I know the plans I have for you--Lesson 14

We have considered how God works through the Law, through kings and officials, through prophets, and through priests. In this blog, let us consider the biblical teaching that God works through "wise people" or "sages." 1. Jeremiah 18:18 describes through groups of people in Israelite society: the priest for instruction, the wise for counsel, and the prophet for the word of God. 2. Proverbs 22:17; 24:23 introduce a series of proverbs or maxims for teaching for those who hear and learn. 3. 2 Samuel 14:1-24 relates an account according to which "a wise woman" gave a court case to David to persuade David that he would bring his son Absalom back into the land of Israel from which David had banished him for murdering his brother Amnon. [See 2 Samuel 13:23-39]. 4. 2 Samuel 20:14-22 relates an account according to which "a wise woman" of Abel of Beth-maacah arranged to have Sheba killed when he rebelled against David. 5. The theme of the whole account of Solomon in 1 Kings 3-11 is wisdom. The biblical composer emphasizes the importance of the wisdom of Solomon. Among other things, 1 Kings 4:32 says that Solomon "wrote three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five." He was "wiser" than the people of Egypt, ofothe east, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda. 1 Kings 4:30-31. There were obviously groups of "wise people" [men and women] whose role was to instruct, counsel, advise various types of people all the way from the king to the peasant. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of wisdom. James 3:13-18 is a very important passage about this. In particular, James 3:17-18 underlines these thoughts: "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace or partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace." In our world in in our churches, we desperately need "wise men and women" to work through difficult problems, situations, and the future. Share YOUR thoughts and insights and dreams with others. Let me hear from YOU. John Willis