Who is a wise man?
Introduction. There are about twenty different Hebrew and Greek words translated wise in the scriptures. The primary composite meaning is: "to understand," "skillful," and "mindful" (Young's Analytical Concordance, pg. 1060). One excellent way to establish the range of meaning of a word (words) is to determine how the word is used.
A wise man refrains from evil. Sin is common and accepted today. We are supposed to be "tolerant people," according to society. One is considered abnormal of one does not casually partake is evil. Hear the Bible: "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident" (Prov. 14: 16).
The wise man has active faith. The subject of saving faith is terribly perverted by man. Many religions have as a basic tenet the belief that "faith only" saves. By "faith only" they mean a faith which is inactive. James wrote thus of the wise man: "Who is wise...let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom" (Jas. 3: 13, ASV). Moreover, James wrote faith only is useless (2: 14-26).
The wise man is one who listens to counsel. "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Prov. 12: 15). Beloved, the ultimate counsel is God's word. We are to "prove all things and hold fast that which is good" (1 Thes. 5: 21). And, "if any speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4: 11). The Psalmist said, "Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies..." (Ps. 119:98). Truly, the wise are those who obey the teaching of the Lord (Matt. 7: 24-27).
Conclusion. Let us remember, God only has the absolute right to determine and pronounce one as being wise and he does this through his word.
A wise man refrains from evil. Sin is common and accepted today. We are supposed to be "tolerant people," according to society. One is considered abnormal of one does not casually partake is evil. Hear the Bible: "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident" (Prov. 14: 16).
The wise man has active faith. The subject of saving faith is terribly perverted by man. Many religions have as a basic tenet the belief that "faith only" saves. By "faith only" they mean a faith which is inactive. James wrote thus of the wise man: "Who is wise...let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom" (Jas. 3: 13, ASV). Moreover, James wrote faith only is useless (2: 14-26).
The wise man is one who listens to counsel. "The way of the fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Prov. 12: 15). Beloved, the ultimate counsel is God's word. We are to "prove all things and hold fast that which is good" (1 Thes. 5: 21). And, "if any speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4: 11). The Psalmist said, "Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies..." (Ps. 119:98). Truly, the wise are those who obey the teaching of the Lord (Matt. 7: 24-27).
Conclusion. Let us remember, God only has the absolute right to determine and pronounce one as being wise and he does this through his word.