As Solomon continues to consider the scheme of things and the causes of human stupidity, he now identifies a major problem for mankind, and a reason why so many lives are so often ruined and real success never achieved – the simple fact that, and the writings of erudite educators to the contrary not withstanding, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart. There are no exceptions.

Perhaps Jesus has these words of Solomon in mind when he says, Quote: “From within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean” (Mark 7:21-23).

Here, then, are the elements of anti-wisdom – the evils of human nature, the influence that pulls downwards, like gravity, and lead people to do the stupid and wicked things that ruin their own lives and often those of others. However, like gravity, that influence is also resistible – but some people put up more resistance, exercise more self-discipline and develop better traits of character than others.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, which God willingly gives to all who ask for it (Luke 11:9-13), we can begin to see our human nature at work more clearly, begin to develop a new mentality and be led into the ways of Wisdom. Perhaps it is this enlightened and honest outlook that Paul is referring to when he tells the young evangelist Timothy, Quote: “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (1 Timothy 1:7).