It can be challenging to discern genuine wisdom from mere pretense. We’ve seen instances where seemingly smart people turned out to be “full of poo,” fooling many. In this devotional, we’ll explore examples of such deception, both in recent history and in the Bible, and discover how to distinguish authentic wisdom from clever charades with the guidance of Scripture.

In our modern era, we’ve witnessed instances where individuals who appeared intelligent turned out to be deceptive. From financial scams to charismatic leaders who misled their followers, these examples serve as cautionary tales about discerning authenticity.

The Bible tells us that there is nothing new under the sun so deceptive people are nothing new to God. Here are a few examples from the Bible:

1. Saul vs. David: Saul, the first king of Israel, appeared wise and capable but eventually turned away from God’s guidance. In contrast, David, initially perceived as an insignificant shepherd, possessed true wisdom, being a man after God’s own heart.

2. The Pharisees: The Pharisees in Jesus’ time were knowledgeable about religious laws, but their wisdom was superficial. They focused on external appearances while neglecting the matters of the heart and love for God.

Below are some things that you an do help you decide if a person should be trustworthy:

1. Seek God’s Wisdom First:

– Proverbs 2:6 (NIV) – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

– Start by seeking wisdom from God through prayer and studying His Word. Authentic wisdom aligns with God’s truth.

2. Examine Fruit, Not Appearance:

– Matthew 7:16 (NIV) – “By their fruit, you will recognize them.”

– Evaluate a person’s actions, character, and the impact they have on others. Authentic wisdom bears good fruit.

3. Listen to the Counsel of Others:

– Proverbs 12:15 (NIV) – “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”

– Seek counsel from trusted individuals who can provide a different perspective.

4. Test the Teachings Against Scripture:

– Acts 17:11 (NIV) – “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

– Compare teachings with the Bible. Authentic wisdom will align with God’s Word.

5. Discern the Motives:

– Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) – “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

– Consider the motives behind a person’s actions and words. Are they driven by love and humility, or by self-interest and pride?

In a world where deception can masquerade as wisdom, let us rely on the discernment granted by God. By seeking His wisdom, evaluating fruit, listening to wise counsel, testing teachings against Scripture, and discerning motives, we can distinguish between true wisdom and the “full of poo” people. May we walk in the light of God’s true wisdom, guarding our hearts and minds against deceptive influences and embracing the authenticity found in His Word.