The Folly of Worldly Wisdom

 

Good day! I’m Duane Matz and this is Today’s Living Word:

 

It’s been a while since we have been going verse by verse through the Book of Isaiah. We left off in chapter 19, which deals with God’s judgment against Egypt. When you think of Egypt in the Bible, think of a land caught up in the ways and futile wisdom of the world. Let’s pick it up in verse 11:

 

Isa 19:11 Surely the princes of Zoan are fools; Pharaoh's wise counselors give foolish counsel. How do you say to Pharaoh, "I am the son of the wise, The son of ancient kings?" 12 Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, And let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt. 13 The princes of Zoan have become fools; The princes of Noph are deceived; They have also deluded Egypt, Those who are the mainstay of its tribes. 14 The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst; And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.

Zoan is where the present city of Cairo is located and it is the place where Moses did his signs and wonders from God. You’d think these “wise counselors” would take that in consideration as they flattered Pharaoh.

 

But they fail to mention God’s dealings with them in the past and played on their current reputation for worldly wisdom.  “O Pharaoh, you are so wise! Wisdom is in your genes! You are “the son of the wise, The son of ancient kings?

 

As God’s judgment against Egypt begins to unfurl, the question begs to be asked, “Where’s your wisdom now Pharaoh?” The Lord had let them alone in their folly, but now with the economy collapsing all around them, their wisdom has failed them as God has sent a curse of a “perverse” spirit in their midst.

 

Confusion reigns as the leaders seek answers, but the only answer they get is more err in their actions. They are pictured as a nation guided by a drunken man laying in his own vomit. Vomit that he brought on himself with his lack of wisdom and self-control.

This is the lot for those who rely on worldly wisdom rather than the wisdom that comes from on high! 1Co 1:20 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?

 

Whether floundering and groping as a nation or as an individual. Turn to the only true source of wisdom…turn to God!  Job 12:13 "With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.

Pr 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word