Sometimes I am tempted to think I am smarter and cleverer than my ancestors. I have multiple degrees. If there is any project that I want to accomplish I have information and resources to accomplish that project. I am basically a good person. I have it all together. When I read about how Satan smoothly sold Eve on eating from the tree of knowledge I shake my head as if I have not done the same and even worse. I am a fool to think I have more wisdom than those that came before me.

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6 ESV

We are not Smarter than our Ancestors

The truth is that I am not any smarter and I am not any less a sinner than Eve was. Fact is that I am even worse off because I should know better yet here I am buying the same lies. Genesis states that Eve desired the fruit of the tree so that she could be wise. Just like Eve I spend time learning wisdom at Satan’s footstool. The world calls to all of us. For example the world says sex should be unfettered. Go take what is yours and not let others get in your way. The world says do what makes you happy. And the biggest lie “you can have it all”. People in our capitalistic society are referred to as consumers because we have no more wisdom than a fool. Satan sold Eve, the first consumer, on a way that she could be wise like God. There is just one problem with all of our ambition and the lie that the world is selling. It is not true knowledge of any worth.

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:14-16 ESV

God will Instruct Us

Eve found that knowledge the world sells and became wise in “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” ways. Our first parents unleashed disorder after their selfish desire for wisdom was complete. Knowing good and evil is one thing but securing wisdom from God himself comes in a different way.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalms 32:8 ESV

No Shortcuts to Wisdom

Eve missed a fundamental when she tried to short cut her way to wisdom like a fool. She missed the fact that wisdom comes from a relationship with God and she already had that. God was instructing her. God was teaching her. And God was providing his wisdom a perfect wisdom to her in their daily interactions. But she discounted that source and went for the cheap knockoff.

People today are not any smarter or cleverer than our ancestors because we want wisdom but seek it apart from God. We eat of the fruit that the world offers and our lives are destroyed. We are wise in jealousy, manipulation, lies, selfish ambition, and demonic perversions. Yes we love our perversions.

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; … 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:2-3;7 ESV

Wisdom comes from God

If you want true wisdom. Wisdom that comes from the Creator of this universe then the beginning of that knowledge is a respectful fear and submission to God that very same God who created us to have a relationship. Jesus is our point of contact. Turn to him for real truth and wisdom. Or continue to buy the fake knockoff that Satan sells when you want wisdom without God. God gives you that choice, but he will not hide you from the consequences.

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

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