Human
wisdom is always imperfect.
Lao Tzu,
the ancient sage from China, who was the author of the ancient classic Tao
Te Ching on human wisdom, never presumes that the Way is superior
to common wisdom, or even close to godly wisdom; he simply points out the
inadequacy of human wisdom, and it is up to each individual to deal with his or
her own inadequacy. TAO wisdom is about knowing self through internalization.
Awareness of the self in relation to people and circumstances around us holds
the key to understanding who we are and what our roles are in the universe.
Reading
the Bible is the only pathway to seeking God’s wisdom. Reading Lao Tzu’s Tao
Te Ching may facilitate the understanding and application of God’s
wisdom in everyday life and living. There is no short cut to seeking Biblical
wisdom.
Unfortunately,
many Christians do not read the Bible—at least not on a daily basis—and,
therefore, do not experience much spiritual growth in their faith. Many
non-believers have tried to read the Bible, but without much success in
acquiring the wisdom for their conversion and salvation. Worst, many people
have never read the Bible; they simply show aversion, prejudice, or skepticism
towards the wisdom expressed in the Bible.
Lao Tzu says that true wisdom may be
unappealing to many.
“The
truth is unpleasant to the ear.
What
is pleasant to the ear is not the truth.
Likewise,
true wisdom is unpopular;
what
is popular is not true wisdom.”
(Chapter
81, Tao
Te Ching)
Reading
the ancient Chinese classic Tao Te Ching may change our conditioned
thinking: accumulation of knowledge does not necessarily make us wise; true
wisdom comes from our own assimilation and internalization of the knowledge
acquired and accumulated. Understanding this may help us seek the wisdom above
and beyond human wisdom, which is Biblical wisdom.
“So,
follow the Way.
Stop
striving to change ourselves: we are naturally changing.
Stop
striving to be good: we are naturally good.
Stop
striving to get rich: we are naturally abundant.
Stop
striving to control destiny: life is naturally living itself.”
Stephen Lau
Copyright©
by Stephen Lau
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