TWO BOOKS, ONE GOD

St. Augustine is a famous church father for many reasons, full of powerful observations and insights. One idea he advocates is that there are two “books” that reveal the Father to us: the Bible and Nature (Romans 1:19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse…)

It is fascinating then, to contemplate wisdom in light of the way science has revealed to us that God creates: through an evolutionary process. Wisdom, by its very nature, is evolutionary and collective. Solomon did not just sit down and write things down off the top of his head. As he encouraged his son in Proverbs, he listened, finding wisdom in elders, in Scripture, and in nature. He collected and expanded upon what he learned, and the result was extraordinary.

David is another example of someone who found wisdom, though he differed in focus and expression. David reveals a heart that trusts God completely with every negative thought and inward torment. He trusted God to SEE his inward heart…his jealousies, his pride, his lusts…and God responded by saying that he had a heart after His own.

Solomon and David both reflected different streams from the pool of wisdom that comes from God… and it’s incredible, beautiful, and life-giving. There is no safer place to be than physically following the action-oriented wisdom of Solomon, or the emotionally-oriented wisdom of David. The same God that sources both is lovingly waiting for us to turn to Him and His ways!