Wisdom and Truth

These are troubled times. But then, we have had troubled times since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. One of their sons murdered the other. God caused the earth to be covered with water because of the wickedness of His people. Sodom and Gomorrah were completely destroyed because of their depravity. The chosen people were enslaved in Egypt and it took plagues of locusts, frogs, and other afflictions before they escaped. A quick perusal of the Old Testament tells of numerous wars, of peoples being conquered, and many bad leaders who did not follow God’s commandments and led others into sin. People suffered and they died. Now we have instantaneous communication, but that doesn’t lessen the suffering that our predecessors endured nor increase what we are going through. History isn’t an appreciated subject today, but we must learn it to keep our own experience in perspective.

However, we are convinced that no one has had it as hard as we have. We’re stressed and we’re afraid. We see no way out. The Wisdom of Solomon (17:11-13) says, “For wickedness is a cowardly thing, condemned by its own testimony; distressed by conscience, it has always exaggerated the difficulties. For fear is nothing but surrender of the helps that come from reason; and the inner expectation of help, being weak, prefers ignorance of what causes the torment.” Whew! Harsh words, but true. And wisdom and truth go hand in hand. The more we turn from God and rely on our own devices, the further away wisdom and truth become.

The book of Sirach tells us that “Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her.” (4:11) It goes on to say (4:20-28): “Observe the right time, and beware of evil; and do not bring shame on yourself. For there is a shame which brings sin, and there is a shame which is glory and favor. Do not show partiality, to your own harm, or deference to your downfall. Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time, and do not hide your wisdom. For wisdom is known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue. Never speak against the truth, but be mindful of your ignorance. Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river. Do not subject yourself to a foolish fellow, nor show partiality to a ruler. Strive even to death for the truth and the Lord God will fight for you.”

Strive even to death for the truth and the Lord God will fight for you.

God is truth, and if we have God, we have everything we need. Jesus tells us over and over, “Be not afraid.” Let us tell Him, “Jesus, I trust in you.”