Why bother understanding man? We often perceive ourselves through a lens that can be clouded by self-deception. Honesty in our assessment of both ourselves and others is paramount. To view the world with a clear understanding of man’s nature, as the Founders did when crafting our governmental foundation, is a pursuit intertwined with the knowledge of God. The question arises: what compels a man to raise his eyes towards heaven? Is it only in moments of ruin or famine, or is it also to gain insights into himself?
In our moments of ignorance, vanity, poverty, depravity, and corruption, we are driven to acknowledge that wisdom, strength, goodness, and righteousness reside in the Lord alone. The consideration of His perfections arises from our imperfections. A true understanding of ourselves cannot be attained until we first grasp a displeasure with our own inadequacies.
Too often, we view ourselves as innocent, wise, or good until convinced otherwise. Yet, this conviction eludes us when our focus remains solely on ourselves, detached from the standard set by the Lord. Our inherent tendency towards hypocrisy allows us to revel in the illusion of righteousness, as long as our gaze remains earthbound, comparing ourselves only to the world.
Elevating our thoughts to God, contemplating His nature and righteousness, reveals the falsehoods that once charmed us. The supposed goodness is unmasked as iniquity, and the deception of wisdom is exposed as folly. This revelation echoes through Scripture when the Saints, confronted by God’s majesty, exclaim, “We shall die, because we have seen God.” It is an acknowledgment that man is never truly convinced of his deficiency until he measures himself against the Divine.
While mankind universally acknowledges the existence of God as their maker, a mere acknowledgment is insufficient for a profound understanding of man. True comprehension emerges through worship. It is in the worship of God that men may declare themselves superior, aspiring for immortality.
The knowledge of God and understanding oneself become inseparable, forming the bedrock upon which all should view the world. This intertwined pursuit is not merely a cynical view of humanity but a call for a clear-eyed perspective—one that acknowledges our shortcomings and, in humility, seeks the divine wisdom that transcends our earthly limitations.
Thoughts 