Today the Ten Commandments are thought by many to be out of date. And to be sure, so of the language needs updating: we would not regard a wife as property nor do we believe in the harsh threats in some of the commandments. But they represent the necessary basis for a humane and just society: a respect for life, property, and human dignity. It is exciting and interesting to apply the commandments in a modern setting: what would idolatry be like today? What blessings would observing the Sabbath bring us? How does jealousy concerning the possessions of others destroy human relationships? The commandments are certainly relevant today - they just need some updating and a 'new coat of paint'.

People depart from the ways of God because they are hypnotized by their cleverness and think that they know better. But God shows how foolish human 'wisdom' is by contrasting it with His own wisdom. God's wisdom is Christ crucified: compassion, non-violence, forgiveness, sharing, and kindness. This divine wisdom is the measure by which all human actions, thoughts, and values are judged. It will always seem like foolishness and weakness to the people of the world. They will look down on those who walk in God's ways. But those who live by God's wisdom and keep the temple of their mind and heart pure from worldly values will find themselves wise indeed - and filled with a spiritual power that comes from above.