2. Wisdom & Righteousness

In a world where everyone has a platform

It is easy to take for granted the phenomenon that is the internet. It has become completely normalized in our lives. What I find most fascinating is that now everyone has a platform for their voice.

With each individual’s personal platform comes great responsibility.

Not just the responsibility of what we say, but what we allow to enter our ears and our minds.

My core tenets to remember when reading moving forward:

• There is more noise than ever on the internet. Algorithms favor what is most distracting from productivity, this is how they keep your eyeballs engaged

• Incentives drive users to talk more and listen less.

• Our words have power and can create good or bring disaster.

What does this have to do with wisdom and righteousness?

Righteousness is a biblical word that means “right relationship."

In an age with absolutely no shortage of content, we should be mindful of what we say, and what we take in.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

I write this as a lesson to myself. Of all people, I have much to learn in this arena. But this doesn’t have everything to do with talking less; it’s in fact the opposite. I would suggest we ignore the noise of this world and focus on renewing our minds and heart for God.

Righteousness uplifts all areas of life

In Proverbs 11 the chapter discusses how the righteous person strives to do right in all aspects of life, with neighbors, family, work, money, and our community.

Righteous actions are scripturally connected with deliverance, and wicked actions lead to trouble and death.

Our phones and the internet are often one of the greatest tools against our pursuit of righteousness.

It is easy to forget that we are to train in righteousness. We are to increase our wisdom. Ask yourself: Does your phone increase your wisdom and fill you with righteousness?

Scripture tells us to increase wisdom and righteousness

• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. - (Colossians 3:16)

• All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

• If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. - (James 1:5)

• And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, - (Colossians 1:9)

• Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. - (Ephesians 6:4)

Worldly Wisdom

We are to admonish one another in wisdom. We are to train in righteousness to completeness. If we lack wisdom, God gives it generously. As fathers, we are to raise and discipline our children according to the instructions of the Lord.

The internet has positioned everyone to be presented as an expert, but the world is broken. As believers and fathers, we must protect our hearts and minds, gaining wisdom and living in righteousness.

Let’s not be another statistic. Let’s set our minds on things above, and not on things of this earth. Do not be distracted by what an algorithm shows, enrich your life with scripture and the word of God.

The world incentivizes us to “build our brand” and to have a voice. May we use that voice for the kingdom and for helping other men grow in wisdom and righteousness.

Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

I hope this encouraged you, if anything, it makes me hold myself accountable by simply documenting my bible study for myself. Have a strong week.