Today’s world offers many intellectual pursuits. From an Ivy League education, to traveling abroad and experiencing various cultures, to limitless information via the Internet and other technologies, we have more and faster access to opportunities for learning and discovery than at any other time in history. And make no mistake, gaining education does often carry intrinsic value: deeper insight, an enlightened and empathetic view of others, more skilled workforce, better problem solving, and in general, a sense of progress by being “smarter.”
And one might assume, that with a more educated globe, there would be fewer problems; after all, if people are “smarter,” they should make better, more productive choices, right? Well, a quick view of any TV news program, or glance at the nearest newsstand dispels any such notion that today’s world has reduced problems. True, we may face different issues than ancestors, but if anything, it seems that man’s knack for conflict, greed, corruption and selfishness has easily kept pace with society’s educated progress.
But why? If learning alone and bolstering our intellect hasn’t fundamentally put us ahead of the curve, then what will? I think the answer is actually what’s woven into the text of Proverbs 8. Notice the constant link between wisdom and Godliness. Between knowledge and righteousness; between humility and prosperity. It isn’t just “knowing a lot” that is the key, but it’s also in having discernment and being truthful and just and upright and helping others that are inseparably connected to our success.
And I think that may be where our new world society has lost its compass. I think we’ve emphasized man’s power to be “smart” (which is, admittedly, important), but we’ve wanted to exclude God’s power that keeps us “good” (which is even more important).
Being wise doesn’t just mean being intelligent; it also means having Godly integrity as well.
