2nd Edition, Revised Material
Bible Wisdom
I believe biblical wisdom and truth do help me actually live a fuller day-to-day life, but I also do not read or interpret the Bible literally.
The down-to-earth people who wrote these Biblical texts had a sense of God that was a knowing/believing/trusting consistent with their understanding of the way the world worked. To me, that is a model or plan by which any individual, who honestly seeks a spiritual union with higher knowledge - wisdom, must abide. Wisdom and truth are two of the most important concepts in life. But how do we discover them?
Time for a story. Eduardo Galeano, a journalist, writer and novelist, who was for a time a political prisoner in Uruguay in the 1970s told this story in his book: Memory of Fire.
Uruguayan political prisoners may not talk without permission, or whistle, smile, sing, walk fast, or greet other prisoners; nor may they make or receive drawings of pregnant women, couples, butterflies, stars, or birds.
One Sunday, Didasko Pérez, a schoolteacher, tortured and jailed for “having ideological ideas,” is visited by his daughter Milay, aged five. She brings him a drawing of birds. The guards destroy it at the entrance of the jail.
On the following Sunday, Milay brings him a drawing of trees. Trees are not forbidden, and the drawings get through.
Didasko praises her work and asks about the colored circles scattered in the treetops, many small circles are half-hidden among the branches: “Are they oranges? What fruit is it?”
The child puts her fingers to her mouth: “Ssssshhh.” And she whispers in his ear: “Silly. Don’t you see their eyes? They are the eyes of the birds that I’ve smuggled in for you.”
The story is a timeless illation of how wisdom is boundless, timeless, and often comes from surprising sources. Together winsome feeds the truth in our being that we crave, even more so in these days of social and political upheaval in our country.
Below are a few suggestions to help you uncover wisdom and truth in your Bible study.
1. Spend Time in Reflection: One of the best ways to discover wisdom and truth is to spend time in reflection. Take a few moments each day to be alone and reflect on what is truly important in life. Think deeply about your values, beliefs, and experiences. Doing this on a regular basis will help you gain clarity and insight into your life and the world around you.
2. Listen to Others: It is important to listen to the perspectives of others. Listen to the stories of those with different backgrounds and experiences. Ask questions and be open to learning from them. You may find that their views hold a kernel of truth that can help you discover new wisdom.
3. Read Often: Reading is a great way to expand your horizons and gain new insight. Read books on various topics, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries. Doing these activities will help widen your perspective and help you discover new truths.
4. Question Yourself: It is important to be honest and introspective. Ask yourself tough questions and be willing to confront uncomfortable truths. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and push your boundaries. Doing this will help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
5. Take Action: Once you’ve gained insight and discovered new truths, it is important to take action. Don’t stay in the realm of ideas. Put your new understanding into practice and make a difference in the world.
By following these measures, you can uncover wisdom and truth. Life is a journey of self-discovery, and by taking the time to reflect, listen, read, and question, you can gain new insight and become a wiser and more enlightened person.
Donald L. O'Dell
November 2, 2023