Dangers of Human Wisdom in Christian Decision Making
The dangers of human wisdom in Christian decision-making are rooted in the limitations and fallibility of human understanding. According to the biblical text, "the thoughts of mortal men are fearful, and our counsels uncertain" [2]. This uncertainty is a result of the Fall, which introduced sin and its consequences into the world [5].
In Christian decision-making, relying solely on human wisdom can lead to perilous outcomes. The book of Proverbs warns that "it is a danger to a man to say without thought, It is holy, and, after taking his oaths, to be questioning if it is necessary to keep them" [1]. This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making.
The apostle Paul contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, stating that "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength" [3]. This paradox underscores the limitations of human understanding and the superiority of divine wisdom.
In the face of uncertainty, Christians are encouraged to "fear the Lord" and trust in His sovereignty. The fear of the Lord is seen as a counterbalance to inner turmoil, bringing inner peace [6]. This fear is not about being afraid, but rather about revering God's power and wisdom. As Isaiah exhorts, "Sanctify... Him, and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread" [7].
The dangers of human wisdom are also evident in the history of the Israelites and the church. The wise among the people, despite their understanding, "shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder, many days" [4]. This serves as a warning against relying solely on human wisdom and neglecting divine guidance.
In contrast, divine wisdom is available to those who seek it. According to Matthew Henry, "wisdom here is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" [8]. This wisdom is not just about intellectual understanding but about forming Christ in the soul.
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 20:25 (BBE) — It is a danger to a man to say without thought, It is holy, and, after taking his oaths, to be questioning if it is necessary to keep them.”
- Wisdom “Wisdom 9:14 (DRC) — For the thoughts of mortal men are fearful, and our counsels uncertain.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:25 (LEB) — For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
- Daniel “Those who are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder, many days. -- Daniel 11:33”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Fall of man — An expression probably borrowed from the Apocryphal Book of Wisdom, to express the fact of the revolt of our first parents from God, and the consequent sin and misery in which they and all their posterity were involved. The history of the Fall is recorded in Gen. 2 and 3. That history is to be literally interpreted. It records facts which underlie the whole system of revealed truth. It is referred to by our Lord and his apostles not only as being true, but as furnishing the ground of all God's subsequent dispensations and dealings with the children of m”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:16: 15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 8:12: Wisdom here is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word and Christ in the heart, not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed in us. It is the word of God, the whole compass of divine revelation; it is God the Word, in whom all divine revelation centres; it is the soul formed by the word; it is Christ formed in the soul; it is religion in the purity and power of it. Glorious things are here spoken of this excellent person, this excellent thing. I. Divine wisdom gives men good heads (Pro 8:12): I Wisdom”