Don't Be Wise In Your Own Eyes

In a world that constantly bombards us with conflicting advice and philosophies, how do we discern true wisdom? The answer lies in understanding the stark difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom.

The wisdom of the world often appears seductive and appealing on the surface. It tells us to trust our gut, follow our feelings, and do what feels right. This wisdom is rooted in self-gratification, pride, and a desire to please others. It's influenced by popular opinion, social media trends, and the ever-changing tides of cultural norms.

But there's a fundamental flaw in this approach. As the book of Proverbs reminds us, "Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:7-8 NLT)

Worldly wisdom is fickle, self-righteous, and divisive. It seeks control and often leads to disorder and conflict. The Bible describes it as "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic" (James 3:15). This wisdom looks good on the outside but is rooted in pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition.

In contrast, godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and full of mercy. It's not just a set of principles but embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul writes, "God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself." (1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT)

The foundation of godly wisdom is the fear of the Lord - not a cowering fear, but a reverential awe and respect for God's power, love, and holiness. This fear leads to life, brings security, and protects us from harm.

So how do we cultivate godly wisdom in our lives?

Seek God wholeheartedly: The journey begins with humbling ourselves before our Creator. It starts with a simple prayer: "God, I'm sorry. I've been doing it my way, and I'm exhausted. Teach me Your ways."

Renew your mind: Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This involves consciously replacing worldly thought patterns with God's truth.

Ask God for wisdom: James 1:5 assures us that if we need wisdom, we should simply ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.

Study God's Word: The Bible, especially books like Proverbs, is filled with practical wisdom for daily living.

Surround yourself with godly counsel: Seek out mature believers who can offer wise advice and accountability.

The beauty of God's wisdom is that it's not exclusive or hidden. It calls out to us, inviting us to embrace a life of purpose, healing, and true fulfillment. As Proverbs 8 eloquently puts it, wisdom cries out: "Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it."

Embracing God's wisdom often requires letting go of our own understanding and surrendering our will to His. This can be challenging, especially if we've been hurt or disappointed in the past. But God's wisdom offers something the world cannot - complete restoration and redemption.

Consider this powerful testimony: A young woman, raised without faith and caught in a cycle of destructive relationships, decided to dedicate her life to God. For five years, she focused solely on developing her relationship with Him. Through this process, God "re-fathered" her, healing deep wounds and teaching her the true meaning of love. This transformation enabled her to enter a healthy marriage rooted in purity and mutual respect.

This story illustrates a profound truth: No one is too far gone for God's redeeming love and wisdom. Whether you're dealing with past hurts, struggling with addictions, or simply feeling lost and confused, God's wisdom offers a path to healing and new life.

The choice between worldly and godly wisdom has real-life consequences. Worldly wisdom often leads to chaos, broken relationships, and inner turmoil. God's wisdom, on the other hand, brings peace, restoration, and a deep sense of purpose.

As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember that true wisdom isn't about having all the answers or always making the right decisions. It's about cultivating a heart that seeks God first, trusts in His goodness, and relies on His guidance.

The invitation is open to all of us. Will we continue to be "wise in our own eyes," or will we humble ourselves and seek the wisdom that comes from above? The promise is clear: When we choose God's wisdom, we find life, healing, and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Let's make a commitment today to seek God's wisdom above all else. Let's allow His truth to permeate every aspect of our lives - our relationships, our decisions, our ambitions, and our daily routines. As we do, we'll discover a life marked by true freedom, joy, and purpose.

Remember, in the eyes of the world, God's wisdom might sometimes appear foolish. But as the apostle Paul reminds us, "This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT)

May we have the courage to embrace God's wisdom, even when it challenges our natural inclinations. For in doing so, we open ourselves to a life transformed by His love, guided by His truth, and empowered by His Spirit.

To watch the full sermon "Don't Be Wise In Your Own Eyes" from October 12, 2025 click here