Clever People

I ran across a memorable quote the other day in George MacDonald's book The Curate's Awakening, which says, "We do not half appreciate the benefits to the race that spring from honest dullness. The clever people are often the ruin of everything." First, I just love the way the English use the word clever (along with nappies, cheeky monkey, and a variety of other things). But even more I began to think about the spiritual application of such a statement. Paul said something not too different. "For since in the wisdom of God, the world, through its wisdom, did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe (1 Cor 1:21)." In other words, it was according to God's plan that no one would be able to know him by using worldly wisdom . Instead, he used the foolishness of the message about Christ to save those, not who know, but who believe (or trust). Worldly wisdom has many benefits and many good things have come about from unbelieving, clever people. However, worldly wisdom will never lead to salvation and a spiritually rich life. It's impossible, because the spiritual life God provides for us is anything but clever.