Such Wisdom!

By Daphne Delay

Noted as the best-selling book of all time, the Holy Bible represents more than meets the eye. On the outside, it appears to be a thick manuscript. On the inside, the typically small print can seem overwhelming and certainly too much to read in one sitting. It's pages can be read cover to cover, front to back, or in any given order. It's a history book, a journal, a hymnal, and an instruction manual. Some call it a great work of literature; yet unlike other great works it has never been shelved and forgotten. Instead, the Bible has caught the heart of every new generation as if it were just released for the first time.

Why? Because God's Word is living and powerful. It carries the wisdom of the ages, transcending all time elements and culture, always relevant to current mindsets and life-challenges.

We can read about two unwed mothers who gave birth to sons at the same time, in the same house. One child dies, the other lives. The mother of the dead son sneaks into the other woman's room at night and switches the babies. At daylight, the woman whose child was taken examines the dead son and realizes he is not her son. The two of the them go before King Solomon arguing over whose son is alive. With such wisdom, the king orders the living child to be cut in two and divided between the mothers. Instantly, the true mother spoke up and said, "O my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him!" But the other said, "Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him." So the king answered and said, "Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother" (1 Kings 3:16-27).

Thousands of years ago, this story was recorded and kept in God's Holy Word, some would say as an historical account of the wisdom of Solomon. But I say it is simply another example of the wisdom of God given to man. Maternal love is just as strong today as it was when Solomon made his judgment. Such wisdom!

And what about the writings of nature and parallels? "Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep -- so shall your poverty come upon you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man" (Proverbs 6:6-11).

Is this not still as true today as the day it was written? Culture and style may have changed over the centuries, but are the hearts and ways of man so different? I think not. And the author of this living epistle knew as much; He is also the Creator of mankind. His Word transcends time, breathing in and out as a living thing, "...exposing and sifting and judging the very thoughts and purposes of [man's] heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

So I ask, if this book we call the Bible carries wisdom for honest judgment, successful living, and matters of the heart, why do we question the spiritual parts? We are told His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8). Is that not the very reason we need such wisdom? If we change our wisdom, everything else will change as well, for wisdom is simply the Word of God applied accurately. "Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7-8).

God's Word is a time-honored book, yet the world is full of doubters, haters, and the simple. And among the countless number of those who own a copy of this living manuscript, we find believers who are in Christ, yet His Word is not in them. "Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?" (Proverbs 8:1) Who is listening? Who is searching? Our God promises to "...give us the right words and such wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to reply or refute us" (Luke 21:15). So to trust the wisdom found in God's Word seems to be a matter of choice and faith. But I must add, in uncertain times, cut-throat practices, and an unstable economy, "...only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning!" (Proverbs 1:7b)