The Wisdom of this World
Apprentice Dominick
December 31, 2019
Potential Apprentice Dominiq is desirous to study under a Master of the Occult Arts and Sciences, and until that fortuitous time arrives, he must be content to study with Yours Truly. For potential Apprentice Domic's initial essay into the Wonderful World of Occult Research™ , we suggested exploring Saint Paul's strange expression, "the wisdom of this world".
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”
1 Corinthians 3:19
Saint Paul writes “the wisdom of this world” is foolishness to God [cf. Corinthians 1:20, 2:6]. When interpreted literally, we understand this passage as meaning that the learning of man is inferior to the knowledge that God possesses. However, we can understand the “the wisdom of this world” not as the learning of select men, but the opinions that the majority not only hold, but profess. If this exegesis is correct, then “god”, in the writings of Saint Paul, becomes an ambiguous term and, in the example, means the erudite few. Otherwise said, the opinions of the majority is foolishness to the philosopher or seeker of wisdom.
While the term “God” may not immediately be thought as being ambiguous, Saint Paul introduces to the careful reader various gods: “the God of hope” [Romans 15:13], “the God of peace” [Romans 15:33], “the God of all comfort” [2 Corinthians 1:3], “the God of love” [2 Corinthians 13:11], “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ” [Ephesians 1:17], and “the god of this world” [2 Corinthians 4:4]. The editors of the King James Bible version are not consistent, as they translate θεός [Strong’s Number G2316] as “God” on four occasions and as “god” once.
While the term “God” may not immediately be thought as being ambiguous, Saint Paul introduces to the careful reader various gods: “the God of hope” [Romans 15:13], “the God of peace” [Romans 15:33], “the God of all comfort” [2 Corinthians 1:3], “the God of love” [2 Corinthians 13:11], “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ” [Ephesians 1:17], and “the god of this world” [2 Corinthians 4:4]. The editors of the King James Bible version are not consistent, as they translate θεός [Strong’s Number G2316] as “God” on four occasions and as “god” once.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not… 2 Corinthians 4:3,4
It is clear that Saint Paul understands that the God of this world is not identical to the God that Saint Paul associates with Jesus. Since the god of this world blinds the minds of those who do not believe, we conclude that the god of this world is at least one of the adversaries to both “our Gospel” and Jesus Christ and him crucified [1 Corinthians 2:2]. The wording “our gospel” [2 Corinthians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:14], which we presume is synonymous with the Gospel of the Gentiles, as distinct from the gospel of Saint Peter, since Saint Paul was specifically sent to the Gentiles [Galatians 2:7]. Of course, this presumption is not certain.
Saint Paul writes that he himself bore the marks of Christ and this statement is understood by certain commentators as the “stigmata” that appeared on the hands of certain western saints and mystics [Galatians 6:17].
Saint Paul was stoned by the Jews and his body was taken out of the city, yet Saint Paul revived, or resurrected [Acts 14:19, 20]. When one combines the subtle terminology of “our Gospel” with the facts of Saint Paul bearing the marks of Christ, his death by the Jews, and subsequent resurrection, then one can understand that Gospel of Saint Paul to of the Gentiles may not be identical to the modern Gospel that is professed by most Christians nowadays.
Saint Paul writes that he himself bore the marks of Christ and this statement is understood by certain commentators as the “stigmata” that appeared on the hands of certain western saints and mystics [Galatians 6:17].
Saint Paul was stoned by the Jews and his body was taken out of the city, yet Saint Paul revived, or resurrected [Acts 14:19, 20]. When one combines the subtle terminology of “our Gospel” with the facts of Saint Paul bearing the marks of Christ, his death by the Jews, and subsequent resurrection, then one can understand that Gospel of Saint Paul to of the Gentiles may not be identical to the modern Gospel that is professed by most Christians nowadays.
“One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church”
The faithful are familiar with the Nicene Creed and we linger on the word “Apostolic”. In the contexts of history and the Nicene Creed, “Apostolic” can be understood as not only being of a church being founded by the Apostles, but also that only certain bishops are valid through Apostolic succession. Due to the addition of the word "Apostolic" to the original creed [325 A.D.], we speculate that at the time of the final version of the Nicene Creed [381 A.D.] there was a distinct, and separate church, that did not consider the Apostles as the final authority for their Churches. Of course, the only authority superior to the Apostles is Christ himself. We surmise that this competing and non Apostolic church was significant and influential, otherwise the creed would have been revised to mention “Apostolic” nor “One” church.
The law is clear: “be fruitful and multiply” [Genesis 1:28] and the good news offers nothing pertaining to either marriage or child rearing, so it is not surprising that the four gospels would omit these details of Jesus’ personal life without compromising the message of the Gospels. The author of the fourth gospel does mention either the mother or the father of Jesus by name, with the possible intention of focusing upon his ministry:
The law is clear: “be fruitful and multiply” [Genesis 1:28] and the good news offers nothing pertaining to either marriage or child rearing, so it is not surprising that the four gospels would omit these details of Jesus’ personal life without compromising the message of the Gospels. The author of the fourth gospel does mention either the mother or the father of Jesus by name, with the possible intention of focusing upon his ministry:
[There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:" John, 2:1
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. John, 2:3
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. John, 2:5
[Jesus] went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren... John, 2:12
"Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? John, 6:42
"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. -John, 19:25-27
As Saint Paul indicates, he only wants to know Christ and him crucified [1 Corinthians 2:2]; he is not concerned about an infancy narrative, adolescent adventures in the Temple, or family. The Orthodox church has always allowed married deacons and priests. Today, bishops of the Orthodox Church are either unmarried or widowers. We posses no reliable documentation indicating how long ago this tradition of unmarried bishops was established, but this discipline is reliability 500 years old, if not older. The application of Apostolic succession by the Roman and Orthodox Churches insure that the bishopric is open to all qualified males, as familial relations are not considered.
However, in a non Apostolic church, familial relations may be important, as history records the “desposyni” or family of Jesus, centuries after the crucifixion. The term “desposyni” is ambiguous, as it can be understood as pertaining to the descendants of Jesus, or the descents of his siblings, or the descendants of his immediate family. We recall that Saint James, the brother of Jesus [Galatians 1:19 ], was the first Bishop of Jerusalem [Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiae, 1:7:11, 1:7:13–14, 3:20]. Of course, the succession of valid bishops based exclusively on specific bloodlines severely limits the number of qualified candidates.
However, in a non Apostolic church, familial relations may be important, as history records the “desposyni” or family of Jesus, centuries after the crucifixion. The term “desposyni” is ambiguous, as it can be understood as pertaining to the descendants of Jesus, or the descents of his siblings, or the descendants of his immediate family. We recall that Saint James, the brother of Jesus [Galatians 1:19 ], was the first Bishop of Jerusalem [Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiae, 1:7:11, 1:7:13–14, 3:20]. Of course, the succession of valid bishops based exclusively on specific bloodlines severely limits the number of qualified candidates.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Genesis 2:2
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day… Exodus 20:11
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Jhn, 5:16-17
It is clear that the seventh day, the Sabbath, is for rest. However, Jesus makes the statement that both he and his father work on the Sabbath. Since the God of the Old Testament creates evil [Isaiah 45:7] and no mention is made of "doing good", the Gentle Reader may conclude that the Lord God of the Old Testament is not, in fact, identical with the God of the New Testament.
And think not to say within yourselves [the Pharisees and Sadducees], We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Matthew 3:9
It is evident that being a descendant of Abraham is not important for Jesus. This position is antagonistic towards the beliefs of both Judaism, the sons of Isaac, and Islam, the sons of Ishmael. Saint Paul states that "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" [Romans 4:3]. This statement clearly indicates a difference between the law of works, being fruitful, and the descendants of Abraham and having faith, as Abraham had faith, so "his faith is counted for righteousness" [Romans 4:5].
Then answered the Jews, and said unto him [Jesus], Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
John, 8:48-49
Jesus does not respond to the accusation that he is a Samaritan. However, Jesus denies that he "has a devil" or has used occult means to control a spirit. The belief that one can control demons for personal benefit is not limited to the leading religious leaders, as the Gospel of Matthew states:
"[Herod ] heard of the fame of Jesus, And said ... This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him [Jesus]. Matthew 14: 1-2
Herod believes that John the Baptist has revived or, at least, Herod believes that Jesus is controlling the spirit of the recently murdered John the Baptist.
Ye [the Jews] are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.” John 8:44-45
Commentators attempt to connect "your father the devil" with Satan in the Garden of Eden. However, since the text of Genesis does not state that the serpent with legs was neither Satan nor a devil, we must dismiss this convoluted interpretation. Jesus states that "your father" was a murderer "from the beginning. The account of Moses from infancy to adulthood:
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son [Moses]: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. Exodus, 1-2
And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and ... when Moses was grown, that he went out ... and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew ... and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. Exodus, 2:9 -12
We notice that Jesus' wording "your father", not the expected "our father" if either Jesus were Jewish or identified with the priest class. Jesus' description that "your father" was a "murderer from the beginning" accurately describes Moses, as far as the narrative from the book of Exodus is concerned.
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? Exodus 4:14
The is the first mention of either Aaron or "Levite" in the Old Testament. The Septuagint and the Masoretic text agree that Moses is descended from Levi and is, therefore, a Levite himself. The Gentle Reader will reach his own conclusions concerning Moses being "a liar from the beginning".
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions... and it [the law] was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Galatians, 3:19-20
Saint Paul clearly states that the law was “commanded” or “appointed” by angels [Strong’s Number G1299 διατάσσω diatassō], not by God. Strong’s Number G3316 μεσίτης, “mediator” is derived from Strong’s Number G3319 μέσος, “midst”, which is derived from Strong’s Number G3326 μετά, “with”. Saint Paul provides further evidence that God did not command the Law by clarifying that a mediator is not one, in the sense of a "go between", but God is one.
Saint Paul explicitly warns the reader to not let any “man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels” [Colossians 2:18] as “we shall judge angels” [1 Corinthians 6:3].
From the passages in Galatians 3 and 1 Corinthians 6, we conclude that many people, if not the vast majority, confound the angel who related the law to Moses at Mount Sinai with God and, as a result, they unknowingly worship this angel as God. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ [22:8], the prophet John attempts to worship the angel and is rebuked in the next verse. Therefore, Saint Paul’s advice to not humble oneself before angels is not without merit.
Saint Paul explicitly warns the reader to not let any “man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels” [Colossians 2:18] as “we shall judge angels” [1 Corinthians 6:3].
From the passages in Galatians 3 and 1 Corinthians 6, we conclude that many people, if not the vast majority, confound the angel who related the law to Moses at Mount Sinai with God and, as a result, they unknowingly worship this angel as God. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ [22:8], the prophet John attempts to worship the angel and is rebuked in the next verse. Therefore, Saint Paul’s advice to not humble oneself before angels is not without merit.
The following Biblical books are ordered from the highest reading level to the lowest. According to Wylie Communications, in 2019 only "12% of Americans can read at what we consider the high school literacy level [ninth to tenth grade]." At the beginning of the nineteenth century, it is estimated that only ten percent of the population of the England and France were literate and one can imagine the percentage when the Bible was first published in the sixteenth century. Therefore, Bibles were printed for a very select audience: those few who were literate and could afford a luxury good.
Book
|
Reading Level
|
Notes
|
Ephesians
Joshua 2 Peter Leviticus Deuteronomy Colossians 1 Peter Ezra Numbers Daniel |
14.7
14.0 13.6 13.5 13.4 13.0 12.9 12.7 12.6 12.4 |
Pauline Epistle
Epistle The law for the priestly class -Book 3 of Moses The law - Book 5 of Moses Pauline Epistle Epistle Genealogy of the Hebrews-Book 4 of Moses |
Ezekiel
Jeremiah Esther 2 Chronicles Nehemiah Jude Hebrews Thessalonians Titus 1 Kings (3 Kings) |
12.0
11.9 11.8 11.8 11.7 11.6 11.2 11.1 11.0 10.9 |
Epistle Pauline Epistle Pauline Epistle |
1 Chronicles
Joel Zephaniah Philemon Haggai 1 Timothy Acts Philippians Revelation Zechariah |
10.9
10.7 10.6 10.6 10.3 10.3 10.2 10.2 10.1 10.0 |
Medium of 66 Books Pauline Epistle Pauline Epistle Pauline Epistle |
2 Corinthians
2 Timothy Amos Isaiah Judges 1 Thessalonians 2 Kings (4 Kings) Obadiah Genesis 2 Samuel (2 Kings) |
10.0
9.9 9.8 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.6 9.5 9.0 8.9 |
Pauline Epistle
Pauline Epistle Pauline Epistle Average of 66 grade levels Book 1 of Moses |
Micah
1 Samuel (1 Kings) Ecclesiastes Luke Hosea Matthew Galatians Romans Ruth Mark |
8.8
8.7 8.6 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.1 7.9 |
Gospel Gospel Pauline Epistle Pauline Epistle Gospel |
Nahum
Lamentations Habakkuk 1 Corinthians Jonah John 1 John Malachi James Proverbs |
7.9
7.9 7.4 7.4 7.1 7.0 7.0 7.0 6.8 6.6 |
Pauline Epistle Gospel Epistle Epistle |
Song of Solomon
Exodus 3 John Psalms 2 John Job |
6.5
6.3 6.1 5.9 5.8 5.6 |
Book 2 of Moses Epistle Epistle |
The top ten most difficult to read [Ephesians to Daniel] have a readability for a typical college student [12 years plus]. From this fact alone, it is evident that these books are likely to be both poorly read and, as a result, suffer from improper and fantastical interpretations. Daniel and Ezekiel are prophetic books touching upon the "end of days", so it is not surprising that any proper exegesis by a modern Christian of average reading level is highly unlikely.
We quote all instances of "wisdom" in the Pauline Epistles [Strong's Number G4678 σοφία sophia].
We quote all instances of "wisdom" in the Pauline Epistles [Strong's Number G4678 σοφία sophia].
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom G4678 and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33
Saint Paul seems to offer a contradiction when he says that from the created world one can know both that there is a Creator and his eternal power [Romans 2:20]. Saint Paul continues: "And [they] changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things [and mediating angels?]".
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom G4678 of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Corinthians, 1:17
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom G4678 of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom G4678 of this world? For after that in the wisdom G4678 of God the world by wisdom G4678 knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom G4678 of God. 1 Corinthians, 1:19-24
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, G4678 and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians, 1:30
The word "wisdom" is found on eight occasions in the first chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, G4678 declaring unto you the testimony of God. 1 Corinthians, 2:1
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, G4678 but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom G4678 of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom G4678 among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom G4678 of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom G4678 of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians, 2:4 -7
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom G4678 teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians, 2:13
For the wisdom G4678 of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 1 Corinthians, 3:19
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; G4678 to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 1 Corinthians, 12:8
The word "wisdom is found nine times in the remainder of the first epistle to the Corinthians. The word "wisdom" occurs a total of seventeen times in the first epistle to the Corinthians.
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, G4678 but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.. 2 Corinthians, 1:12
The word "wisdom" is found once in the second epistle to the Corinthians and is described as "fleshly wisdom".
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom G4678 and prudence; Ephesians, 1:8
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom G4678 and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians, 1:17
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom G4678 of God, Ephesians, 3:10
The word "wisdom" is found on three occasions in the epistle to the Ephesians.
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom G4678 and spiritual understanding;
Colossians, 1:9
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; G4678 that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Colossians. 1:28
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom G4678 and knowledge. Colossians, 2:3
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom G4678 in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Colossians, 2:23
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; G4678 teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16
Walk in wisdom G4678 toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians, 4:5
The word "wisdom is found on six occasions in the epistle to the Colossians.
The following table demonstrates the occurrences of "wisdom" in the Pauline Epistles.
The following table demonstrates the occurrences of "wisdom" in the Pauline Epistles.
Romans
1 Corinthians First Chapter Remainder of epistle 2 Corinthians Ephesians Colossians |
1
17 8 9 1 3 6 |
"Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions..."
1 Timothy 1:4
Strong's Number G562 [ἀπέραντος aperantos] is found once in the Textus Receptus and is translated as "endless". There are two large sections devoted to genealogy in the Old Testament and two genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament.
Genesis
1 Chronicles Matthew Luke |
4:18 -11:27
1:10 - 9:43 1:3 - 16 3:23 - 38 |
Of course, these Old Testament lists are not "endless", Saint Paul is utilizing hyperbole.
"But refuse profane and old wives' fables..."
1 Timothy 4:7
"Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth."
Titus 1:14
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables..."
Simon Peter 1:16
1 Timothy 4:7
"Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth."
Titus 1:14
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables..."
Simon Peter 1:16
Strong's Number G3454 [μῦθος mythos] is translated by the editors of the King James version as "fable" on each occurrence [five times].
Strong's Number G3454 is perhaps derived from G3453 [μυέω myeō] and occurs once in the King James version and is translated as "instruction".
Strong's Number G3453 is derived from G3466 [μυστήριον mystērion] and is consistently translated as "mystery" [27 occurrences].
The following is a list of twenty nine translations of 1 Timothy 4:7:
Strong's Number G3454 is perhaps derived from G3453 [μυέω myeō] and occurs once in the King James version and is translated as "instruction".
Strong's Number G3453 is derived from G3466 [μυστήριον mystērion] and is consistently translated as "mystery" [27 occurrences].
The following is a list of twenty nine translations of 1 Timothy 4:7:
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. New American Standard Bible
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. New American Standard 1977
[And} the profane and old women's fables reject thou... Young's Literal Translation
But abstain from insipid fables of old women... Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... American King James Version
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... Webster's Bible Translation
but refuse profane and old wives fables. American Standard Version
But reject profane and old wives’ fables... New King James Version
but refuse profane and old wives' fables. English Revised Version
But profane and old wives' fables avoid... Darby Bible Translation
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... Jubilee Bible 2000
But refuse profane and old wives' fables. World English Bible
But avoid foolish and old wives' fables... Douay-Rheims Bible
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... King James Bible
But refuse profane and silly fables. Berean Literal Bible
But reject irreverent and silly myths. Berean Study Bible
But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible... NET Bible
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. English Standard Version
But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Christian Standard Bible
But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don't have anything to do with godless myths that old women like to tell. GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do not have anything ... with godless myths and fables of old women. International Standard Version
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. New Living Translation
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales... New International Version
But refuse profane and old wives' tales. New Heart English Bible
But refuse profane and old wives' tales... King James 2000 Bible
But worldly stories, fit only for credulous old women... Weymouth New Testament
Don't have anything to do with worthless, senseless stories. Contemporary English Version
But keep away from those godless legends, which are not worth telling. Good News Translation
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. New American Standard 1977
[And} the profane and old women's fables reject thou... Young's Literal Translation
But abstain from insipid fables of old women... Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... American King James Version
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... Webster's Bible Translation
but refuse profane and old wives fables. American Standard Version
But reject profane and old wives’ fables... New King James Version
but refuse profane and old wives' fables. English Revised Version
But profane and old wives' fables avoid... Darby Bible Translation
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... Jubilee Bible 2000
But refuse profane and old wives' fables. World English Bible
But avoid foolish and old wives' fables... Douay-Rheims Bible
But refuse profane and old wives' fables... King James Bible
But refuse profane and silly fables. Berean Literal Bible
But reject irreverent and silly myths. Berean Study Bible
But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible... NET Bible
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. English Standard Version
But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Christian Standard Bible
But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don't have anything to do with godless myths that old women like to tell. GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do not have anything ... with godless myths and fables of old women. International Standard Version
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. New Living Translation
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales... New International Version
But refuse profane and old wives' tales. New Heart English Bible
But refuse profane and old wives' tales... King James 2000 Bible
But worldly stories, fit only for credulous old women... Weymouth New Testament
Don't have anything to do with worthless, senseless stories. Contemporary English Version
But keep away from those godless legends, which are not worth telling. Good News Translation
A table of occurrences of specific words:
Fables
Myths Tales Stories Idea Legend |
15
8 4 2 1 1 |
We quote from the earliest entries in the Oxford English Dictionary [June 2003 update] for the word "myth":
1 a. A traditional story, typically involving supernatural beings or forces, which provides an explanation, or justification for something such as the early history of a society, a religious belief or ritual, or a natural phenomenon.
1 a. A traditional story, typically involving supernatural beings or forces, which provides an explanation, or justification for something such as the early history of a society, a religious belief or ritual, or a natural phenomenon.
1830 Westm. Rev. 12 44 These two stories are very good illustrations of the origin of myths, by means of which, even the most natural sentiment is traced to its cause in the circumstances of fabulous history.
1 b. As a mass noun: such stories collectively or as a genre.
1840 W. H. Mill Observ. Gospel vi. 118 The same non-historical region of philosophical myth.
2 a. A widespread but untrue story or belief; a widely held misconception; a misrepresentation of the truth.
1849 E. Bulwer-Lytton Caxtons II. x. iii. 167 As for Mrs Primmins's bones, they had been myths these twenty years.
2 b. A person or thing held in awe or generally referred to with near reverential admiration on the basis of popularly repeated stories (whether real or fictitious).
1853 C. M. Yonge Heir of Redclyffe I. iv. 43 ‘At present he is like that German myth, Kaspar Hauser, who lived till twenty in a cellar.’
Since the word "myth" only entered the English language in the first half of the nineteenth century, it is understandable that the editors of the King James Bible version translated μῦθος [mythos] as "fable" and not as "myth". Since "myth" was well established by the twentieth century, it is intelligible that modern editions translate μῦθος as "myth".
We were, and still are, intrigued by Saint Paul's expression "the wisdom of this world". However, we were unable to uncover any substantial indication what, exactly, this strange expression means. Oftentimes, in The Wonderful World of Occult Research™ , the excursion is more informative and enjoyable than the destination, and this essay, Gentle Researcher, is such an example.
Any definitive interpretation by this Apprentice concerning "the wisdom of this world" would be tentative. Therefore, we cannot offer either possibilities or likely meanings for this strange expression. As Apprentice Denver often laments:
We were, and still are, intrigued by Saint Paul's expression "the wisdom of this world". However, we were unable to uncover any substantial indication what, exactly, this strange expression means. Oftentimes, in The Wonderful World of Occult Research™ , the excursion is more informative and enjoyable than the destination, and this essay, Gentle Researcher, is such an example.
Any definitive interpretation by this Apprentice concerning "the wisdom of this world" would be tentative. Therefore, we cannot offer either possibilities or likely meanings for this strange expression. As Apprentice Denver often laments:
"The Occult is hard and thinking is more hard."
We enjoyed reading potential Apprentice Domik's essay and we offer a few concluding thoughts. On page 36 of "Persecution and the Art of Writing", Strauss writes:
An exoteric book contains then two teachings: a popular teaching of an edifying character, which is in the foreground; and a philosophic teaching concerning the most important subject, which is indicated only between the lines.
Those to whom such books are truly addressed are ... the young men who might become philosophers: the potential philosophers are to be led step by step from the popular views which are indispensable for all practical and political purposes to the truth which is merely and purely theoretical, guided by certain obtrusively enigmatic features in the presentation of the popular teaching- obscurity of the plan, contradictions, pseudonyms, inexact repetitions of earlier statements, strange expressions, etc.
Such features do not disturb the slumber of those who cannot see the wood for the trees, but act as awakening stumbling blocks for those who can.
All books of that kind owe their existence to the love of the mature philosopher for the puppies of his race, by whom he wants to be loved in turn: all exoteric books are "written speeches caused by love.
Although Potential Apprentice Domic's paper offers the careful and thoughtful reader "enigmatic features": "obscurity of the plan, contradictions, pseudonyms, inexact repetitions of earlier statements, strange expressions, and technical jargon", we will focus on the overall plan of the work. Lines that are further to the right are farther from the expressed topic of the "wisdom of this world".
Introduction by Yours Truly
Wisdom of this World -God as an ambiguous term -The Hidden Gospel -Stigmata of Saint Paul -Persecution of Saint Paul -One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church -The mother of Jesus in the fourth gospel -One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church -The seventh day as the Jewish Sabbath -Jesus attack the Sadducees and Pharisees -Quote Isaiah 45:7 -Works versus faith -Jesus denies he has a devil -Herod believes Jesus is John the Baptist -Moses -Aaron the Levite -A mediating angel gives the law -Warning regarding Worshiping Angels -Reading level of Biblical Books -All quotes of Wisdom in the Pauline Epistles -Fables, endless genealogies -29 translations of 1 Timothy 4:7 -Summation of 29 translations -Oxford English Dictionary quotes |
Conclusion
There is no discussion of the word "world", or κόσμος cosmos, and this act of omission of half of the significant words under consideration can only be understood as a deliberate act. As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own conclusions concerning the intentional exclusion of expected subjects, generally, and the absence of κόσμος, specifically.
By the plenitude of power authorized and granted by the Ancient and Esteemed Order of Hierophants, it is duly proclaimed, declared, and exclaimed that potential Apprentice Dominik is hereby elevated to the exalted and sublime position of Apprentice and shall henceforth be recognized as Apprentice Dominick to a Master of the Occult Arts and Sciences.
All rights, privileges, and benefits associated with said position, current and future, are hereby solemnly bestowed and conferred upon Apprentice Dominick this thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord and Master two thousand nineteen. So mote it be. G.D.O’Bradovich III |