June 13, 2024 - Proverbs 1-3

In a Fox News article, today, Jake Paul, the internet-influencer-turned-boxer sensation, is quoted:   “This is the smartest generation. We’ve had the most access to information and knowledge out of any other generation.  You can’t fool us.  We just want the truth, and we want authenticity.”  Hmmm . . . might I observe that access to or possession of a lot of information neither makes one smart or wise.  I believe I could give many examples in order to make my point.  Even better, though, let’s turn to one of the wisest men in all of history, Solomon:  “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity . . . Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance . . . The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (1:1-7).

Solomon adds, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (3:5-7). I suspect that the current generation – in fact, my own generation – is not nearly as smart and wise as claimed.  Those who are truly wise look to the Lord for knowledge and instruction.  Those who are truly wise follow after the precepts of God.  Therein is true life, life that is abundant and confident and joyful.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;

be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,

both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;

be Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;

be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,

be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.   – Traditional with ancient Irish tune