Twila Paris - Wisdom Lyrics
Lyrics
I see a multitude of people
Some far away and some close by
They weave together new religion
From tiny remnants they have found
A bit of truth, a greater lie
And all the prophets stand and sing a pleasant song
A million cords that bind the spirit growing strong
My heart is breaking
I must remind them...
You are the only way
You are the only voice
You are the only hope
You are the only choice
You are the one true God
No matter what we say
You are the breath of life
You are the only way
Give us wisdom
Give us wisdom
There is a moment of decision
But all the days go rushing by
An undercurrent of confusion
To threaten all that we believe
With little time to wonder why
And all the prophets sing the same familiar song
Even the chosen can be led to sing along
These hearts are breaking
Will you remind us...
You are the only way
You are the only voice
You are the only hope
You are the only choice
You are the one true God
No matter what we say
You are the breath of life
You are the only way
Give us wisdom
Give us wisdom
You choose the simple things to overcome the wise
Wisdom is granted in the name of Jesus Christ
In the name of Jesus Christ
You are the only way
You are the only voice
You are the only hope
You are the only choice
You are the one true God
No matter what we say
You are the breath of life
We need You here today
(You are the only way)
Give us wisdom
Give us wisdom
Video
Wisdom
Meaning & Inspiration
Twila Paris's "Wisdom," released on her 1999 album *True North*, arrives with a timely and enduring message that speaks powerfully into the spiritual landscape of our world. This profound piece confronts the pervasive confusion of modern belief systems, offering a clear, unwavering declaration of biblical truth. It’s a prayer for discernment and a firm affirmation of God's unique identity, a needed anchor in an ocean of competing philosophies.
The song immediately establishes its narrative from an observer’s perspective, painting a picture of a world where "a multitude of people" are "weaving together new religion from tiny remnants they have found." This poignant imagery speaks to the fragmented nature of contemporary spirituality, where genuine truth often becomes diluted or twisted by human interpretation and desire, resulting in "a bit of truth, a greater lie." This mirrors the warning in Colossians 2:8, which cautions against being "taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy," emphasizing that such systems are often rooted in human tradition rather than divine revelation. The lament that "all the prophets stand and sing a pleasant song" highlights the deceptive allure of palatable, yet ultimately misleading, spiritual paths that can bind the spirit rather than free it. The psalmist similarly yearned for God’s truth, recognizing its singular power (Psalm 119:105).
The chorus explodes with a magnificent declaration, a direct antidote to the confusion: "You are the only way, You are the only voice, You are the only hope, You are the only choice, You are the one true God." This unwavering confession resonates with the core tenets of Christianity, powerfully echoing Jesus's own claim in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." It further aligns with Acts 4:12, asserting that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." The plea, "Give us wisdom," is a humble yet urgent cry, a direct invocation of James 1:5, which promises that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously. This isn't merely a request for intellectual understanding, but for spiritual insight to navigate a complex world.
As the song progresses, it underscores the urgency of spiritual decision, noting "a moment of decision, but all the days go rushing by." This acknowledges the finite nature of life and the critical importance of embracing truth before "an undercurrent of confusion" overwhelms conviction. This reflects Ephesians 5:15-16, urging us to "be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The unsettling observation that "even the chosen can be led to sing along" serves as a stark warning, reminding us of biblical prophecies about deception that could mislead even believers (Matthew 24:24). It underscores the constant need for vigilance and a deep anchoring in God's Word to resist spiritual compromise.
The bridge offers profound comfort and divine perspective: "You choose the simple things to overcome the wise. Wisdom is granted in the name of Jesus Christ." This line powerfully references 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, where Paul explains that God often uses what the world considers foolish or weak to confound the wise and mighty, ensuring that no human can boast before Him. It culminates in the truth that true wisdom isn't self-attained but is a divine gift, intrinsically linked to Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:3 reminds us that "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," and 1 Corinthians 1:30 further declares that "it is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." The song’s ultimate takeaway is a powerful affirmation of God's exclusive truth and our desperate need for His wisdom, found solely in Him. It’s a compelling call to return to the foundational truth of Scripture, recognizing Jesus as the indispensable source of life, guidance, and hope in a world that consistently offers alternatives.