The Biblical Principle of Gleaning Wisdom from Nature


Nature is a marvelous teacher, and has been through the ages.  However, nowadays we often see pictures and videos of nature that are misinterpreted.  The goose dipping its bread in the water is not 'feeding the fish'.  The hippo chasing an alligator out of its territory is not 'saving the wildebeest' caught in the grasp of said alligator.  And no, the wolf at the front of the pack is not the weakest!


As a biologist, I sometimes find these misinterpretations frustrating.  Yet, I see why people are eager to learn from nature.  Finding wisdom by observing nature is a practice repeatedly exemplified in the Bible.  Solomon often used examples from nature to inspire others to live a better life.  For instance, Proverbs 6v6-8 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise.  Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”  (I also find it remarkable that the feminine gender is used to describe these creatures.  It wasn’t until the 1800’s that western scientists came to discover hymenopteran haplodiploidy—and that all ant workers are female!)

The oldest book of the Bible is a piece of wisdom literature titled 'Job'.  We see the theme of gleaning wisdom from the natural world also emphasized here.  Job 12v7-8 says, “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.”  The Psalmist writes repeatedly of God revealing Himself through nature, and of nature declaring Him to the nations.  The New Testament continues this theme.  For instance, Romans 1v20 states, “For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

Since a very young age I have been amazed by nature.  By making scientific observations I’ve found myself more in love with God.  I hope to share some of that awe and wonder with my readers.  I also hope I can offer you some interesting biological facts!  Thanks for taking the time to engage with this blog.



Comments

Anonymous said…
Great stuff!

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