be from that picture, thus causing much sorrow.
Should she cease to read God's Word because of that? Absolutely not. What she must learn to do is balance these two truths:
** God's Sovereignty & Man's Responsibility **
(Finding contentment in God's providential hand, yet striving to glorify God in this midst of her affliction)
This is no easy task! And I don't know if it's one we will ever fully comprehend this side of glory. However, God's Word does have many helpful things to say about it. Here are just a few...
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Ecc.7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
for by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
2Cor.4:17 For our light momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls. (Do not skip those 3 little words 'if need be' and balance that by remembering that God's sovereignty is rooted in His goodness.)
There are more scriptures than I could possibly list but I would encourage you to dig deeper into God's Word for more edification. Also, the best book I've ever read on this subject is: When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight for Joy written by John Piper.
You can read it online at: http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_bwdd/bwdd_all.pdf
0 comments:
Post a Comment