Today, we have access to more resources than ever before. The internet, an information superhighway, serves as a vast repository of encyclopedic knowledge, accessible from almost any location at any time. This unprecedented abundance prompts an important question: What have we achieved with all this knowledge? Has our seemingly infinite access to knowledge and information proven life-giving?
Where is wisdom?
Knowledge, standing alone, risks devolving into foolishness. Scholarship that is not applied practically is empty, and philosophy by itself does not provide for our most basic needs. Even with the highest academic achievements, one can lack true discretion. Education, on its own, has not solved poverty, war, crime, pollution, and a host of other ongoing crises. It has not eradicated greed, lust, hate, jealousy, pride, or perversity. Surrounded by books, technology, and expert advice, we risk becoming nothing more than high-tech barbarians if wisdom does not accompany our knowledge. We will be tempted to hoard information that legitimizes our views, preferences, and attempts to make sense of the world around us.
This is not wisdom.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
Without a foundation in the fear of God, our understanding becomes distorted, an elaborate illusion. Knowledge that is not submitted to God and used in the service of humanity quickly devolves into foolishness. Even the brightest minds can be led astray when God is not sought. Knowledge, unguided by divine wisdom, can corrupt us, making us wise in our own eyes but ultimately vain and destructive, both to ourselves and others.
So, what is the faithful response?
While we necessarily engage our minds and rational faculties to function in the world, we are called to be guided by wisdom that comes from above, shaping our whole selves – heart, mind, soul, and strength. It is through faith, embracing with our full being, thought and desire together, that we encounter the divine, discover our purpose, and come to truly know wisdom and love. This integrated posture is essential for holiness and discretion.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” James 3:13
This witness to God’s wisdom does not oppose the pursuit of knowledge; rather, it suggests that knowledge truly benefits us when it is pursued with a heart seeking God. When our understanding falls short, we can “ask of God, who gives to all people liberally, and upbraids not.” In moments of uncertainty or when facing difficult decisions, it is wise to seek the counsel of educated and well-informed experts, but never without God’s guidance. Sometimes this seems counterintuitive, but in life-altering situations, we can always rely on God, who gives freely and withholds nothing from us.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105
We are prompted to consider how different our lives, our families, and the world might be if we earnestly sought God’s will and wisdom, waiting for clarity before acting. In God, we find an infinite source of knowledge, wisdom, and power.
When we lack wisdom, let us turn to the One who possesses it all.
Questions for Reflection:
- In a world overflowing with information, what practices help you move from simply knowing more to living with wisdom?
- How do you discern when your pursuit of knowledge is serving God and others, versus simply reinforcing your own preferences or pride?
- What might it look like, in your daily life, to seek God’s guidance alongside expert advice or rational analysis when facing complex decisions?
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