Starting Points

(Pro 8:8 KJV)  All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

The Greek word used for wisdom is sophia.  It is part of the compound word “philosophy” which means “love of wisdom”.  I imagine if we were trying to name the study of wisdom it might be “sophiology”.  Don’t wait to see that in Wikipedia.  We do not live in an age that loves or studies wisdom.  

You can see that in almost every area of academic research.  Most research today is guided by political considerations.  They want to find something that will back their point of view.  Because of that disciplines like science are close to losing all respect.  What is sad is to see this in the study of the Bible.  It amazes me how many people who are quoted as authorities on the Bible are non-believers or when you listen to a Jew who is a professor of New Testament.

So?  We are to seek wisdom but be careful of your sources.  We are told that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.  A philosopher or a scientist, for that matter an English teacher analyzing a classic piece of literature, cannot have much to say if their foundation is not right.  It is always safe to start with the Bible.  Often that is a good place to stop also.