March 10, Wisdom of the World

Today’s reading: Psalms 46-50

“This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions” - Psalm 49:13-14.

There are many forms of wisdom that appeal to man’s carnal nature, some of which even sound spiritual. Often those who subscribe to that wisdom become followers and name their group after the main proponent of the philosophy or movement. Today’s passage warns you of the futility in such a strategy. God desires and is worthy of your absolute allegiance, and you must not give the best of you are or what you do to any movement that ends in -ism. John’s vision in Revelation is clear that anything or anyone that exalts itself against God’s wisdom will be brought down:

When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: “Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!” (Revelation 18:9-10).

Have you become a follower in any area of life of another philosophy that has claimed your allegiance? Where has the wisdom of the world crept into your life’s work?