Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is
Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.
“Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.” These profound words by Charles Stanley illuminate the distinction between two kinds of wisdom: the wisdom of the world, which is grounded in human nature and instinct, and the wisdom of the divine, which transcends our natural inclinations and directs us toward higher purposes. Earthly wisdom often leads us to act in ways that seem logical or self-serving, driven by desires, survival instincts, or societal norms. Yet, Godly wisdom, as Stanley explains, is guided by the Holy Spirit, urging us to act in ways that reflect divine grace, mercy, and love, even when such actions go against our natural inclinations.
The ancients understood this difference between the wisdom of the world and divine insight. Socrates, the great Athenian philosopher, constantly sought higher understanding through questioning and contemplation, understanding that true wisdom did not lie in following one's own instincts or society's expectations, but in searching for deeper truths. However, unlike the wisdom that Socrates sought, Godly wisdom is not discovered through intellectual pursuits alone but through a spiritual connection with the divine. In biblical tradition, Solomon, the wise king of Israel, famously prayed for wisdom from God, asking not for earthly riches, but for a discerning heart to lead his people well. Solomon’s wisdom came not from what was natural, but from divine guidance, showing that true wisdom is a gift from God, leading us to act in ways that serve higher purposes.
Consider the life of Mother Teresa, who embodied the concept of Godly wisdom. As a young woman, she could have chosen a life of comfort and success, yet she felt the divine call to serve the poorest of the poor. Despite the immense suffering she witnessed, her work was not guided by earthly wisdom, but by the profound compulsion of the Holy Spirit to serve those in need. Mother Teresa’s actions were not those that came naturally or instinctively; they were the result of a higher calling that required strength, sacrifice, and selflessness. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of Godly wisdom—a wisdom that compels us to go beyond ourselves and reach out to those whom the world has forgotten.
The story of Martin Luther King Jr. offers another powerful example of Godly wisdom in action. King's leadership during the Civil Rights Movement was not driven by earthly wisdom, which might have sought power or personal gain, but by a divine calling to seek justice and equality for all. His famous speeches, particularly his “I Have a Dream” speech, reflect the vision of a world guided by Godly wisdom, a world where love and compassion triumph over hatred and division. King’s wisdom was not about doing what came naturally—fighting with anger or resentment—but doing what the Holy Spirit called him to do: love his enemies, endure suffering for the cause of justice, and lead with peace rather than violence.
Charles Stanley's words remind us that earthly wisdom is limited, grounded in the temporal and the personal, whereas Godly wisdom opens our hearts to a divine plan that surpasses our own understanding. Godly wisdom compels us to act in ways that might seem unnatural or counterintuitive, like forgiving the unforgivable or showing mercy where none is deserved. It is this divine wisdom that shapes the lives of the saints, prophets, and spiritual leaders who have changed the course of history, urging us to walk paths of righteousness and selflessness, no matter the cost.
In conclusion, Stanley's distinction between earthly wisdom and Godly wisdom calls us to reflect on the source of our actions and decisions. Earthly wisdom may guide us through the practicalities of life, but it is Godly wisdom that transforms lives, communities, and nations. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we move beyond what is natural and step into a realm of divine purpose. As we seek to live in accordance with this wisdom, we embrace the higher calling to act with love, mercy, and justice, even when it is difficult or contrary to our instincts.
HTNguyen gia huu toan
The quote prompts reflection on human versus divine priorities. Is it possible that what feels natural is sometimes aligned with Godly wisdom, or are they often in conflict? It also makes me think about the practical challenges of living by spiritual guidance—how do we know when a strong inner prompting is truly from the Holy Spirit versus personal bias or wishful thinking? I’d like insight on methods or experiences that help validate spiritual intuition responsibly.
1123
This perspective feels inspiring but also a bit intimidating. It suggests that truly wise action requires aligning with something beyond oneself. I wonder about everyday decisions—are we expected to constantly seek spiritual confirmation, or is it more about cultivating a general sensitivity over time? Additionally, could this framework apply in situations where multiple people interpret spiritual guidance differently? How do communities navigate conflicting convictions while maintaining faithfulness to this principle?
TLThuy Tram Le
Reading this evokes a tension between human nature and spiritual obedience. It makes me question whether doing what feels natural is always a sign of wisdom, or if it sometimes masks selfishness or laziness. How do individuals develop the discipline to prioritize spiritual promptings that might feel counterintuitive or challenging? I’d love a perspective on how one can distinguish between genuine spiritual direction and personal desires disguised as divine intuition.
KKยภ
This quote makes me wonder about the distinction between following our instincts and responding to spiritual guidance. How can we reliably discern when a decision is driven by natural inclination versus divine prompting? It also raises the question of personal responsibility—if someone believes they are following spiritual guidance but acts contrary to moral or ethical norms, how do we reconcile that? I’m curious about practical ways to cultivate sensitivity to such spiritual nudges without overanalyzing every choice.