#DThere are people in businesses who through experience have learned to read the implications of the data on spreadsheets. They can spot tren

[gracedman]

Data Rich – Wisdom Poor

There are people in businesses who through experience have learned to read the implications of the data on spreadsheets. They can spot trends, identify trouble spots, and propose solutions. All based on what they see on their spreadsheets. The problem is very often these insights don’t easily trickle down to the lower echelons of their teams. Spreadsheets can be inscrutable to the unsophisticated mind. They look like complete gibberish to most of us. We can have and observe massive amounts of true data but be completely clueless about how to use it or what it means. We can be data rich and wisdom poor. Some would say data rich but knowledge poor. Two heads on the same coin in my mind. This relates to the following statement by the Apostle Paul:

 Ephesians 5:15 (ESV)

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

 A quick synopsis of the Greek helps here:

 Look: to pay especially close attention to something or to process information by giving thought to it. Direct your attention to something.

 Carefully: “pertaining to strict conformity to a norm or standard, involving both detail and completeness—accurate, accurately, strict, strictly or precisely.”

 Then: joins the focus to the indirect question that follows.

 How: by what means or in what manner.

 Walk: to live or behave.

 Unwise: apart from wisdom or as a non-thinking person.

 Wise: “the ability to apply with skill what one knows”

 We could paraphrase this verse by saying: We as believers should pay especially close attention to processing information accurately and precisely so that we are able to answer the following questions: Am I thinking and living as a non-thinking person who does not precisely apply God’s thoughts and promises to his or her life? Or do I know God’s thoughts and live by the precise word of God in my life? Do I have the active ability to apply with skill the mind of God in my life? Am I just a well-informed biblical fool? Or do I live fully impacted by God’s wisdom from above? Am I, merely, data and knowledge-rich? But wisdom poor? I think Paul’s intentions are made clear by his concluding statement:

 Ephesians 5:17 (ESV)

Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

 “Foolish” repeats the same Greek word from verse 15, “unwise”. i.e. as apart from godly wisdom or as a non-thinking person. And “understand” expands on what a wise person is: one who understands what the will of the Lord is. The Greek word here for “understand” means “to have an intelligent grasp of something that challenges one’s thinking or practice, understand, comprehend” What then is the will of the Lord for our lives? And how do we get it?

 I would like to answer these two questions with direct quotes from the Bible. But first, a brief explanation. The will of the Lord for our lives is to take up his specific purpose or burden for our lives. And then carry it out. God has general roles for every believer. We are all to be hearers, followers, students, disciples, witnesses, and ambassadors, etc. But we are not all specifically called to exactly the same roles and places. These precise details will arise from a close walk with God. When we enter the reality described here:

 Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As we come to the Lord, we can leave the data-rich wisdom poor realm with its anxieties and stresses. We may not be able to answer every question and have the complete understanding of every issue and conflict in the public mindset, but we will have the rest of God and the glorious refreshment only he can bring into a soul. And we will know the burden of the Lord for our lives. He will make us what he wants us to be:

 Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

 Proverbs 11:30 (ESV)

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

 Data and information can bring inner struggles to our hearts and minds. These will wear out even the best and strongest of hearts. Wisdom from God is far more precious and sustaining for our hearts. No wonder we are encouraged to possess it as our portion: