Trinity 23 November 15, 2020
Proverbs 8:11-22
Whatever Happened to Wisdom?
v.12-13 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Dear friends in Christ, whatever happened to wisdom? That great and wondrous beautiful ideal--Sophia in the Greek--wisdom--wherein people used their knowledge in good and meaningful ways to better themselves and those around them. It seems as though wisdom--and especially those seeking wisdom--are in very short supply nowadays. No, rather, it seems as though everyone has gone soft in the head--they have jumped on the crazy train headed for Insanity-Ville--where right is wrong and wrong is right. Where we no longer have the sense God gave geese. We are actively engaging in ideas that are contrary to simple reason and science: like failing to recognize the biological reality that there are only two sexes--male and female--not seventy different gender classifications. Where, against all logic and sound wisdom--people are embracing the delusions of their minds--not just in terms of transgenderism or even transspecies (people who identify as animals and not human beings)--and we, as a society, are encouraging this foolishness--to the harm of the individual, and society as a whole. In a world where biological males can freely compete in sporting events against biological females, we must ask, "Whatever happened to wisdom?"
In our text for this morning, which is taken from the Wisdom literature of Holy Scripture, the book of Proverbs, composed largely by King Solomon (the wisest man to ever walk the earth), we see wisdom personified. It is a literary device where wisdom and foolishness are both portrayed as female figures with very different goals and strategies. Wisdom, according to Solomon, is to be sought after and treasured above all things. He who was wealthy beyond belief, recognized that without wisdom, jewels and gold mean nothing and cannot compare to wisdom that comes only from God. For, in the end, trust in earthly riches leads only to everlasting death and damnation in hell.
By wisdom "king's are to reign, and rulers decree what is just; by wisdom princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly." Yet, in looking at our country's rulers we are left wondering, "Whatever happened to wisdom?" When killing has become an acceptable response to human suffering, rather than love and care and compassion. When, as is the case in Sweden, child brides are now tacitly allowed and approved of for immigrant populations, despite it being technically against Swedish law. When, despite all scientific evidence, people insist that killing the unborn is not terminating the life of an innocent human being. Where is the wisdom in all of this and so much more?
Wisdom is in short supply. Why? Because true wisdom has its source in one place only--God Himself. And yet, human beings are conceived and born in sin and open rebellion against God and His Word of Truth. People, are by nature, fools. And those who persist in unbelief are the biggest fools of all, Scripture says. The Psalmist writes (14:1), "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good." Sinful people love evil instead of good. We are prideful, arrogant, and relish in perverted speech that calls good evil, and evil good. We arrogantly imagine ourselves to be wise with our enormous capacity for "tolerance" and "thinking outside the box", for ignoring history. We look at the works of our hands--the comfortable homes we enjoy--the lavish meals we consume--the luxurious clothes we wear--not to mention our toys and cars and electronics--and we think to ourselves, "See, what human wisdom and ingenuity has accomplished! See what great and awesome people we are! See how we love each other by deconstructing the family, and even life itself? We are wise, indeed!"
Beloved, we, too, as Christians can easily get caught up in this kind of thinking for it is so pervasive throughout our society and we consume it each and every day through all sorts of media. We know that God calls us to repent of this foolishness, but sometimes it is so much simpler and easier just to give in, or at least be quiet and not dispute the "wisdom" of those around us. For we enjoy our comfortable lifestyle, and we are afraid of losing the things that we have. But we need to hearken to Jesus' words when He says (Matthew 16:26), "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" What indeed? Is a comfortable life now really worth forfeiting eternal life and salvation? Is that wise?
In the end, beloved, it is only Jesus to whom we listen. For He is the wisdom of God made flesh. He is true Wisdom and the source of all wisdom in the entire universe. St. Paul says of the Christian church (1 Corinthians 1:23-25), "but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
It is Jesus, the fount of all wisdom, whose words and atoning work on the cross call to all people from the heights and crossroads of life. He calls each of us to repent and confess our sin--confess our folly and rejection of Him and His Word--and receive His wisdom and grace given to us in His life, death, and resurrection. This is the great, good wisdom that is for all men to hear and believe. Jesus calls us out of worldly foolishness, judgement and death into humble obedience, God's undeserved favour, and abundant life.
Beloved, Jesus is your wisdom. Rejoice in His Word and works for you. It sounds like ultimate folly to the world around you, but Christ is the true wisdom of God and the source of your salvation and peace. Only in Christ may true forgiveness and joy be found. Only in Christ, may life run to eternity. Only in Christ, are your worst enemies of sin, death, and hell undone. He speaks to you words of consolation and grace. He absolves you of your sin--declaring you to be fully forgiven on account of His blood shed for you! He, in His wisdom, calls you before His altar to feed you His true body and blood in simple bread and wine. Foolishness? No! This is the wisdom and the heart of God for you.
In Christ, your wisdom, you are truly rich beyond all measure--beyond all silver and gold and precious jewels. For His "fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and [His] yield than choice silver. [He] walks in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love [Him], and filling their treasuries." Beloved, Christ has filled your treasuries with His mercy, forgiveness, and life. There is no greater gift. There is no deeper wisdom. For in Christ Jesus you have the fullness of God's treasured gifts given to you and all who believe. It is your inheritance, guaranteed by your Baptism into Christ, who wisely suffered for you on the cross.
Whatever happened to wisdom? He died and rose again. To pay for your sin. And now He calls to you through His Word and Sacraments to repent of your sin and foolishness and to trust in His wisdom and grace. For Jesus, the wisdom of God, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life--there is no other. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 8:11-22
Whatever Happened to Wisdom?
v.12-13 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Dear friends in Christ, whatever happened to wisdom? That great and wondrous beautiful ideal--Sophia in the Greek--wisdom--wherein people used their knowledge in good and meaningful ways to better themselves and those around them. It seems as though wisdom--and especially those seeking wisdom--are in very short supply nowadays. No, rather, it seems as though everyone has gone soft in the head--they have jumped on the crazy train headed for Insanity-Ville--where right is wrong and wrong is right. Where we no longer have the sense God gave geese. We are actively engaging in ideas that are contrary to simple reason and science: like failing to recognize the biological reality that there are only two sexes--male and female--not seventy different gender classifications. Where, against all logic and sound wisdom--people are embracing the delusions of their minds--not just in terms of transgenderism or even transspecies (people who identify as animals and not human beings)--and we, as a society, are encouraging this foolishness--to the harm of the individual, and society as a whole. In a world where biological males can freely compete in sporting events against biological females, we must ask, "Whatever happened to wisdom?"
In our text for this morning, which is taken from the Wisdom literature of Holy Scripture, the book of Proverbs, composed largely by King Solomon (the wisest man to ever walk the earth), we see wisdom personified. It is a literary device where wisdom and foolishness are both portrayed as female figures with very different goals and strategies. Wisdom, according to Solomon, is to be sought after and treasured above all things. He who was wealthy beyond belief, recognized that without wisdom, jewels and gold mean nothing and cannot compare to wisdom that comes only from God. For, in the end, trust in earthly riches leads only to everlasting death and damnation in hell.
By wisdom "king's are to reign, and rulers decree what is just; by wisdom princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly." Yet, in looking at our country's rulers we are left wondering, "Whatever happened to wisdom?" When killing has become an acceptable response to human suffering, rather than love and care and compassion. When, as is the case in Sweden, child brides are now tacitly allowed and approved of for immigrant populations, despite it being technically against Swedish law. When, despite all scientific evidence, people insist that killing the unborn is not terminating the life of an innocent human being. Where is the wisdom in all of this and so much more?
Wisdom is in short supply. Why? Because true wisdom has its source in one place only--God Himself. And yet, human beings are conceived and born in sin and open rebellion against God and His Word of Truth. People, are by nature, fools. And those who persist in unbelief are the biggest fools of all, Scripture says. The Psalmist writes (14:1), "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good." Sinful people love evil instead of good. We are prideful, arrogant, and relish in perverted speech that calls good evil, and evil good. We arrogantly imagine ourselves to be wise with our enormous capacity for "tolerance" and "thinking outside the box", for ignoring history. We look at the works of our hands--the comfortable homes we enjoy--the lavish meals we consume--the luxurious clothes we wear--not to mention our toys and cars and electronics--and we think to ourselves, "See, what human wisdom and ingenuity has accomplished! See what great and awesome people we are! See how we love each other by deconstructing the family, and even life itself? We are wise, indeed!"
Beloved, we, too, as Christians can easily get caught up in this kind of thinking for it is so pervasive throughout our society and we consume it each and every day through all sorts of media. We know that God calls us to repent of this foolishness, but sometimes it is so much simpler and easier just to give in, or at least be quiet and not dispute the "wisdom" of those around us. For we enjoy our comfortable lifestyle, and we are afraid of losing the things that we have. But we need to hearken to Jesus' words when He says (Matthew 16:26), "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" What indeed? Is a comfortable life now really worth forfeiting eternal life and salvation? Is that wise?
In the end, beloved, it is only Jesus to whom we listen. For He is the wisdom of God made flesh. He is true Wisdom and the source of all wisdom in the entire universe. St. Paul says of the Christian church (1 Corinthians 1:23-25), "but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
It is Jesus, the fount of all wisdom, whose words and atoning work on the cross call to all people from the heights and crossroads of life. He calls each of us to repent and confess our sin--confess our folly and rejection of Him and His Word--and receive His wisdom and grace given to us in His life, death, and resurrection. This is the great, good wisdom that is for all men to hear and believe. Jesus calls us out of worldly foolishness, judgement and death into humble obedience, God's undeserved favour, and abundant life.
Beloved, Jesus is your wisdom. Rejoice in His Word and works for you. It sounds like ultimate folly to the world around you, but Christ is the true wisdom of God and the source of your salvation and peace. Only in Christ may true forgiveness and joy be found. Only in Christ, may life run to eternity. Only in Christ, are your worst enemies of sin, death, and hell undone. He speaks to you words of consolation and grace. He absolves you of your sin--declaring you to be fully forgiven on account of His blood shed for you! He, in His wisdom, calls you before His altar to feed you His true body and blood in simple bread and wine. Foolishness? No! This is the wisdom and the heart of God for you.
In Christ, your wisdom, you are truly rich beyond all measure--beyond all silver and gold and precious jewels. For His "fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and [His] yield than choice silver. [He] walks in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love [Him], and filling their treasuries." Beloved, Christ has filled your treasuries with His mercy, forgiveness, and life. There is no greater gift. There is no deeper wisdom. For in Christ Jesus you have the fullness of God's treasured gifts given to you and all who believe. It is your inheritance, guaranteed by your Baptism into Christ, who wisely suffered for you on the cross.
Whatever happened to wisdom? He died and rose again. To pay for your sin. And now He calls to you through His Word and Sacraments to repent of your sin and foolishness and to trust in His wisdom and grace. For Jesus, the wisdom of God, is the Way, the Truth, and the Life--there is no other. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.