Too Much Information

TMI—Too Much Information—sums up our culture. The data stream that became a river that became an ocean that became a tsunami is drowning us in facts and fiction. Yet despite the flood of information, there’s a drought of wisdom. Without wisdom, we can’t know what information is true or important, and we end up feeling overwhelmed, confused, and paralyzed in our decision-making. How can we find true and important information so we can make good decisions?

Wisdom University (otherwise known as the book of Proverbs) is open for enrollment and offers classes that teach us what is true and important and, therefore, how to make good decisions. The very first verse of the book reveals its teaching method: “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel.” Proverb means “likeness,” indicating that Proverbs teaches wisdom by using comparisons and parables. It’s truth in street clothes. So, what will we learn in Wisdom University?

We Will Learn Practical Wisdom (1:2)

Proverbs help us “to know wisdom” (1:2). Whereas the Greek idea of wisdom was philosophical and intellectual, the Hebrew word for wisdom meant practical skill. It was used to describe the practical skill of sailors (Ps. 107:27), weavers (Ex. 35:26), administrators (1 Kings 3:28), and craftsmen (Ex. 31:6). So, this is not just knowledge; it’s practical knowledge. It’s the ability to take the principles of God’s word and apply them practically to everyday life challenges.

If wisdom isn’t practical, it’s not wisdom.

Is wisdom all positive and painless?

We Will Learn through Correction (1:2)

We will also “know . . . instruction” (1:2). The Hebrew word here means education through correction. God’s word not only points us in the right way but disciplines us when we go the wrong way, just like parents do with their children. As Kenneth Kitchen said, “Proverbs will step on your toes, but, in doing so, will discipline you and keep your feet in the right path when you walk in their light.” This is not a popular class, but it is a powerful class.

Wisdom is always profitable but not always comfortable.

Any guidance on how to spot fake news?

We Will Learn Discernment (1:2)

In the next class, we will “understand words of insight” (1:2). “To understand” reminds us that God is not satisfied with blind or thoughtless obedience. Instead, God calls us to understand why we do what we do. Insight is the ability to tell the difference between two things. Is this good or bad? Wise or foolish? Moral or immoral? Valuable or worthless? It’s seeing people and situations as God sees them.

Seeing Proverbs helps us see people.

Any help with navigating human relationships?

We Will Learn How to Judge (1:3)

We will “receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity” (1:3). Wise people make right decisions about human actions. The standard for this judging is God’s law. Proverbs, therefore, is a practical, detailed, memorable, and culturally relevant application of God’s moral law.

The Judge in the heavenly court of eternal life appoints us judges in the earthly court of daily life.

Changing Our Story with God’s Story

Although Solomon was wise, one greater than Solomon was behind Solomon’s teaching: Jesus, the Son of God (Matt. 12:42). Jesus is the ultimate wisdom of God, the person in whom God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). He teaches us practical wisdom, corrects us, teaches us how to separate truth from lies, and gives us the confidence to make right decisions. This is not TMI (Too Much Information); this is MII (Most Important Information).

Summary: How can we find true and important information to make good decisions? Enroll in Wisdom University to find not just practical wisdom for today but he who is personal wisdom forever.

Question: Which of these four classes do you need most and why?

Prayer: All Wise God, I confess my folly and ask for a teachable spirit as I enroll in Wisdom University so that I can be made wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15).

Click here to see footnotes and references and read 'Proverbs: Stories of Wisdom and Folly' from Crossway in full.