eBook
Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
Related collections and offers
Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781482808803 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Partridge Publishing Africa |
| Publication date: | 09/22/2015 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 124 |
| File size: | 437 KB |
Read an Excerpt
What You Can't Live Without
- The Cardinal Virtues
By Michael Quansah
Partridge Africa
Copyright © 2015 Michael QuansahAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4828-0881-0
CHAPTER 1
WHAT IS WISDOM?
Wisdom is one of the most difficult virtues to define.
Many have defined it according to their own understanding and this book is of no exception. Here, I defined wisdom from three dimensions. These are as follows;
The first dimension is probably the most crucial of all. That is what I call the ultimate definition of wisdom. The book of Job will help our understanding. "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;" - Job 28:28, (Emphasis mine). In this dimension, wisdom is simply defined as the fear of the Lord. What is the fear of the Lord? One may ask. The answer is, "......: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil" - Proverbs 16:6. To fear God is to depart from evil (That is, anything that causes harm or unpleasantness to yourself and that of others). Thus to be wise is to depart from all forms of unpleasantness (first against yourself and then to one another).
The second dimension is related to the decisions we make in our daily endeavor. As human as we are, we would attest to the fact that decision making is indispensable in the sphere of living. But the ability to make concise, precise and informed decisions and choices depend on the kind of knowledge, skills and experience accumulated over the years. Wisdom is just utilizing those knowledge, skills and experiences to affect others positively. Knowledge only informs; it is wisdom that transform. Therefore wisdom is simply known here as, "the transformed knowledge".
It is one thing to know and another to live by it. The difference between the two is wisdom. In the industry of wisdom, knowledge is the raw material required. People do not really care about what you know except for what you offer them. It takes wisdom to transform what you know to something meaningful that will benefit society. Just have a look around; everything you can ever see or touch was accomplished through wisdom. For instance the mansions, skyscrapers, computers, cars, mobile phones, technologies among others are all products of wisdom. No wonder the earth itself was founded by wisdom (Proverbs 3:19). Having knowledge alone is not enough; it is "the transformed knowledge" that gives expression to what you know.
The third dimension to understanding the virtue of Wisdom is to focus on how we refer to a wise person in the Akan dialect. In Akan, a wise person is basically referred to us "Nyansa ni". Thus Wisdom is referred to as "Nyansa" which is derived from two Akan words; "Nya" and "nsa". "Nya" means "To acquire or must acquire something" and "nsa" simply means "before". Thus from this perspective, wisdom is defined as "That which you acquire or must acquire before anything else". This definition is congruent with the biblical way of referring to wisdom as the principal (the primary or most important) thing in Proverbs 4:7. The scripture says, "Wisdom is principal thing (that which you must acquire first before anything else); therefore get wisdom:.....". (Emphasis added).The principal thing is the prince of all things on earth. Put wisdom on one side and all the treasures of the earth on one other side; yet wisdom will surpass all. "and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her" - Proverbs. 3:15. Wisdom is the principal subject of life, hence to fail in the pursuit of wisdom is to be a principal failure in life.
It is good to leave properties, houses and companies behind before your demise, but it is far better to raise a child up in the pursuance of wisdom. In other words, it is better to birth a wise person than to live the whole world in the hands of a fool. The hope of a wise child is better than the wealth of fools. Parents should take this to heart.
Therefore, what is wisdom? The answer is in three dimensions; firstly, wisdom is departing from evil. Secondly, wisdom is "the transformed knowledge" and thirdly, wisdom is "that which you obtain or must acquire anything else" (the principal thing).
Two Kinds Of Wisdom
"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God"
- 1 Corinthians 1:21
"This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish"
- James 3:15
There are two (2) kinds of wisdom- Worldly Wisdom and Godly Wisdom. Worldly wisdom comprises the wisdom of the earth (Note: the earth is not the whole world, it is only a planet whilst the world includes universal bodies such as the stars, sun, moon etc) and satanic wisdom. These are as follows:
A. Earthly Wisdom
Earthly wisdom is also known as sensual wisdom (has to do with the senses). It is further categorized into intellectual and practical wisdom.
Intellectual wisdom
This kind of wisdom is characterized by scientific or systematic way of describing or explaining events around us.
It is basically acquired through formal education. Intellectuals like medical practitioners, sociologist, psychologist, lawyers and philosophers among others make massive use of their knowledge to understanding the world around us. For instance according to the 21st century dictionary, the word philosophy comes from two Greek words: "Philo" (loving) and "sophia" (wisdom). Literally, philosophy means the love and pursuit of wisdom and it is the kind of wisdom philosophers' love and pursue. Aristotle, Socrates and Plato were the forerunners' of this kind of wisdom. Intellectual wisdom is very good but limited to this physical world.
Practical wisdom
Practical wisdom is also regarded as common sense. Common sense because it is common to all and forms the way of life in every human community or society. The Cambridge dictionary defines it as, "the basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all need to help us live in a reasonable and safe way". Note the phrase "that we all need". No one is exempted from this kind of wisdom. Basically, common sense is not taught through formal education; we learn them as we grow. Common sense forms part of our values, customs and system of morality. In Akan, it is called "Efie Nyansa" literally translated as "home wisdom".
Earthly wisdom is limited to earthly things. It is very imperative to know that just as physical things are important; spiritual things are much more relevant. The occurrence of any event begins first and foremost in the spiritual realm before its manifestation is seen physically.
B. Satanic Wisdom
This is the kind of wisdom that the princes of this world (the devil and his cohort) make use of. It is the wisdom that the sorcerers, Diviners, occults, witches and wizards etc deploy for their enchantment, incantations and evil desires (Read the account of Daniel in chapter 3 for more insight). Here, one is limited in operation according to his/her present standing, hence cannot operate beyond the scope of his authority until the necessary requirements are met. But this is not so with Divine wisdom.
Divine Wisdom
"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice"
- Proverbs 8:15
Divine wisdom is simply doing what God says. This wisdom has the potency of changing every man's destiny, thus she is no respecter of persons'. She is also known as perfect wisdom. Divine wisdom is foolishness to the natural mind - the one who does not consider the things of the spirit.
"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness"
- 1 Corinthians 3: 18-19.
In order to be considered wise on this earth, you should be prepared to be foolish a little. Being foolish enough to obey whatever God instruct you to do is actually being wise. "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men" - 1 Corinthians 1:25. The wisdom of God is superior to any form of worldly wisdom. "Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor the princes of this world, that come to nought" - 1 Corinthians 2: 6, (Emphasis mine). This is a perfect wisdom that produces perfect result. Think about this: how on earth can five thousand people feed on five loaves of bread and two fishes? (Matthew 14:13-21), and how also can one walk on the sea thereby discarding the scientific laws of floatation? (Matthew 14:22-33). Certainly, there must be a higher wisdom that most people have not realized. Which theory can best explain how a common stick can attract an axe? (2 kings 6:6). These things are certainly higher than what the natural mind could comprehend. Those who operate at the common sense level only gets common results. Successful people are those who reflect the principal virtue of perfect wisdom in their daily endeavors.
It is the perfect wisdom of God that makes men profitable in their generation. The wisdom of God is the secret of God which is profitable to all men. But sadly enough, our generation is not embracing this kind of wisdom except for a few privileged who are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). The psalmist put it this way by saying, "such knowledge is too wonderful unto me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it"- Psalm 139:6.Therefore in your pursuit of wisdom, sincerely crave, desire and search tirelessly for the highest and perfect wisdom and you will be able to triumph over every circumstance of life.
CHAPTER 2WISDOM FROM ABOVE
"Who is wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work"
- James 3:13-17, (Emphasis mine)
Just as you can identify a tree by the kind of fruit it bears; you can also evaluate your level of wisdom by the way you act. The passage of scripture reveals that having knowledge alone is not enough; it is the correct application of knowledge (i.e "the transformed knowledge" ) that matters. Apostle James admonishes us to show out (or prove) our level of wisdom by our "good conversation ". The "good conversation" here refers to our behavior or lifestyle and not necessarily a kind of communication that exist between two people.
You can have a gun in your hand and not know how to use it effectively. When that happens, you might be tempted to use it to your own destruction. When a man finds something that enhances his stature and well being, he uses it first before showing it to others. That is the only way he can talk about it better. Likewise, successful living requires that you live out what you know.
True wisdom may be known by your works. Just as faith without works is dead, so also does wisdom without works. "And many hearing him were astonished, saying From whence cometh this man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" - Mark 6:2. The product of divine wisdom is mighty works. Divine wisdom will always make earthly men astonished by your works because they cannot fathom the source. This is what happened during the dispensation of Jesus Christ as He operated in divine wisdom. Step up and demonstrate your level of wisdom by the way you talk, dress, honour your parents, treat your body and above all, your submissiveness to God and your fellow neighbour. It takes some level of humility to learn anything in life and those who are willing to learn will be wise in the end (Proverbs 1:5).
Living in worldly wisdom is living in selfish ambitions. For instance through earthly wisdom, we have been able to develop marvelous inventions and advance in technology but have not be able to end most of the vices in the world such as oppressions, suppressions, war, exploitation and slavery. Satanic wisdom also promotes confusion and evil works which James advices us not to glory in them. This is made evident in our generation where some fathers seduce their own daughters and threatening them with death penalty. In Africa and some part of the world, brothers literally kill each other over an inheritance which sooner or later, they will all live behind. I ask, is this wisdom? The worse of it all is to know that some clergy men in our generation compare themselves and despise each other over who is "powerful" and has the "Mega church"; the largest congregation and lives in the nicest house. These are the results of strife and selfish ambitions.
Essential ingredient of the wisdom from above
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be in treated, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality and without hypocrity"
- James 3: 17
This passage of scripture discusses the cardinal constituents that form the distinctive features of the wisdom from above. All things being equal, it is the wisdom from above that makes men to be above all. In the soup of virtuous living, these are the basic ingredients needed. I have shared with you seven necessary ingredients that will nourish you to grow above all. Let us elaborate on these essential ingredients
Purity
The wisdom from above is chaste, holy and clean. In other words, it is free from defilement. Purity is not only attributed to abstaining from sexual immorality but also, abstaining from all vice such as lying, stealing, envying, gluttony, drunkenness, among others that prevent the manifestation of God's glory. Purity is the cardinal means of adequately preparing yourself to be used by God. Our call as Christians' is a call to purity. Let us therefore honour God with our bodies which are the temple of the Lord. Defiling God's temple will amount to the wrath of God (1 Corinthians 3:17). Everyone can be used by God; everyone can possess divine wisdom to influence his generation but the price is the same everywhere: that is "staying pure".
It is Peaceable
This talks about maintaining a right relationship with God, man and the created order. The individual who lives in peace finds true Joy in life, hence can easily defeat the devil. The only way one can be at peace with God is through Jesus Christ whom by His infinite grace offered himself as a ransom to reconcile us to God (Colossians 1:20). He is the father of all peace and possesses an everlasting peace.
True wisdom therefore demands that God's kind of peace rules your life. This will enable tranquility to prevail and contention to cease. The Gospel of Christ is a gospel of peace. Hence this kind of God given peace can make you sleep soundly even in the lion's den (Daniel 6: 20-24) or sing gleefully in the dungeon, whilst the persecutors over your life spend nights with tortured conscience in their splendid palace (Act 16:25). It can even make your enemies to be at peace with you (Proverbs 16:7). May this kind of peace rule your heart in Jesus Mighty Name!
It is indispensable to live in this world without offences. But it is equally important to understand that you can live in peace amidst the turmoil. The wisest of every generation are the meekest, peaceable and peacemakers. A peaceful nation is a worthy nation. But a peaceful nation is only a product of a peaceful citizenry. A nation who does not preach peace has no good intentions for the next generation and invariably, that nation has no future. This is because the bedrock of all progress is peace. Let us live in peace, knowing that our worth in life is determined by our peaceful co-existence.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from What You Can't Live Without by Michael Quansah. Copyright © 2015 Michael Quansah. Excerpted by permission of Partridge Africa.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Dedication, ix,Acknowledgement, xi,
Foreword, xiii,
Introduction, xvii,
Part I The Virtue of WISDOM OR PRUDENCE, 1,
1. What is wisdom?, 3,
2. Wisdom from above, 10,
3. Living in Divine wisdom, 18,
4. The Shevah pillars of wisdom, 34,
5. The manifold wisdom of God, 42,
Part II The Virtue of COURAGE OR FORTITUDE, 51,
6. The Courageous Act, 53,
7. Six Kinds of Courage, 58,
8. The Courage of a lion, 64,
9. Dare to Stand –Out, 74,
10. Life is war, 84,
THE MISCELLANEOUS CHAPTER, 95,
Bibliography, 101,