Dangerous wisdom of modern days!
Civilized barbarian, is that a possible combination?
James describes about a dangerous wisdom: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14-16). It is riddled with selfish ambition, bitter envy, pride, lying. It is sensual, demonic and of the world. Full of evil practices and disorder. Whereas the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits unwavering and without hypocrisy.
Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge. Most of us spend a good portion of our life acquiring knowledge. But where ever this knowledge is applied it turns out to be wisdom from below. Even among theologically qualified persons in ministry? Demonic?
4: 1-2 further describes how this wisdom leads to severe competition that results in quarrels and wars ,destruction and killing.
From the begining the main motive of knowledge gain is to help in climbing the social ladder. To be like God; to decide , to have control, for freedom to do what I want and to claim my right. This caused the fall of man and his getting enslaved under satan.
What is the motive of knowledge gain even today? To climb the ladder. To claim my selfish rights.
The consequence. Quarrels, wars, broken relationships at every level.Relationships at every level: Inter personal, interstate, national, international all are under severe strain. Violence and suffering are at very high level. Even though has knowledge increased to very high level , wisdom is taking a severe nosedive to the abyss .
Sticky ground nut oil can be refined to very high level, but it will never become honey, it still remains refined groundnut oil. Education also is able to refine a sinner to very high level. He remains only highly qualified refined sinner. He is not transformed into a saint!
As long as the motive of knowledge gain remains corrupt, to climb the ladder,
the ensuing wisdom will be only demonic. Civilized barbarians!
K.O.John