When the World’s Wisdom Fails

And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation. The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof. They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it. The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof. (Daniel 2:1-9)

Natural knowledge can be valuable, but there will always be moments when natural wisdom falls short. When King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream so disturbing that he couldn’t sleep and couldn’t remember it, all the wisest, most educated, and trained men were helpless. When human insight reaches its limits, it becomes clear that only God can reveal mysteries and give true wisdom.

God places those called by Him in confusing or chaotic situations to bring His peace and wisdom. We are called to calm storms, heal the sick, and use the mind of Christ to gain supernatural wisdom and insight into areas where others are struggling.

Practical Application

When the wisdom of Babylon (or the world) fails, which it always will, God’s wisdom will always prevail.

Esther 4:11; Isaiah 41:23