Dangers of Secular Wisdom in Theological Decision Making
The dangers of secular wisdom in theological decision-making are rooted in the biblical warning against relying on human understanding rather than divine guidance. The book of Proverbs cautions, "Be not wise in thine own eyes" [10], emphasizing the need to acknowledge God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. This warning is echoed in 1 Corinthians, where the Apostle Paul advises, "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise" [9].
The biblical narrative presents a stark contrast between those who fear the Lord and those who rely on their own understanding. In Isaiah 8:13, the prophet is exhorted to "sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread" [6]. This fear is not one of terror but of reverence, recognizing God's power and authority. Conversely, those who fear man rather than God are warned that they will become a "snare" to themselves, leading to destruction [3].
The dangers of self-conceit and reliance on human wisdom are highlighted in Proverbs 26:12, which notes that "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him" [7]. This self-conceit can lead individuals to become "opinionative, dogmatical, and censorious," neglecting the guidance of Scripture and the counsel of others.
In contrast, those who fear the Lord are promised inner peace and salvation. Psalm 65:8 declares, "They that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice" [1]. This fear is not limited to the individual but is a communal response, as seen in Job 1:10, where Job's integrity is described as being surrounded by a "wall of protection" [2].
The New Testament reinforces this theme, with 1 Peter 3:14-15 exhorting believers to "fear not their fear, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" [4]. This fear is not a passive attitude but an active choice to prioritize God's will above human opinion.
Theological decision-making that neglects the fear of the Lord risks being guided by secular wisdom rather than divine guidance. As Jude 6:22 notes, encounters with divine holiness are "inherently dangerous," emphasizing the need for reverence and awe in approaching God [8]. By prioritizing the fear of the Lord, believers can avoid the pitfalls of self-conceit and ensure that their decisions are guided by a deepening reverence for God's holiness and sovereignty.
The biblical emphasis on fearing the Lord serves as a counterbalance to the influence of secular wisdom, promoting a worldview that is grounded in Scripture rather than human understanding. As Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" [5]. By embracing this fear, believers can cultivate a wisdom that is not of this world but is rooted in a deep reverence for God's character and will.
Sources
- 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.”
- Job (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Job 1:10: 1:10 wall of protection: See 1 Sam 25:16; Pss 5:12; 34:7; Zech 2:5; cp. Isa 5:5.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:12: Here is, 1. A spiritual disease supposed, and that is self-conceit: Seest thou a man? Yes, we see many a one, wise in his own conceit, who has some little sense, but is proud of it, thinks it much more than it is, more than any of his neighbours, have, and enough, so that he needs no more, has such a conceit of his own abilities as makes him opinionative, dogmatical, and censorious; and all the use he makes of his knowledge is that it puffs him up. Or, if by a wise man we understand a religious man, it describes the character of those who, making some show of r”
- Jude (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jude 6:22: 6:22 Encounters with divine holiness are inherently dangerous (cp. Gen 32:30; Deut 5:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:18: Let no man deceive himself,.... With vain notions of serving God and religion, and of doing the churches good by his carnal and worldly wisdom, and with false hopes of escaping the vengeance of God for sowing the tares of error, heresy, and discord among his people. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world; either a member of them, or a preacher among them, who thought himself wise in worldly wisdom; or was desirous to be thought so by others; or would be a truly wise man in this world, whilst he lives in it, and before he goes out of it: let h”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 3:7: Be not wise in thine own eyes,.... So as to act independently of God; not to trust in him, nor acknowledge him, nor seek to him for help and direction; nor ask nor take the advice of others; but, being conceited and self-sufficient, lean to thine own understanding, as being wise enough to conduct all affairs in life by thy own discretion; and in matters of religion wiser than thy teachers, and even than the Scriptures, being wise above that which is written; pleasing thyself with thine own wisdom, as exceeding others; glorying in it as thine own acquisition, and not ”