In the 1930’s, Strange as It Seems was a radio program of strange and unusual tales about fantastic people and events, based on the daily syndicated newspaper. Succeeding that production was a show called Stranger than Fiction. Opening lines for the two programs might be:
Could it be that the “bend” is what makes fear of death so common? Or is it what we know in life that makes the turn so fearful?
There is something comforting
In the uncomfortable space between the known
Trail and its bend toward a new place.
Throughout the ages, man has attempted to define wisdom or to create a pithy statement illustrating its value.
By definition, mysteries are difficult to understand. Our Heavenly Father has revealed His manifold wisdom in the Scriptures, but only in a mystery. The entire body of knowledge (all truth) has been revealed through his knowledge of all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), but not everyone can understand that knowledge since it is in the form of a mystery (1 Cor. 2:6-7).
Even the apostles were frustrated by the mystery but were thankful to understand snippets of truth, while Jesus spoke to them shortly before his ascension into heaven. Because they desired to know why he spoke in parables to the multitude, Jesus explained that the parables were so they would hear and not understand (Matt. 13:10-16). He then explained the process. He gave the multitudes knowledge of the mystery, but not understanding. Therefore, as soon as the knowledge entered their hearts Satan was there to quickly remove that knowledge (Matt. 13:19). Yet there were those who did understand (Matt. 13:23). Immediately they bore good fruit. By this, Jesus made it clear to the apostles that knowledge was of little value without understanding. At the same time, without knowledge there can be no understanding. We must gain knowledge first, and seek understanding to that knowledge. As David taught his son Solomon, wisdom is the principle thing, but with all his getting he needed understanding too.
So where does wisdom enter this picture? When comparing knowledge, understanding and wisdom, one can see that he must begin with knowledge and gain understanding of that knowledge before he can attain to wisdom. The application of knowledge together with understanding brings wisdom. Can wisdom be defined as skill in using knowledge and understanding? Hebrew definitions of wisdom (h 2449; h2450; h2451) include: —intelligence, skill or artfulness. Using knowledge and understanding as a foundation, Wisdom applies justice, judgment and equity in everything she does. Although there may also be other less obvious passages where she speaks, Proverbs 8:1-9:6 is Wisdom calling to men.
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Pro. 8:6-11).
“I wisdom dwell with prudence…” (Pro. 8:12).
The morning sun shone warm upon the place
Where first I spied your blushing countenance.
Your presence devoided my steps of grace.
You shone pink with innocent radiance.
With passing days the bond between us grew,
Feelings deepened as higher the flame leapt.
It was such a deep-felt thing, then I knew
Such a strong tie could not always be kept.
With saddened steps and a languoring gait
I trudged through the long sanatory halls.
We clung together on the brink of fate.
The time grew ever short; destiny called.
With slice of surgeon’s knife, I winced, and paled,
And mourned for thee, my dear ingrown toenail.
-Matthew Johnson
© Matthew P.D. Johnson
A WOMAN WHO WON THE WAR
by Isharah Johnson (age 9)
There was a woman long ago;
Her name was Deborah as you know.
A prophetess who judged Israel
Beneath a tree; she did quite well.
She called Barak to go to war.
Ten thousand men would go before.
“Alas, I will not go alone,
Go with me, please, or I won’t go.”
Then Deborah said, “I’ll surely go,
But man the victory won’t know.”
They went to battle that good day,
But look! The king has run away!
And then to Jael he ran to rest,
He got the worst but sought the best.
She gave him milk to make him sleep,
Then through his head a nail went deep.
The war was won by Israel then,
But the glory went to a woman.
Taken from Judges chapter four.
© Isharah (Johnson) Macon
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GIVING
by Isharah Johnson (age 10)
There was a place in Jesus’ time
A place they called the temple,
And all the ones who passed through it
Were asked to give a little.
Some were rich and blew their horns
To show their gifts in light,
But then there came a righteous one
Who gave her only mites.
Jesus saw them all you know,
And judged them one by one.
“Giving should not be seen,” he said,
“But in secret should be done.”
© Isharah (Johnson) Macon
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