What role does wisdom play in decision-making, as seen in 2 Chronicles 25:18? Key Verse “Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: ‘The thorn bush in Lebanon sent a message to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, “Give your daughter to my son in marriage.” Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thorn bush underfoot.’” (2 Chronicles 25:18) A Snapshot of the Story • Amaziah of Judah has just defeated Edom and grows overconfident. • He provokes Jehoash of Israel, demanding a face-to-face battle. • Jehoash answers with a parable: a fragile thorn bush challenging a towering cedar—an image that exposes Amaziah’s pride and warns him of certain ruin if he presses on. • Amaziah ignores the warning, advances, and suffers a humiliating defeat (vv. 20-23). Wisdom’s Voice in the Narrative • Wisdom speaks through Jehoash’s parable. • The comparison invites Amaziah to see himself accurately—small, vulnerable, incapable of winning by self-reliance. • By presenting the lesson indirectly, the parable gives Amaziah space to humble himself without public shame—an act of mercy rooted in wisdom (cf. Proverbs 27:6). Traits of Godly Wisdom Highlighted • Humility—recognizing limits (Proverbs 11:2). • Teachability—heeding counsel, even from an unexpected source (Proverbs 19:20). • Foresight—calculating consequences before acting (Luke 14:31-32). • Alignment with God’s purposes—walking in obedience rather than ego (Proverbs 3:5-7). Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom • Amaziah’s stubborn pride blinds him; “the LORD determined to deliver them into the hand of Jehoash” (v. 20). • Jerusalem’s wall is broken, treasures seized, hostages taken—loss follows folly. • The narrative confirms Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Living It Out Today Practical ways to let wisdom steer our decisions: 1. Compare every impulse with Scripture—God’s Word is the ultimate litmus test (Psalm 119:105). 2. Seek counsel from mature believers—“in an abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 24:6). 3. Check motives—ask whether pride or God’s glory drives the choice (James 4:6). 4. Count the cost—project possible outcomes and weigh them prayerfully (Proverbs 22:3). 5. Depend on God for insight—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given” (James 1:5). Wisdom, then, is not merely intellectual; it is reverent submission to God that shapes decisions, spares us from reckless self-confidence, and leads to outcomes that honor the Lord. |
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