Avoiding Human Wisdom in Biblical Decision Making and Action
Avoiding Human Wisdom in Biblical Decision Making and Action
The biblical concept of avoiding human wisdom in decision making and action is rooted in the understanding that true wisdom comes from God. According to James 3:15, "Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic" [1]. This contrasts with the wisdom that comes from God, which is characterized by a fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) [5].
In biblical decision making, it is essential to prioritize seeking God and His wisdom over human understanding. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note on Job 8:5 that one should "seek unto God betimes--early. Make it the first and chief anxiety" [2]. This seeking is not limited to times of crisis but is a continuous attitude of reverence and trust. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where it is described as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, referenced in [5]).
The contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom is also evident in the writings of the apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 3:19, it is written that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" [7]. John Gill's commentary on this verse highlights that God despises and neglects human wisdom, considering it useless for salvation [7].
Isaiah 8:11-15 emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord rather than fearing people. Tyndale House notes on this passage that when an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap, and destruction is certain [4]. In contrast, those who fear the Lord find Him to be a sanctuary.
The biblical call to avoid human wisdom is not a rejection of all human understanding but rather a call to prioritize divine wisdom. As Matthew Henry notes on Proverbs 1:20, "God speaks to the children of men by all the kinds of wisdom" [8]. The manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10, referenced in [8]) is to be sought and revered.
In decision making and action, believers are encouraged to sanctify the Lord in their hearts, fearing Him rather than man (Isaiah 8:13) [6]. This fear is not terror but a deep reverence that guides one's actions and decisions. By prioritizing the fear of the Lord and seeking divine wisdom, believers can avoid the pitfalls of human wisdom and make decisions that are grounded in God's truth.
The biblical emphasis on avoiding human wisdom is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and providence. As Tyndale House notes on Psalms 65:8, people all over the world should stand in awe of the Lord [3]. This awe is not limited to a specific context but is a universal call to reverence and worship.
Sources
- James “James 3:15 (BSB) — Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 8:5: seek unto God betimes--early. Make it the first and chief anxiety (Psa 78:34; Hos 5:15; Isa 26:9; Pro 8:17; Pro 13:24).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 65:8: 65:8 All over the world (Job 38:13; see Ps 50:1-3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 8:11: 8:11-15 This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9; 8:6). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25; see “Fearing People” Theme Note). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 8:13: Sanctify--Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Num 20:12). him . . . fear--"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:19: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God,.... The wisdom of the Jewish, or Gentile world. It is had in no account with him; it is despised and neglected by him; he makes it foolish, destroys it, and brings it to nothing; he lays it aside as useless, to make men wise unto salvation, and by the foolishness of preaching saves them that believe; he passes by the wise and prudent, and hides the things of the Gospel from them; so, that, with all their learning and wisdom, they can neither apprehend nor comprehend the mysteries of grace, whilst he reveals ”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 1:20: Solomon, having shown how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here shows how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God, which we shall for ever rue the neglect of. Observe, I. By whom God calls to us - by wisdom. It is wisdom that crieth without. The word is plural - wisdoms, for, as there is infinite wisdom in God, so there is the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:10. God speaks to the children of men by all the kinds of wisdom, and, as in every will, so in every word, of God there is a counsel. 1. Human understanding is wisdom, the lig”