Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 21
March 26, 1970
NUMBER 46, PAGE 7a

The Age Of Wisdom

Garreth L. Claire

The age of wisdom is a varying age in man. Some men never reach the age of wisdom for one reason or other. Although all men seek wisdom in one area or sphere, many never reach the heights in their chosen field. Wisdom has been defined as the quality of being wise; good judgement; sagacity (Webster's New World Dictionary). Man in his feeble attempt at the acquisition of knowledge about spiritual matters, has often stopped searching the source (Bible) of wisdom far short of his desired goal. We that are men are often puffed up by one small portion of knowledge and in error mistake our new found knowledge for wisdom. We sometimes consider our learning sufficient in the spiritual realm, when in reality we are yet minnows in the vast ocean, swimming about with our new confidence, soon to be devoured by a big fish of the sea.

The age of wisdom might never be attained by you and I in this life as regards many areas of divine revelation. This does not mean that we cannot acquire sufficient wisdom of God's plan to save ourselves from this crooked and ungodly generation (Acts 2:40). This does not mean that there are any parts of divine revelation that must be left alone. We must, as Paul the apostle declares, "Study to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15). Perhaps we will never reach the age of wisdom in many areas though we exist a thousand years, yet we are required by divine revelation to grow in knowledge. Knowledge leads in due process of time to wisdom, if the recipient will continue his diligent search of his source material (the Bible).

Another fallacy of the searcher for wisdom is false knowledge which leads to a false idea of wisdom about God's truth. This individual suddenly declares that he has uncovered an area of new truth different from all truth yet advanced by man. But, all things are old things, "For there is nothing new under the sun" (Eccl. 1:9). It is very possible for man to discover areas which in times past were hidden from us because of our lack of study and application. This is not to suggest that we will, in our search, find something that will conflict with already understood truths, but that we might find more that bears directly or indirectly upon what we already have learned as regards divine truth. The advocates of new found truths often mistake their own warped ideas and suppositions for acquired wisdom in some before, unknown area. Such men as Joseph Smith, Mary B. Eddy, and most recently Charles Holt have espoused some new ideas, such ideas which would make those truths already understood, obsolete. Such ideas are unacceptable because of their contradictory nature as regards other clearly revealed truths. This is by no means wisdom, yet such men are always causing problems in the eternal quest for wisdom of God's truth, which truth will make us free from the terrible bondage of sin if obeyed (John 8:32).

In conclusion let us continue in our quest for wisdom, never saying within ourselves that we have reached the heights of it. We must not stop our diligent search of God's infallible truth although we may learn much of his will. I dare say no man alive will make the statement that he has reached the heights of divine wisdom. Assuming no one will answer to the affirmative this statement, let us cease our actions to the contrary. Yes, some brethren who know better act and conduct themselves as if they were the fountain source of all wisdom. May we all recognize our feebleness, weakness, and lack of wisdom in our dealings with sinners, brethren, and above all with God's word. Let us be careful to advance new ideas that we are unable to substantiate with other revealed truth. Such is a safe course to pursue in our quest to reach the age of wisdom.

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