The Wisest People On The Earth
By David Phillips
Who are the wisest people to have walked the earth? Before we answer that, perhaps it is best of we
determine how to go about measuring wisdom. Do we look at the intellect of a man? Perhaps we should
look at his feats of engineering, business savvy or military prowess. What about the great thinkers whose
works have affected societies and cultures: Plato, Aristotle, Einstein. Perhaps wisdom should be measured
by the complexity of a man’s thoughts.
Is it even possible to measure wisdom by purely human standards? Can a man be measured by the
standards of another man? Do not all have strengths and weaknesses that differ? Or is there some eternal,
objective standard that we can look to? Where can we find such a standard?
In reality, there is only one true standard by which a man’s wisdom can be measured: God, who
created man, is that standard. Wisdom, we are told, was with God throughout the entire creative process.
“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens” (Prov. 3:19). By
wisdom God created man in His image and in His likeness (Gen. 1:27). He gave man a mind, intelligence,
and will. It is God who gives man true wisdom. “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come
knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6).
Interestingly, the farther men strive for wisdom apart from God, the farther they pull away from source
of it. “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made
foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not
know God” (1 Cor. 1:20-21).
There is no question that men and societies have accomplished great things apart from a knowledge of
God. But to what end? In our modern attempt to thwart God and rid ourselves of our dependence of Him,
can we say we have become wise? “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is
written, „He catches the wise in their own craftiness‟; and again, „The Lord knows the thoughts of the
wise, that they are futile.‟ Therefore let no one boast in men” (1 Cor. 3:19-21).
Is it wisdom if, through our great accomplishments, we gain only death? “There is a way that seems
right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 16:25). Men can build great towers, dig deep
tunnels and amass great fortunes, but does that make us wise if we reject the ways of God who created all
things? We dream up incredibly complex mathematical equations to explain how the universe works, but
God is the One that set it all in motion and holds it all together by the word of His power (Heb. 1:3). Can
we call it wisdom if we remove Him from the equation?
In spite of all our accomplishments and advancements, the psalm remains as true today as when it was
penned, “The fool has said in his heart, „There is no God.‟ They are corrupt, they have done abominable
works, there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if
there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become
corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who
eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on the Lord? There they are in great fear, for God is
with the generation of the righteous. You shame the counsel of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge” (Ps.
14:1-6).
Where, then is true wisdom to be found? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the
knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10). It does not matter how intelligent or
sophisticated or “enlightened” a culture may become on their own. The fact remains, “It is not in man
who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23).
It stands to reason, then, that the level of a man’s wisdom cannot be determined by his intelligence,
accomplishments, nor by his riches and power. If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then the
wisest man of all is the one who, because of his godly fear, trusts, follows, and honors the Almighty God.
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It is not power or wealth, but a willingness to learn from God that makes one wise. “Better a poor and
wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more” (Eccl. 3:13).
According to the world, greatness is seen in those who reject authority and rebel against the standard.
But true wisdom and greatness is attained by those who have a healthy respect for God’s authority and
who strive to uphold His standard. “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the
earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling” (Ps. 2:10, 11). “The fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are
they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them
Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:9-11).
Who are the wisest people on the earth? They are the ones who walk in the meekness of wisdom
(James 3:13). They are the ones who fear the Lord and keep His commandments (Prov. 3:5). They are the
ones who seek a righteousness that is of God and not of themselves (Prov. 13:6).
Therefore, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord brings the counsel of the
nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 33:8-12).
Originally Published in
In Newness Of Life
April 10, 2011
Birchwood Avenue Church of Christ
2853 Cleveland Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40206
www.BibleEcho.com
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