What would it take for the world to become wiser?

We are living in a time of super intelligence; AI is putting information and answers to critical questions at our finger tips.  Will this make our world ultimately wiser?

As I reflected on the question of how to make our world wiser, I asked AI Chatgpt this question:

If you had to score our current world on its wisdom from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest score reflecting perfect wisdom, what score would you give it?

Chatgpt said,

“If I had to turn that broad idea into a number, I’d put the current world at about 5/10—but I’d treat that as a philosophical shorthand, not an objective measurement.

There are strong signs of wisdom: humanity has accumulated extraordinary knowledge, developed institutions for resolving conflicts, improved living conditions in many places, and become increasingly conscious of problems such as human rights, environmental limits, and the consequences of technology.

At the same time, our collective behaviour often falls short of what we already know. We repeatedly struggle with short-term thinking, tribalism, misinformation, inequality, violence, environmental degradation, and the difficulty of changing course when established interests or identities are involved.

So 5/10 reflects something like: we know considerably more than we did, but our collective ability to translate knowledge into consistently wise action remains incomplete.”

Let us now consider what God reveals to us through His Word in The Bible.

1)  Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit and if we desire to be wise, we need to enter into a relationship with God.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” James 1:5

Fear of the Lord is a disposition of reverence and humility towards God.  God is infallible (morally perfect), omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (always present) and the ultimate source of truth.  In contrast, human beings are fallible and in need of God’s teaching. So, if we seek to become wiser, we must humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our need for His love, His truth, His forgiveness for our sins and His guidance day-by-day.

2)  Wisdom requires more than knowledge and intelligence, it requires understanding and embracing God’s will and God’s way.

Consider for example the case of nuclear technology.  Knowledge and intelligence were needed to develop this technology.  This technology is used to produce energy and it can also be used in warfare.

If this technology is used to kill and destroy man’s enemies, is the use of that ‘technological intelligence’ a reflection of God’s wisdom?

Understand this…

“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

God’s will requires that we seek peace and justice, listening to one another, learning from one another and most importantly embracing God’s holy will.

We must:

“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” 1 Peter 3:11

3) Wisdom requires faith in Jesus, repentance of sin, unconditional love, forgiveness, sacrifice, compassion and charity. 

The person seeking wisdom must become more and more like Our Lord Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

Jesus calls us to:

“Repent and believe the good news!”  Mark 1:15

Be charitable:  “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” Proverbs 31:8

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 19:18 

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Matthew 5:44

Jesus is not instructing us to ‘like our enemies’.  We will not ‘like’ people who commit serious crimes, but Jesus is calling us to trust that His love can conquer the evil and so we are instructed to come to Him in prayer, calling for His divine intervention to make the world safer, kinder, wiser.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

4) Wisdom requires an eternal perspective.

Jesus says:

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36

“… You cannot serve both God and money.”  Matthew 6:24

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20

Our world will become wiser as God changes our hearts, transforming us through His grace and the power of His love.

Join Christians all over the world that are doing something truly wise and reverent every day!  We are stopping daily at The Time Jesus died for us, 3pm, to say ‘Thank you Jesus for dying for us, for saving us, for opening up for us the promise of eternal life with You in Heaven.  Send us Your Holy Spirit Lord to silence the power of the evil one.  Help us to become more humble, more loving, a people capable of Your wisdom.  We love You and we trust You Jesus! Amen.’

Learn more about The Mercy Movement that is uniting Christians in a powerful prayer for God’s mercy daily here.