Do you mind if I plug a book for a second time? It is so timely. The book is God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life, by Timothy Keller and his wife Kathy. It is a daily devotional based on the book of Proverbs. What makes this book so practical is that it is arranged by topic, which lends itself easily to a topical study of the wisdom of the ages.
Solomon is praised for his wisdom which he acquired from God, who was pleased that he asked for that rather than riches and power. The stories in the Bible exemplifying Solomon’s wisdom are enjoyable. However, one might get the impression that the means of acquiring wisdom is simply asking for it. The case is quite different. Solomon was noted for his diligent pursuit of knowledge. The book of Proverbs is one of the books in the genre called “Wisdom Literature.” While it is attributed to Solomon, it is a collection of writings from other authors.
I have always thought of the book of Proverbs as a collection of loosely connected inspirational sayings. By arranging their devotionals by topic and putting them into the context of dependence on God’s wisdom, the Kellers have demonstrated that wisdom is acquired over a lifetime. Wisdom is not something poured into your head in answer to prayer. It is acquired through diligently seeking the truth wherever it may be found – starting with the Word of God. However, it is not simply information we are looking for here. The knowledge we acquire must be applied to our daily life in all its aspects in order for us to own it. Also, wisdom has moral and social aspects to it, so we must reflect on our experience to gain insight and understanding. Finally, the pursuit of wisdom must be a lifelong process.
In our postmodern society we believe life centers around us. We are taught that in our schools, in our families, and to an extent in some of our churches. We are taught to follow our hearts, get in touch with our feelings, be skeptical, and to question authority. We have so much information available to us through the media and the internet and so much freedom to do what we want that it is no wonder we might think of ourselves as being in control. We learn to be critical rather than to think critically.
Many young people growing up in our society no longer receive a coherent presentation of traditional Judeo-Christian values in family, in school, or in church. Rather, they are growing up with a secular worldview that rejects the “Divine Reality.” They need a practical tool to help them, and that is why I think this book is timely. I will be making it a point to give it as a gift for graduations and weddings.