How would you describe the difference between earthly, temporal wisdom and divine, eternal wisdom?

Question

To start out, earthly wisdom seems to be about observable
consequenses, trial and error, etc. and divine wisdom is
much deeper, also with eternal perspective. Empathy is
talked about a lot these days in psycology as well (earthly
wisdom).

and/or

What is one of your favorite scriptures on wisdom and why?

I posted this question earlier today, but only received
3 answers - I guess it was too early - I also reworded
the question.

Please provide examples.

Answer 1

Well temporal/earthly wisdom is unreliable. Human wisdom changes with the times and depending where a particular society lives. Take for example a recent example. The "renowned" child psychologist Spock told new parents it was bad to discipline children. It stifled their growth physically and emotionally etc. He later had to recant that bit of "wisdom" when he came to the realization that lack of discipline had bred a bunch of out of control teens etc. Divine wisdom is eternal because the one who gives us that wisdom is eternal and because he knows humans better than we know ourselves. Despite what many say, the wisdom of the Bible is as valid today as it was when first written. That is, after all, the way it was intended.

PS I missed the part about a good scripture describing wisdom... another answer found a good one (thanks)... James 3:17.

BTW, congrats on getting more hits on your question this go round. :)

Answer 2

To be honest, there is little to no difference between earthly and divine wisdom; you simply need to use the word wisdom more stringently. Empathy, described as a form of earthly wisdom, is one of the many facets of understanding in a spiritual sense, which is one of the core necessities of anything deserving to be called wisdom. And, upon understanding the nature of the human mind, and of earth, you will have tapped as far as possible into the realm of the divine as well.

Answer 3

Kaboodle,

Having sought out wisdom for many years, I have come to one main conclusion. Earthly wisdom is egocentric. At the center of it all, is your perspective as an individual, along with your beliefs and experiences. Thus, it is limited. Divine Wisdom, is selfless. Without the limiting factors of self, Wisdom has room for unlimited perspective and experience. If you want to try something that will change the way you think and live, try being selfless. You have to practice at it, but it can be done. I believe that this was the essential quality of Jesus, and all the other Masters of Wisdom who have graced the Earth. When one becomes selfless, the true nature of Love, can be perceived. When this selflessness is fully embraced, it can take you to realms of thought ordinarily unseen by mortals. Peace be unto you......................

Will

Answer 4

Good question. Better than most that are posted here.
Isaiah 55:8-9 is one of my favorite verses. I says basically that your ways are not my ways nor are your thought my thoughts sayeth the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. The point is that man's wisdom is finite and subject to flaws. God's wisdom is infinite and flawless. We are taught that woe be unto the man that trusts in the arm of flesh. Meaning that it is folly to rely on mortality alone. We must have inspiration, the source of eternal wisdom in order to tap into that knowledge and wisdom that will assure us a place in God's Kingdom.
In short, I agree with your summation and believe that you are on the right track.

Answer 5

I think you answered your own question but maybe feel there is something more to it. The Buddhists call it to become enlightened then you will understand and from understanding comes wisdom. I think it describes it nicely. Information that comes to you instead of you trying to reach a conclusion.

"Better than a thousand pointless words is one saying to the point of hearing at which one finds peace." Buddha.

I think if you understand something completely like the saying above then your own wisdom will be born from it.

Very good question and thank you for it it will have me thinking for a while and maybe get back to you again.

Answer 6

Earthly wisdom is based on limited earthy knowledge. But eternal widom is divine, there are no limitations because you are guided by the Holy Spirit who reveals wlll truth. It is based on the knowledge of he who knows all, God the father.

Answer 7

In Job 4:31 "Does not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom."

This is the best example of Human wisdom versus God's wisdom. Read Job from where his "friends" show up and see what they tell him to do. They offer good advice but it's not God's advice and would have damned Job if he had listened.

Answer 8

James 3:17 The wisdom from above is first pure,peaceable,gentle,easy to be convinced of the truth,full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy.

Answer 9

spiritual wisdom is being able to discern difference between wicked and righteous...about being able to also discern between wisdom from God, and wisdom the world appreciates.

No favorite verse on Wisdom. Love to dive into Proverbs. Especially the first 4 chapters about why wisdom is so important.

Answer 10

Divine, eternal wisdom is centered on Christ. Earthly, temporal "wisdom" is centered on self.