Ancient Wisdom

June 2, 2018

Ancient wisdom is still best. It is handed down to us as the collected experience of generations, and we ignore it to our peril. Of course, that is exactly what Western society is doing. Led by the academic, economic, and political elite who collaborate to assure us that their new wisdom, bolstered by scientific and statistical evidence, we are told that the tried and true practices of our forebears no longer apply in our more modern and enlightened world.

Of course, that’s all nonsense, for which the continual decline and decay of civil life is ample, if ignored evidence. Nonetheless, the Proverbs of the Bible remain as worthy guides for the good life. A few examples will suffice. Proverbs 17 caught my eye this morning. “Gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.” (V.5) How about verse seven: “We don’t expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders.” Obviously, Solomon wasn’t privy to our modern political life. I’ll give him a pass on that one! “Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye friend!” “The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.” (V. 14). One of my favorites is verse 17: “Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of troubles.” Of course, that is only true if the parents in those families understand and practice the art of forgiveness, kindness, and hard work, and teach the same to their children.

Verse 20 reads: “A bad motive can’t achieve a good end,” and 26 is, “It’s wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others.” This brings to mind the typical response of the media and politicians whenever there is a mass shooting. It’s the only crime I know of where the only ones blamed are the ones who didn’t do it. 

Even if our society as a whole has abandoned such ancient wisdom, it still holds true, and is the best way to order one’s life. I am thankful that I’ve been privileged to drink from this deep well for many years. It has many times snatched me from the brink, and kept my feet on the narrow path that leads to life.