Biblical Mentors Who Sought Wisdom from Trusted Sources
The biblical concept of seeking wisdom from trusted sources is rooted in the understanding that true wisdom comes from God. The prophet Isaiah asks rhetorically, "Who did he take counsel with, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?" [1]. This question highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God and those who fear Him.
In the biblical narrative, various figures demonstrate the value of seeking wisdom from trusted sources. Job is encouraged to "seek unto God betimes" and make it his "first and chief anxiety" [2]. one tradition notes that people all over the world should stand in awe of the Lord [3]. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Proverbs, where it is described as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom [6]. Those who fear the Lord are encouraged to trust in Him rather than in people, as Isaiah was exhorted to "sanctify the Lord" and fear Him rather than human threats [4, 7].
The biblical mentors, such as David, demonstrate a commitment to seeking wisdom from God's word. David attributes his wisdom to God's commandments and testimonies, stating, "Thou hast made me wise" through them [8]. The apostles, too, were diligent in nurturing and supporting new disciples, appointing elders to guide them [9]. The leaders in Ezra's time, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, were stirred by God's Spirit to obey and lead the people [10].
The New Testament writers also emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom from trusted sources. Jesus encourages his listeners to "search the Scriptures" to find divine knowledge and test doctrines [11]. The apostle Peter exhorts believers not to fear human threats but to "worship Christ as Lord" and fear Him alone [5].
The biblical emphasis on seeking wisdom from trusted sources underscores the importance of reverence for God and trust in His word. By seeking guidance from God and those who fear Him, believers can gain wisdom and understanding to navigate life's challenges. The biblical mentors demonstrate that true wisdom comes from a deepening relationship with God and a commitment to His word.
Sources
- Isaiah “Who did he take counsel with, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? -- Isaiah 40:14”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 8:5: seek unto God betimes--early. Make it the first and chief anxiety (Psa 78:34; Hos 5:15; Isa 26:9; Pro 8:17; Pro 13:24).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 65:8: 65:8 All over the world (Job 38:13; see Ps 50:1-3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 8:11: 8:11-15 This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9; 8:6). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25; see “Fearing People” Theme Note). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:14: 3:14-15 or be afraid of their threats: See Isa 8:13, where God exhorts the prophet to fear nothing except the Lord. • worship Christ as Lord: By fearing Christ, they will be free from fear of their human persecutors.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 8:13: Sanctify--Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Num 20:12). him . . . fear--"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:98: We have here an account of David's learning, not that of the Egyptians, but of the Israelites indeed. I. The good method by which he got it. In his youth he minded business in the country as a shepherd; from his youth he minded business in the court and camp. Which way then could he get any great stock of learning? He tells us here how he came by it; he had it from God as the author: Thou hast made me wise. All true wisdom is from God. He had it by the word of God as the means, by his commandments and his testimonies. These are able to make us wise to salvation ”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 14:22: 14:22-23 The apostles were diligent in following up with those who had made a Christian profession of faith. These new disciples needed to be nurtured, supported, and encouraged (15:32, 41; 16:40; 18:23; see 1 Thes 3:2; 4:18; 5:14). • Paul and Barnabas . . . appointed elders: See “Church Leaders” Theme Note.”
- Ezra (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezra 5:2: 5:2 The Jewish leaders had not led by faith (see Hag 1:1, 12). Now God’s Spirit stirred them up (Hag 1:14), and they obeyed by getting to work. • Zerubbabel and Jeshua figure prominently in the books of Haggai and Zechariah.”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 5:39: Search the Scriptures,.... The writings of Moses, and the prophets, which were of divine inspiration and authority, and are often appealed unto by Christ, and his apostles, for the truth of what they delivered; and were the standard of faith, and the test of doctrines; and therefore to be searched diligently into, for finding divine knowledge and improvement in it, and for the trial of doctrines. The words may be rendered in the indicative, as an assertion, "ye do search the Scriptures": the Jews had the sacred oracles committed to them, and these they read, not only th”