Articles
Is It Wise?
When we are deliberating on a course of action, several questions bear on the effort to make a good decision. Here are three of them:
Is it scriptural?
This is not merely, “Does the Bible specifically prohibit or command it?” While the NT does contain clear imperatives (i.e., “Let him who stole steal no longer” – Eph 4:28), many other issues are addressed by application of related principles (i.e., viewing pornography is included in words like uncleanness, lasciviousness and lust).
Another way to frame this: “Do I have God’s authority to act?” Of course, this presumes that I care about what God thinks, that I want His approval in all I do. This applies both individually and corporately. We may tend to emphasize the latter and fudge on the former. Some are absolutely rigid when it comes to congregational actions but much more flexible in their personal lives. It is so easy to fool ourselves into compartmentalizing obedience.
Is it wise?
Other related questions: “Will it accomplish my objective?” “Will it create unforeseen issues?” “Is the reward worth the risk?” Wisdom has been variously defined:
1) “‘While sophia [wisdom – jj] is the insight into the true nature of things, phronesis [prudence – jj] is the ability to discern modes of action with a view to their results; while sophia is theoretical, phronesis is practical’ (Lightfoot). Sunesis, ‘understanding, intelligence,’ is the critical faculty; this and phronesis are particular applications of sophia” (Vine).
2) “Plato … defined phronesis as the ‘mean between craftiness and folly.’ Aristotle described phronesis in this way: ‘It is the true character functioning through reason concerning what is good and evil for man.’ … If sophia includes striving after the best ends as well as using the best means – mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense – then wisdom cannot be separated from goodness” (Trench 298).
The opposite of judgment that properly discerns good outcomes is foolishness. In Proverbs, the fool is not mentally deficient but, lacking proper regard for God, pursues his own way via his own judgment. This leads to error, trouble and general futility of life. The fool doesn’t listen, doesn’t learn, doesn’t remember his mistakes. Rather, he blindly stumbles along careening from one bad decision to another, failing to see that his troubles are often of his own making.
Conversely, sound judgment comes from God, for He is the only one who perfectly understands cause and effect, the human psyche, the dynamics of personal interactions – all the contingent elements concerning decisions. Thus James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him …” (Jas 1:5-6). Wisdom is not an automatic adornment of age.
What impact will it have on others?
The NT speaks volumes on how our actions impact others. Shortsighted, selfish actions cause the weak to stumble (Rom 14; 1 Cor 8-10); enable enemies to blaspheme (2 Pet 2:2); shame the poor (1 Cor 11:22); compromise our influence (2 Cor 8:20); etc. On the other hand, wise actions, while not guaranteeing a favorable outcome, give us the best chance of achieving a desired result. Since men are unpredictable and their thoughts unknowable, we do our best to make informed decisions and anticipate likely outcomes.
Application:
The elders of a church decided to move the Wednesday assembly to Thursday so the congregation could enjoy a day-long, holiday picnic at a distant lake. Was such a decision …
Scriptural? I would say, “yes,” given that a mid-week meeting is a matter of expediency and can be altered or eliminated altogether based on what is best for the congregation.
Wise? I would say, “no,” given that the reason was wholly secular, recreational and unnecessary. Spiritual priorities were compromised and a precedent set for weak members to excuse absences for frivolous reasons.
Negatively impactful? Yes, the decision created unrest and opened the door to gossip and critique to the disgruntled. This, in turn, led to strife, threats of congregational discipline and the exodus of some who objected to the elders’ judgment. Thus, a potentially explosive problem was created by an ill-advised decision. Merely asking “Is it scriptural?” is inadequate, and even a group of elders can make mistakes in this area. It is often easier to do the right thing than to figure out what the right thing is in the first place.
