behold, there came wise men from the east...
The wise men were the Magi, they were ancient astrologers, magicians, and philosophers who had abilities of divination. They were present in Egypt, Babylon, and most powers of old.
These men were called wise in the sense that they could make sound judgments based on useful information at their disposal, the information source being largely through divination, they also employed a careful study of heavenly bodies as is in the case of Christmas where they predicted the location and personality of the child based on the study of the stars.
They counseled kings, nobles and often times were consultants to many.
God clearly warned the Israelites not to turn to mediums, just as God warns us today. Whatever wisdom that these people operate with/in wasn't of God. it is not the God kind of wisdom/wisdom from above. In fact, this wisdom (of the wise men) is called 'the wisdom of the princes of this world...' it is sourced from strange powers, princes, fallen angels, against God's will.
There is a wisdom that is not of God and God warns us about them. One important lesson here is to check the source of things and people that we come across. We are told to prove all things and hold on to that which is true.
Compliments of the Season
Refs: Mt 2:1-14, Lev 19:31, Deut 18:9-12, 1 Corr 2:2-5, Ja 3:17
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