PERSPICACITY

From My Perspective - - - 

There are many cliches that in a few words gave sound advice, such as: “Look before you leap!” This would prove to very practical for one on a Diving Board so that he would be certain there was water in the swimming pool before launching himself downward. Another practical cliche is: “Think before you speak!” Many of us could probably identify with this sage advice as we remind ourselves of the words spoken in haste that were regretted later. The current events that have been unfolding within our nation represent a lack of perspicacity and any consideration of ensuing unintended consequences. Throughout the world, we are observing evil and wickedness dominating the culture and subsequent behavioral trends - everything from beheading of innocent people to misrepresentations that have resulted in rioting, looting and murder.

The societal trends are quickly linking culture to chaos. The spiritual is avoided and deemed to be an intrusion that is unneeded and unwanted. When I was a boy in Grammar School, there would be regular Assemblies held and they included readings from the Book of Proverbs. Just suppose there was a cultural shift back in time so that Biblical Readings were sought and desired. If we isolate ourselves to The Book of Proverbs, some of the sage counsel would be: “The proverbs of Solomon…: To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, To receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, To understand…The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” (Proverbs 1:1-7, NASB). This is the Biblical concept for one who has embraced Perspicacity: “keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment.” The Synonyms expand Perspicacity to include: shrewdness, astuteness, insight. The Synonyms also include is acuity (sharpness) and acumen (keen insight).

A Perspicacious Person would also purpose to heed the sage counsel and sound words of Proverbs 3:3-7, “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” When evil is tolerated or embraced, it is always identified with darkness. There are two statements about the coming of Jesus Christ into a world that allowed itself to be saturated with darkness. one statement is in John 1:5, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” The other is John 3:19-20, “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” 

An additional instruction for the wise and perspicacious person is Proverbs 4:19-27, “The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body. Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.” There is an obvious choice that needs to be addressed by the culture. Will the culture insist on its right and prerogative to stumble in the darkness (evil and wickedness) or turn to Him who is The Light, Jesus Christ, and walk in truth and righteousness? Isaiah 59:9-17 is an apt description of the world culture at the present time. For those who have been stumbling and groping in the darkness, there is hope, light and righteousness in Jesus Christ. Turn to Him and find His perfect peace!  Consider these things with me!