Studying the Bible is a Requirement for Wisdom
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
The Christian faith is an active expression of our love for God. We are called to worship, pray, and care for others actively. Along with all the other activities, Christians are people of “the Book.” The Bible is God’s gift of self-expression. When we read the Bible, we learn how God related to people of previous generations. If God responded to people in a certain way, perhaps it will help us consider how God will relate to us. Further, when we read sacred Scripture, the Holy Spirit helps us interpret what we are reading.
Christians find wisdom in caring for the world, worshiping, praying, and reading our Bible. Wisdom is knowledge put into action and guided by God’s Spirit. Once again, Thomas Oppong helps us in his article, “To Acquire Wisdom For Life, Keep Your Cup Empty.” Oppong declares, “There are three aspects of wisdom: intellectual, emotional, and practical wisdom.” Intellectual wisdom is “the ability to think critically and apply knowledge in a way that leads to positive outcomes.” He describes Emotional wisdom as “recognizing and responding appropriately to emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, or joy.” Finally, Oppong considers Practical wisdom “the ability to make good decisions based on your values and experiences.” In other words, “Wisdom can be learned through education, experience, reflection, and self-awareness.”
Wisdom is provided in school, but it is far from the only place we can learn truth beyond knowledge. Albert Einstein admitted, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” Christian people require a lifelong commitment to studying. The Holy Spirit isn’t going to spoon-feed us. Now, I am not talking about just memorizing famous Bible passages. I am talking about learning the scriptures' history and the layer of scholarship that helps with Biblical interpretation. We glean wisdom when we put our study and the Holy Spirit together.
Today, think about your study time with God. When can you carve out a few moments to read your Bible each day? Do you have a Study Bible that will help you find more information in the introduction to each book and the footnotes? Then, when your Bible study becomes routine, you can read recommendations for other interpretive books on Scripture. Soon, “the Book” will come alive, as will the God who is the center of the stories. Your life will continue to evolve in sacred reflection.
