What Can Help Us Live Well in Our Current Moment?

In a word, wisdom.

Imparting livable wisdom is the business of the biblical book of Proverbs. Proverbial wisdom has one goal for our lives: to help us live well. Religion and morality, at their best, as sources of wisdom, can do the same, but they are not much trusted in our wider cultural moment. So, let’s take some steps in the side door of wisdom.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Proverbs wants to hold us close, but not in a “rob you of your freedom” sort of way. Rather, proverbial wisdom is like a warm hug from a wise grandparent who says through a smile, “Now go out and play.” It is important to note here that the opposite of wisdom in Proverbs is foolishness. But that’s not pejorative. It’s like the same loving grandparent saying, “Don’t be foolish. Look both ways before you cross the street.”

I’m betting we are all hungry and thirsty for the kind of wisdom that leads us away from foolishness and toward the healing and shaping of our souls. We need this in our churches too. We need it in our communities, our nation, and the interrelations between the nations of the world.

The book of Proverbs is clear about its intentions…

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—

let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance

Proverbs 1:1-5

Proverbs prioritizes spiritual formation: the creation of virtuous people, people who have inner insight that readies them to use words and actions that align with Divine Wisdom and the goodness that flows from it.

When contemplating the wisdom of Proverbs, don’t think quid-pro-quo, a spiritual guarantee that if we do this or don’t do that, then life will be perfect. That is not wisdom. That is merely a superstitious religion.

Instead of superstition, think Jesus.

Jesus is the embodiment of Divine Wisdom. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind…a light shining in the darkness…the true light that gives light to everyone…the Word (the expression of Divine reason) that became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (See John 1:1-14.) Jesus was full of wisdom (Luke 2:40). Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and insight (Luke 2:47).

Jesus simply revealed truth in his teaching, his manner of being, and his deeds of power. His embodiment of Divine Wisdom was different than we might imagine and certainly different from how we often act in the Church. Jesus never manipulated anyone, even though he had the power to do so. He never forced morality on others but instead critiqued the religious leaders of the day for crushing people with unbearable demands (Mark 23:4). Rather, Jesus invited people: Come follow me. When we place our confidence in Jesus and his lived wisdom, we have a secure life built upon the sturdy rock of Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5-7).

Fear (deep devotion and humble submission to the one, true Creator God) is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Life gets its start, is held steady, and comes to its eternal completion in and through the wisdom of God.

The Lord knows I feel challenged by our current moment, and I am always on the lookout for true wisdom! I know you, too, are eager to live faithfully in our troubled times. Thus, in the weeks to come, we will set before our hearts and minds the wisdom of Proverbs—the wisdom to live well no matter what our circumstances may be.