Where the depths of Wisdom derive…

I’ve heard it once said that “fools think they are wise, but the wise know they are fools.”

I find immense peace and security in that quote. Sometimes I repeat it to myself over and over again to humble myself before Pride begins to swell within me like a toxin.

Pride is the deceiver of stability, and has fed on all of us at some point. We thought we were thriving and assumed that we were lavish with wisdom when, in reality, we horrifyingly understand that we were malnourished of any logic of substance. Eroded by our ignorance we were left defenseless against the whispers of Pride, that devilish beast, who murmurs into our ear, “We’re not starving… no! We’re full! So full, we’re bursting with abundance!” We think our cup is overflowing, but in time realize with frightful dread that the well was empty all along.

So where is Wisdom?

My daughter has a children's book titled just that! It's about a man searching everywhere in the world for Wisdom, and he looks for it in treasures, in the depths of the sea, in the beauty of the world… everywhere. Of course, it ends with, “Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” Because it is! But my 2-year-old doesn't ever remember that part (it makes me laugh every time I think about it). She only remembers the part where the man calls out to the depths of the sea, “Wisdom are you there?” and the sea calls back to him, “It's not down here!” She’s fascinated with that page.

I wonder if it’s because— along with the rest of humanity— she innately recognizes that there’s something so God-like, mystifying, and fearful about the depths of the sea. It's such a perfect picture of what God is like. My toddler understands that the sea deserves our respect, She understands that it’s deep and consuming and that she needs our help to enjoy it at this point in her life, but she also loves to lightheartedly sit on the beach and belly laugh watching her DaDa enjoy the water and be silly for her. She senses its seriousness and has a healthy fear of the water, and yet simultaneously understands it to bring so much joy, connection, adventure, and wonder for life!

One favored memory in particular comes to mind: My baby girl and I were building sandcastles when I looked up to see her staring at her father who was far out, coolly treading water, and watching the sun go down.

The spiritual picture of that concept— The Lord being like the Sea— is so fascinating to me. I could ponder it all day. I could ponder it all day from her perspective.

The Lord is like the Sea.

He is like the Sea.

To truly live a life of abundance we must grasp that Pride is the biggest wisdom killer. It takes our focus from fearing God (respecting Him and His design for life) and it seduces us into making an idol of ourselves.

His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Fools think they’re wise, but the wise know they’re fools.

Aren’t we all foolish compared to the knowledge, wisdom, and power of The Almighty Creator, Himself?