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"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares 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." - Isaiah 55:8-9

You don’t have to study Scripture long to realize that God’s wisdom differs sharply from what the world considers wise. John Cortines joins us today to talk about the nature of wisdom, and spoiler alert— it’s a Person, not a thing.

John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.

In our modern world, we often equate wisdom with knowledge, education, and the ability to make good decisions. While these aspects are certainly part of it, Ecclesiastes teaches us that wisdom is far more than intellectual mastery or a collection of best practices. In fact, wisdom is not just a set of principles—it is a person. That person is Jesus Christ.

Throughout Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (likely King Solomon) wrestles with the big questions of life: What is our purpose? Where can we find joy? How should we handle money? The book explores the various paths people take—seeking pleasure, accumulation, and status—but ultimately concludes that all these pursuits are vanity, or "chasing after the wind."

The key takeaway? True wisdom is found in fearing God and keeping His commandments. But it's not merely about following rules—it’s about cultivating a relationship with God through Christ.

Ecclesiastes isn’t just a book about the limitations of human wisdom; it points us to the deeper truth that wisdom is found in a relationship with God. Near the end of Ecclesiastes, we read that "the words of the wise are like goads," and these words come from "one shepherd."

Interestingly, this shepherd's identity is made clear in the New Testament, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John. Not only does Jesus impart wisdom, but He is wisdom. In Colossians, we learn that Jesus is the one who orders and sustains all things—He embodies wisdom.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Jesus became "to us wisdom from God, righteousness, and sanctification." This concept shifts our understanding of wisdom from a set of teachings to a relationship with a person.

Ecclesiastes acknowledges the limits of human wisdom. Even Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, struggled to make sense of life’s paradoxes. He sought knowledge, but it never gave him lasting meaning. In fact, knowledge alone cannot answer the deeper questions of life, such as suffering, uncertainty, or death.

True wisdom isn't found in education or achievement; it's received fro

Your child is has spread her wings and is prepared to leave the nest…but are you ready? Marci Seither reminds you to breathe and trust God as you launch your child into the world. She’ll propose ways you can help siblings transition and give you thoughts on how to revitalize your marriage during this time.

Receive Marci Seither's book Empty Nest plus a free audio download of "Preparing for the Empty Nest Years" for your donation of any amount!

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After we discuss the latest in the NBA & NHL Playoffs, the English Football Association's criticism of Cody Gakpo proclaiming he belongs to Jesus, and some updates on local baseball, we dive into our conversation with Jeff Bianchi! Bianchi played pro ball, including with the Brewers and Red Sox, and now he continues to share the Gospel and a love for baseball with his training academy in his hometown of Lancaster!

Click Here to go to Jeff Bianchi's training academy website

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Even after a religious conversion, Roy Bell struggled with all his old vices. Will spending decades of his life in prison be the best thing for him? Listen to Roy Bell’s compelling true story on the next Unshackled!

A reluctant king rises to the challenge of leading a nation. King Saul’s humility and obedience brings his people back to worshipping God. But as the Philistine armies prepare to attack, the king’s faith is put to the ultimate test.

View this week's Tools for Parents: The Story of Saul