BP 82 - A Biblical Way of Discerning the True Nature of Wisdom (For Monday 2026-04-20)
Note: This piece is inspired, at least in part, by the writings and teachings of Dr. Ellen Davis.
True Wisdom is NOT the opposite of ignorance. On the contrary, Godly Wisdom (alive uniquely in humanity) and ignorance are actually two sides of the same coin.
Consider the following: None of us can anticipate, or even know in retrospect, more than a fraction of the consequences of our actions. So… given this, a significant aspect of Wisdom may actually mean acting (or refraining from acting) in full acknowledgement of our own almost complete ignorance.
As such, this kind of Wisdom brings with it an inherent modesty and humility. Wisdom doesn’t try to manipulate or impose its will upon the world—based in some abstract set of principles that are supposedly valid simply because they’re scientific, utilitarian, politically correct, etc. The Truly Wise enter into a contemplative, lovingly-heartful relationship with the world: They watch (before they act)—often, FOR A LONG TIME.
Consider the following: None of us can anticipate, or even know in retrospect, more than a fraction of the consequences of our actions. So… given this, a significant aspect of Wisdom may actually mean acting (or refraining from acting) in full acknowledgement of our own almost complete ignorance.
As such, this kind of Wisdom brings with it an inherent modesty and humility. Wisdom doesn’t try to manipulate or impose its will upon the world—based in some abstract set of principles that are supposedly valid simply because they’re scientific, utilitarian, politically correct, etc. The Truly Wise enter into a contemplative, lovingly-heartful relationship with the world: They watch (before they act)—often, FOR A LONG TIME.
What are they watching for?
They’re watching for signs that point to what God’s Done in the past, to what He’s Doing in the present, and, also, to what it looks like He Might Be Wanting to Do in the future. And, as they begin to “see” such things and no-things, they look for ways to be around them and to conform themselves to them. The Wise long for God—they long to be with Him and to be around what He’s Doing and around what He’s Blessing. They also want to think and feel the way He Does and, accordingly, be and act the way He Is and Does. To the best of their current abilities, they’ve committed themselves to doing things and no-things The Way God Does them (or, more precisely, they’ve committed themselves to The Ways in which God Might Do them if He were them; or, even more precisely, to The Ways in which God Wants to Do them AS them). They’re doing everything they can to conform to The Logos (that is, they’re living, moving, and being [see Ac 17:28] in accordance with their Divine Union with The Logos, and… in accordance with God’s Ordering and Harmonizing Principles in Creation). Because of these God-wrought Proclivities...
They’re watching for signs that point to what God’s Done in the past, to what He’s Doing in the present, and, also, to what it looks like He Might Be Wanting to Do in the future. And, as they begin to “see” such things and no-things, they look for ways to be around them and to conform themselves to them. The Wise long for God—they long to be with Him and to be around what He’s Doing and around what He’s Blessing. They also want to think and feel the way He Does and, accordingly, be and act the way He Is and Does. To the best of their current abilities, they’ve committed themselves to doing things and no-things The Way God Does them (or, more precisely, they’ve committed themselves to The Ways in which God Might Do them if He were them; or, even more precisely, to The Ways in which God Wants to Do them AS them). They’re doing everything they can to conform to The Logos (that is, they’re living, moving, and being [see Ac 17:28] in accordance with their Divine Union with The Logos, and… in accordance with God’s Ordering and Harmonizing Principles in Creation). Because of these God-wrought Proclivities...
1/To act slowly...
2/To observe quickly (and inquisitively)...
And...
3/To conform to the evidences of God’s Logos...
...they’ve become Intensely Sensitive to the never-ending, ever-expanding Invitation from God to just come and be with Him intimately [see Mt 9:9; Mk 8:34; Jn 1:39; etc.] and to partner with Him (also intimately) in the exercise of deep judgment through the slow, methodical, enthusiastic, and lovingly-heartful execution of the work they see that needs to be done (or, more precisely, with the work they “feel” God Wanting to Work for, in, with, through, and—mysteriously unveiled—AS them).
The Wise, because they take the time to grow in love and respect—the principal qualities of all healthy relationships—their actions are less likely to be harmful. The Wise look to see in which direction the woodgrains lay, to see in which directions the streams flow; and then, by honoring what they see, they yield to the direction of the grains, to the direction of flow, and go with such elements and energies rather than against them.
In recent generations, humankind has greatly increased our technological abilities, but… our Wisdom has not grown in like measure. In Augustine’s terms, scientia [see definition below] has vastly outpaced sapientia [see also definition below]. In the present situation, survival—for our own species (and for others, too!)—may well depend upon our putting to the sword our many undisciplined searches and strivings for knowledge and our many promiscuous pursuits and implementations of technological advances. I encourage you to give these things some thought.
The Wise, because they take the time to grow in love and respect—the principal qualities of all healthy relationships—their actions are less likely to be harmful. The Wise look to see in which direction the woodgrains lay, to see in which directions the streams flow; and then, by honoring what they see, they yield to the direction of the grains, to the direction of flow, and go with such elements and energies rather than against them.
In recent generations, humankind has greatly increased our technological abilities, but… our Wisdom has not grown in like measure. In Augustine’s terms, scientia [see definition below] has vastly outpaced sapientia [see also definition below]. In the present situation, survival—for our own species (and for others, too!)—may well depend upon our putting to the sword our many undisciplined searches and strivings for knowledge and our many promiscuous pursuits and implementations of technological advances. I encourage you to give these things some thought.
Scientia: A Latin noun meaning knowledge, awareness, and cognition; learning, learnedness, erudition; and expert understanding of a skill, art, or science.
Sapientia: A Latin noun meaning wisdom, discernment, prescience, and soundness of memory.
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