With the increase of artificial intelligence, some are starting to float the possibility that AI may get too big for its britches, and take over human roles, forcing mankind off the edge of the world so they can hit the reset button and rule with civility. Basically, the plot of virtually every science fiction movie of the last 30 years. Somehow, no one ever figures out that they can just unplug the computer. Anyway, that’s another story, but you can just relax because A.I. will not be taking over human roles anytime soon.
How do I know this? After all, I really don’t have a lot of knowledge of computer technology. Well, I asked. I went to ChatGPT and simply typed in my question. This is what AI said:
“AI is a powerful technology that has the potential to significantly impact various aspects of our lives. It can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making processes. However, it’s crucial to recognize that AI is a tool created and controlled by humans. Its capabilities and actions are determined by the data it’s trained on and the algorithms it uses.”
Phew! What a relief! Human intelligence is still necessary, it turns out. Well, at least that’s what artificial intelligence told me.
Reading through Solomon’s writings I was astounded how much he talks about seeking wisdom. He was the wisest man to ever live, and yet he seems to place a lot of importance on expanding his knowledge. So much of the proverbs talks about seeking wisdom where ever it can be found. You have heard the saying, “The more I know, the more I realize I don’t know.” Solomon was the most curious man to ever live. Apparently, the wisdom he gained only made him ask more questions.
Solomon reminds me of a child I know. Her mother relayed a conversation they had in the car “Can bunnies swim?”. “If a bunny could swim, would sharks like them?“. I remember the day our second son discovered he had never seen his eyes. He was three years old. He sat at the table for quite some time, rolling his eyes back into his head trying to get a glimpse of his own eyes. He never succeeded.
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask, what should I give you?” Solomon replied, “You have shown great and faithful love to your servant, my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity…Lord my God, you have now made your servant King in my father, David’s place. Yet, I am just a youth with no experience in leadership… So, give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil.” – 1 Kings 3:5-9
The morning after Solomon was given this incredible gift, it must have been terrifying as though he was suddenly aware of new dimensions. I can imagine his mother nagging him to finish his soup because it would be cold, as Solomon mentally dissects it as whole new worlds opened to him. Did he suddenly have a comprehension of physics, astronomy, biochemistry? Was it as though Google was awakened all at once in his mind. (If so, hopefully he didn’t just sit there scrolling through the ancient version of cat videos).
“Get wisdom, get understanding, don’t forget, or turn away from the words from my mouth. Don’t
abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you. Love her and she will guard you.” – Proverbs 4:5,6
Towards the end of his life the Bible tells us Solomon did not head his own advice.
When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was
not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God as his father David had been. – 1 Kings 11:4
Historically we know this was true, in the following verses, the Bible tells us he had 700 wives, and 300 concubines. They turned his heart away from God. The Bible says he worshiped Ashtoreth (Goddess of fertility), Chemosh, who was worshiped by animal and even human sacrifice, and Milcom (sometimes called Molech), which involved the grotesque torture and murder of children.
2 Kings 21: 6 tells us that Solomon sacrificed his sons in the fire, practiced witchcraft, divination, and consulted mediums and spirits. He did a huge amount of evil in the Lord’s sight, angering Him.
The knowledge that Solomon accumulated didn’t keep him from destruction. He knew very well what the consequences of his actions would be, but he was still stupid enough to rationalize them away. He probably justified his evil in very eloquent language. He may have even sounded admirable.
We have heard this today, haven’t we? Worldly wisdom can sound so rational, even lofty and wise. We might even feel Godly wisdom sounds simplistic and childish, even hateful and exclusive.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all
your ways, acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
Certainly, we should approach the study of scripture like a child with an insatiable quest for wisdom. The more you read in God’s word the more you will find that you had never thought about. When we don’t take in His word on a daily basis, it becomes easy to lean on our own understanding. Solomon was sincere when he prayed for wisdom at the beginning of his reign. His problem was not a lack of wisdom, he just managed to ignore it.
Maybe Solomon’s problem was that he blurred the line between intelligence and wisdom. Smarts are good, but being able to use it is even more important. Meditate on it. It’s amazing how easy it is to be pulled astray and find yourself in a place you never thought you could be. As you read, ask yourself the question, “What should I do because of this verse?”
This seeking of wisdom will build a solid base, and then a sturdy structure for our lives.
What we really need to fear is a personal failure to build a wise foundation, and stop being afraid of computers that can’t even tell when I’ve put the lettuce on the conveyor belt.