Practical Wisdom from the Bible

To often, the Bible gets attacked and misquoted, all the while never being read. Since I have been a follower of Jesus Christ, I have found the Bible to contain numerous practical, helpful, and transformational truths.

Perhaps the skeptic would do well to read it a fresh...

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Comments

bob said…
Chad, I am perplexed. Why is your suggestion aimed only at us skeptics. There are believers who’s interpretation of bible verses differ from yours. Why did you not suggest that they "read it a fresh"? After all, they are critical of your beliefs also.

Secondly, I was a believer for 25 years and have read the bible. Can you offer to me a good REASON why it "would do me well" to read it again? I mean, I do look up verses from time to time.

Thirdly, I do not think that being critical of what the bible says constitutes an "attack" on it. Your choice of words makes us skeptics sound militant. Do you view every criticism of what you believe, to be an "attack"?

And lastly, can you offer an example of a skeptic, knowledgeable of what is written in the bible, misquoting it? I mean, all one has to do is type out what is written in it, correct? I would think that anyone who can "hunt and peck" or copy & paste, like me, could accurately quote the bible.

Two final questions:
1-Can you explain the verse (Psalm 90:12) to me, for I honestly have no idea how to interpret it. Honestly. What does it mean to "number" my days, and how do I do that? And if I did do that, how will that give my "heart", which is a blood pumping organ, wisdom?

2-Where did this come from, this post? It seems slightly out of character for you to make one like this.

randy
Chad said…
Hello Randy,

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.

I would kindly encourage you to simply overlook this post if it doesn’t apply to you. It seems that you, not I, have directed it at yourself.

My honest intent in writing it was to simply point out that the Bible contains practical wisdom for even those who don’t believe it to be true and/or historically accurate.

I have known, and/or read, people who quote Bible verses out of context (atheist Michael Martin, Boston University) and critically point out what the Bible does (Richard Dawkins), or doesn’t say, (Sam Harris), all the while ignoring the good, practical wisdom that does exist within it’s pages. My hope in writing this post was to challenge THOSE types of people to consider the Bible for what it DOES say.

The verse quoted (Ps. 90:12) reminds me to “number my days” so that I may live in a manner that is wise. For example, I continually remember this verse when spending time with my two daughters. I must enjoy the time I have with them, because my days (and their own) are numbered.

Hopefully, this clears up my intent of composing this brief post. It was not an attack on any one person or person(s); simply a challenge to those it may apply to.

If my choice of words implied otherwise, you have my sincere apologies.

I hope all is well with you and your dear family

Respectfully
bob said…
Chad - "I would kindly encourage you to simply overlook this post if it doesn’t apply to you. It seems that you, not I, have directed it at yourself."

Is this really what you would like me, and others like me, to do? Since you did not include my name in the post, should I just assume that you were not directing it at me (even though you directed it at skeptics, and I am a skeptic) and go along my merry way? I mean, if Preacher Joe calls out "skeptics", but since he did not call out me personally, if I answer his call, am I to be blamed for assuming that, since I am a skeptic, some of what he said may be aimed at people like me?
Chad, I did not assume that what you said was directed at me personally, but at skeptics in general, and since I am one, it is not unreasonable for me to respond (I am guessing that you will not be hearing from Dawkins or Harris).

So, I guess I have to wonder why you would suggest that I "overlook this post" rather than read it and comment on it. Is that what you really want me to do? Seems rather counter productive to write a post, then suggest to the reader and commenter to just ignore it. Sorry Chad, I just don't get it.

This will be the last time I read your blog. I tire of this kind of dialogue.

Randy
Chad said…
Again, I believe we are making this much more difficult than it needs to be. I am able to discern the fact that not all skeptics are the same.

I fully realize that some are more dogmatic than others; some are more militant than others; some are complete gentlemen who simply struggle to find answers; others don‘t want answers, they simply want to disbelieve. (Note: all of these things can be said for Christians as well; obviously it would be better said that some of them want to simply believe)

Skeptics come in various forms. I know that. However, you seem to think that all of them are to be categorized in one large group. I simply disagree.

Perhaps you could think of it like this: .
Am I a skeptic who-

1. Quotes the Bible out of context?
2. Criticizes the Bible, while ignoring the practical wisdom within it’s pages?

If you answered no to both of those questions, then this post doesn’t apply to you; plain and simple.

If you answered yes to both or one of these questions, this post does apply to you and I don’t apologize for the content.

You are free to read, or not read, any blog you like.

Take care