Since
the origin of the word “philosophy” is rooted in both Latin and Greek, and the
Greek original word “philosophia,” literally means "love of knowledge,
pursuit of wisdom,” why does the Bible seem to treat it as something bad in Colossians 2:8?
An
article appearing in the August 1, 2001
Watchtower stated: Paul sounded that
warning because he sensed a real danger lurking behind the thinking of those
attracted by the world. His use of the term “philosophy and empty deception” is
especially significant. The word “philosophy” literally means “the love and
pursuit of wisdom.” That in itself may be beneficial. In fact, the Bible,
particularly in the book of Proverbs, encourages the pursuit of the right kind
of knowledge and wisdom. (Proverbs 1:1-7; 3:13-18) Paul, however, coupled
“philosophy” with “empty deception.” In other words, Paul viewed the wisdom
that the world had to offer as empty and deceptive. Like an inflated balloon,
it had the appearance of solidity, but there was no substance to it. It would
certainly be futile, even disastrous, to base one’s choice of right and wrong
on something as insubstantial as “the philosophy and empty deception” of the
world.
In
agreement with that is the “David
Guzik Commentary on the Bible.” In section B, items 1.a.ii and 1.a.iii, are
quoted in the following two paragraphs:
This
philosophy that threatened the Colossian Christians was a strange eclectic mix
of early Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, local mystery religions, and Jewish
mysticism. The philosophy threatening the Colossian Christians was so dangerous
because it was not obviously sinful and licentious. It was a high-sounding and
seemed highly intelligent.
Vincent
on the word philosophy: “It had originally a good meaning, the love of wisdom,
but is used by Paul in the sense of vain speculation, and with special
reference to its being the name by which the false teachers at Colossae
designated not only their speculative system, but also their practical system,
so that it covered their ascetic practices no less than mysticism.
So
what conclusion have I reached? Here are my reflections:
One
main problem God has with human philosophy is that it is usually opposed to the
wisdom God offers. Proverbs 3:7; 19:21; 21:30. Although it may sound very intelligent and open-minded, it
really doesn’t amount to anything better than what the Bible offers. (And in most
cases actually amounts to little more than “hot
air.” Or, as the Bible calls it, “empty
deception.”) In fact, usually people seek out human wisdom because it
frees them from the moral obligation to their creator. They “think” they are
wise, but in reality they are only fooling themselves. Another concern God has
with human wisdom is the negative effect it has.
Whereas true, godly wisdom ought to help its owner
develop humility and a peaceful
disposition. The qualities of humility and
peace are a powerful lesson even for those who think they know the Bible well.
If what they know makes them cocky, arrogant, unapproachable, then they really
have not learned godly wisdom.(See also this 2014 article "Colossians 2:8 Taken As Spoil.")
