I’ve been thinking a lot about our dependence on others, so in the next few weeks, you’ll see some loosely related posts on dependence.
I’ve been reading Proverbs, looking for any evidence that wisdom can come from others. I’m actually surprised that, although there is much in Proverbs about receiving instruction and knowledge from teachers, or mentors, there seems to be no mention of receiving wisdom from teachers. I believe this is significant.
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. (Proverbs 2:6-7)
Again, James gives the source of wisdom, too:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
If we remember Jesus’ discussion about wisdom, wisdom is inextricably linked to God’s Word, and obedience. Without both, we cannot be wise. I think implied would be the necessity of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), but I see wisdom as coming directly from God, not through a mediator.
In Proverbs, Solomon is constantly imploring his audience to value wisdom, to seek for it. Could this be because wisdom must be earned by each individual? It appears this way to me. Clearly, Solomon saw the need to compile his book of Proverbs, so he is not suggesting there is no need for a teacher. But the application (i.e., wisdom) seems to be in most cases left to the individual. As a teacher of my children (and anytime God gives me opportunity to teach younger women), I can teach them the value of wisdom, I can encourage them to look for it, I can help them learn principles of applying Scripture to their lives, and I can teach the principles. But I cannot give out wisdom.
Am I missing something? Is there pertinent Scripture that I haven’t considered? I’m eager to learn more about this topic, so will continue to study!
Michelle,
I keep feeling an imbalance whenever you mention mentors, and I still don’t have it figured out or put into words, but occasionally when I’m drifting off to sleep or am in the shower or something, things will seem to be clearer.
I think mentors and counselors are important in our pursuit of wisdom. I don’t think they’re the end-all, and I think we need to run their advice through scripture and carefully weigh it against what we know and listen for the Holy Spirit’s yea or neigh. But I think counselors help me consider the whole counsel of God–they will think of a scripture I had not considered. Sometimes mentors will give me a practical idea for living out a principle in Scripture. But those mentors and counselors must never be trusted blindly. Ultimately, all they say and recommend must be run through my very own, Holy-Spirit guided wisdom filter. So, I agree with you for the most part, because I do agree that we need to seek wisdom from God, not from counselors, yet I think counselors can and do play a part in God imparting that wisdom to us. And I always “feel it” in my heart when someone is giving me advice that I know isn’t right for me. What do you think?
Addy, This was well stated. I think I agree with all you said. I’m really examining what we call wisdom, how it is attributed, and the relationship between our dependence on God and our dependence on other believers. I’m certain that the Bible teaches both kinds of dependence. I’m just studying to learn more at this point. Thanks for helping to keep me in check, and to speak more clearly.
I had a feeling we were on the same page. I think you’re trying to balance out those who rely too much on others, but I just don’t want to take too much away from the value of counselors and mentors.
You’re a blessing, Michelle! Thanks!
That’s a fair concern. Our society explicitly teaches self reliance as a virtue, so we believers really do need to address that problem directly (I know you have at your blog). Do you have any thoughts from Scripture for recognizing an extreme one way or the other?
I’ll have to think about that. I haven’t been thinking of verses that guard against the extremes so much as I have been thinking about the “multitude of counselors” in Proverbs and the Titus example of women mentoring women. I think you’re doing a good job of addressing the one extreme–of not relying on counselors too much, and perhaps the guard against the other extreme is to recognize that there is safety in a multitude of godly counselors and that we are to learn from the older women in a Titus 2 fashion.
But, I’ll keep thinking. I’m appreciating the discussion.