…it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:6-7).
Put simply, there are two wisdoms, Paul says: human wisdom, and divine wisdom. They are not the same. They are not even similar. They are not coming to the same conclusions about God, life, priorities, joy, fulfillment, or meaning.
The wisdom of this world comes to nothing. It is practical only for temporary things, it is fleeting and faddish, and in the end it proves to be utter foolishness.
The science that claims to prove there is no God can’t tell you why you are here or give your life meaning. The psychology that professes to solve your marriage problems only makes them worse because it knows nothing of self-crucifixion. The greedy wisdom that helps you climb the corporate ladder can’t give you joy even when you reach the top.
But in 1Corinthians 2:8 there is an even greater condemnation of human wisdom than that it is ultimately unsuccessful. The wisdom of this world, Paul reminds us, “crucified the Lord of glory”!
The elite of this world did not admire Jesus. They still don’t today.
The wisdom of this world is so opposite, so opposed, to the wisdom of God, that when God’s wisdom took on humanity in the person of Jesus, they tortured him to death! When Perfection walked this earth, the very best wisdom of this world said, “That is hideous, that is wrong, that is evil,” and then scourged, and humiliated, and spit on, and crucified Perfection.
Keep this in perspective as you watch movies, see advertisements, study your text books, or attend workshops on “values” in the workplace. The elite of this world did not admire Jesus. They still don’t today.
But to Christians, Jesus is the Lord of glory! What Jesus does is glorious; what he teaches is wonderful; what he says is bad is actually and truly evil. Jesus’ life and work were perfect.
What Jesus does is glorious; what he teaches is wonderful; what he says is bad is actually and truly evil.
How do you view success? Getting older? Death? Your life’s purpose? You and I are either viewing our existence through the lens of this world’s wisdom, or through the perfect wisdom of God, revealed in Jesus Christ.
There are two wisdoms: human wisdom and God’s wisdom. Which is influencing your desires, decisions, and pleasures today?