Wisdom or sanctified common sense is obviously and sorely missing in every segment of society these days. In its place, absolute nonsense and folly, which are promoted and encouraged in all areas of the media, the institutions of learning, and even by religious organizations, prevail. That wisdom is seriously lacking is evident from the low moral standards being practiced with approval in the world today, for immoral practices are the very opposite of wisdom, as a mere perusal of Proverbs reveals. Immorality is folly to the extreme.

Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 8:13 adds, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” What the Word of God calls evil, society is now calling good (Isa. 5:20). How can anything God calls evil be considered good? To suggest even remotely that what God calls evil or sin can be practiced--and is actually good--is the very height of ignorance and unbelief. While these suggestions are equated with wisdom today, they reflect the world’s wisdom that God has made foolish (1 Cor. 1:30).

Any person who fears or reveres the Lord by obeying His Word demonstrates true wisdom. One who treats the Lord, His name, and His Word with contempt reveals an obvious lack of wisdom. The truth of these statements is evident from the fruit or consequences issuing forth from wisdom or from the lack thereof. The Book of Proverbs is required reading for anyone serious about acquiring wisdom (Prov. 1:1-6). Wisdom is also obtained in answer to prayer (Jas. 1:5), but wisdom in it fullest essence comes in knowing Jesus Christ who of God, among other things, has been made unto us wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30). It is those who know Jesus Christ that have the true wisdom to depart from all evil.