Philosophy is the fondness of wisdom through the rational, methodical, and abstract consideration of reality as a fundamental measurement of human existence. Because philosophy is based upon the traditions of men and the elementary principles of the world system, not according to the Christ, the wisdom it seeks is also that of the world. A wisdom that is by its nature foolishness to God.
As Christians, we are to beware of those who seek to gain control over us through philosophy and vain deceit., Colossians 2:8. Just as the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers of Athens rejected the truth of the resurrected Christ, philosophers continue to do that today because they do not seek the wisdom of God, Acts 17:18-32. Those who profess themselves to be wise while rejecting the clear evidence of the Creator, through their lack of appreciation for what He provides, become foolish in their darkened hearts, changing the incorruptible God to that of corruptible man, birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things, Romans 1:21-24. These are the “so called” wise religious men of this world, who follow after the traditions of men, while ignoring the truth. They are the ones teaching the elementary principles of the world as a means for righteousness and peace: touch not, taste not, handle not. These are practices that have an appearance of wisdom in self-made religions, humility, and neglect of the body that have no value in controlling the indulgences of the flesh, Colossians 2:23. If anyone thinks himself to be wise in this age, let him become a fool, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God and those who think they are wise in this age are caught in their own craftiness, 1 Corinthians 3:18.
However, there is a true wisdom that comes from God, James 1:5, and we are to walk in this wisdom to those who are outside of the Church, redeeming the time, Colossians 4:5. The wisdom of this world, which is demonic in nature, is earthly and fleshly focused; however, the wisdom from above is unmixed (pure), peaceable, gentle, yielding, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy, James 3:17-18. As sons of God we are to train our senses to know the difference between what is proper and what lacks in character so that we are wise with the knowledge we have in Christ, Hebrews 5:12. Therefore, let us speak the wisdom from God that has now been revealed to us, not with words from man’s wisdom, but that which is from the Holy Spirit, comparing Spiritual words with Spiritual concepts, 1 Corinthians 2:13. For one who is focused on feelings and philosophy is not able to understand the things of God, for they are spiritually discerned, 1 Corinthians 2:14, and therefore he makes himself a fool.
