Mente
A mente é campo de batalha espiritual. A Bíblia nos chama a renovar o entendimento, pensar com sabedoria e buscar a mente de Cristo em todas as áreas da vida.
Amar a Deus com a mente
O maior mandamento inclui amar a Deus com toda a mente. A vida intelectual deve ser consagrada ao Senhor.
And Jesus replied to him, " ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [Deut 6:5]
Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].
Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.
For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].
Sabedoria e discernimento
A sabedoria é melhor que rubis. Quem a encontra, encontra a vida. A mente sábia discerne, planeja e previne erros.
Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],
He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper.
As iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].
A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instruction and correction,
But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.
Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.
A prudent man sees evil and hides himself and avoids it,
But the naive [who are easily misled] continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. [Prov 22:3]
Construir sobre a rocha
Quem ouve as palavras de Jesus e as pratica é como o sábio que edificou sobre a rocha firme e inabalável.
"So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. [Luke 6:47-49]
Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.
for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection].
For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. [Ps 19:1-4; Eph 2:10]
For in much [human] wisdom there is much displeasure and exasperation; increasing knowledge increases sorrow.