A Wise Man, According to Whose Eyes?

Proverbs 12:8a, 15
"A man shall be commended according to his wisdom…The way of a fool seems right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."

If one of your goals is to be different, then take heed to these words from the book of Proverbs. Whether inside or outside of the camp, many folks have tended to choose the way of folly on this point, and here I include myself.

Contexts abound in which these verses could be fleshed out. Particularly, I've been pondering recently about young men who cultivate an interest in the ministry as a vocation. For some, that interest develops into a good and biblical aspiration, while others put themselves forward for the pastoral office in an arrogant and presumptuous manner.

I have known a relatively significant number of aspirants to the pastoral office, and I have felt the pull of self-selection on a few occasions. Now, by God's grace (for no glory should be given to me), I am growing in my understanding regarding the Body of Christ as a community of faith rather than merely a collection of individuals in the faith. In light of this communal perspective, I believe that no man should claim a "calling from God" for the pastoral ministry without receiving that call through the Church.

It cannot be sufficient for a man to say of himself, "I am apt to teach. My house is well-ruled. I am not a novice. And I have a good report among those which are without." Paul did not give Timothy a checklist for distribution among prospective recruits, he gave instruction so that Timothy, and thereby the community, might know the traits which mark a qualified man. The phrase "Let these first be proved" implies that there is an evaluation beyond an aspirant's personal feelings.

Ordination is not the spiritual equivalent to a high school graduation ceremony. Paul tells Titus to ordain those who are qualified, not those who sign themselves up and take the right classes. In the selection of officers for the Church, God speaks through His ordained representatives in issuing the call. It is those ordained representatives and their parishioners who know the men in their community and whether or not aspirants are biblically eligible and commendable.

If Paul had wanted men to call themselves to the ministry, he would have told Timothy and Titus to simply choose from a list of available self-assessed men at Needapulpit.com. Rather, we are warned by the proverb that the man whose way is right in his own eyes may be a fool.

It is a glorious benefit of the Church community that we are able to receive wise counsel. The men who hearkeneth to that counsel are wise and shall be commended.

(Disclaimer: I am not here trying to pretend that this is a full treatment of my primary subject. I am only pointing out a context in which the wisdom of this proverb can be understood. And in speaking against the arrogance of self-calling, I don't intend to say anything against the expression of aspiration and general preparation of a man for a vocation that he desires.)