Isaiah 60-62; Ephesians 4:1-16
Today’s readings are all about the ways of wisdom. Proverbs 23:19-28 admonishes us twice to “listen” (verses 19 and 22), and once to “delight in the way of wisdom by giving our hearts to it” (verse 26). Verse 19 is followed by the warning to avoid “joining in with those who drink too much wine, or gorge themselves on meat.” These expressions describe “drunkards and gluttons,” who for all their indulgence and their excesses, soon come to lethargy and poverty (verse 20). How much is too much? Actually, no one can say with certainty, and by God’s design, the Bible doesn’t answer this question, which indicates that real wisdom relies heavily on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and individual discernment. Enough for one person is clearly too much for another. Unfortunately, most people who engage in drinking and gorging spend little time consulting with the Holy Spirit about it, and – before they know it – gulping and gobbling surpass their capacity for any form of individual discernment. This passage advises the young reader to listen to his or her parents, but many parents today are often absent. Thus, we see how these Proverbs – which are unquestionably the inspired Word of God – are practical principles but not absolute promises. Verse 23 is the key verse for this section: “Buy the truth and do not sell it, and get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.” To recognize the truth, one must first be able to discern the truth, which means – biblically – to separate the truth from error. Apart from a regular study of the Scriptures, this process is impossible. Satan loves to mingle just a little error with the truth (cf., Genesis 3:1-7). Error is like “a prostitute – a bandit who lies in wait to multiply the unfaithful among men” (verse 28). Biblical truth is more precious than gold, and its apprehension “delights” one’s “father and mother,” whom we are supposed to honor (verse 22). If we truly desire to be wise, we must learn and practice discernment.
Isaiah 60-62 also contains joyful content that reminds us of the beauty of our redemption. Isaiah says, “Arise, shine, for your Light has come; His glory rises upon us, and nations will come to His light” (verse 1-3). He tells us that “the Holy One of Israel has endowed [Israel] with splendor” (verse 9). In chapter 61, we see the portrayal of Christ’s first advent. Jesus went into the synagogue at Nazareth and quoted this passage in Luke (cf., Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18). In verses 2-11, we see a picture of Christ’s second advent. He promises to “comfort all who mourn,” and to give them “a crown of beauty instead of ashes; the oil of gladness instead of mourning; and a garment of praise instead of despair” (verse 3). Chapter 61 tells us that “the nations will see His glory, and Jerusalem will be called by a new name – no longer deserted or desolate, but ‘Hephzibah – my delight is in her’” (verses 24). The redeemed of the LORD will wear “garments of salvation and robes of righteousness,” and we will be “sought after and no longer deserted” (verses 61:10 and 62:12).
In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul also admonishes us to follow the ways of wisdom. We are to live humbly, gently, and “worthy of our calling” with a view to maintaining the “unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (verses 2-3). Like the writer of Proverbs, Paul advises us to “mature and attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” – the living Word of God – so that we are not “tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and deceitful scheming” (verses 13-14). We are to “speak the truth in love” (verse 15). In other words, we need to learn how to discern the truth – to separate the truth from error. Because love recognizes the value of unity in diversity, it communicates truth humbly, gently, and peaceably, which all contribute to a unity of spirit – even where differences exist. Differences should lead us to a commitment to stand together and work mutually for the cause of Christ.
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