Why Don’t All Wise People See the Truth? The Difference Between Wisdom and Honesty

Avi asks: "Hello. In my adulthood I studied many proofs of the truth of Judaism, and this strengthened me greatly. I chose to live with devotion to our faith. But I struggle to understand why the non-Jews are not convinced by such clear proofs? And even more so, how is it that among them there are scholars who justify their own religions? I cannot understand how it is possible for wise men and researchers not to recognize the falsehood of their beliefs. For example, I once read books by a non-Jew named Stephen Covey, who showed great wisdom in business success, but chose to join a strange Christian sect in America. In short, how can it be that millions of people, including wise men, do not see their error?"

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Hello Avi, and thank you for your question.

First, we must correct the assumption: most of the great thinkers of history did reach the foundational truth that there is one spiritual Creator of the universe. Among them we find the greatest philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, as well as great scientists like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Most of them stopped there and their inquiry did not continue into God’s will, nor did it seek the way of life He desires. They were content with a general recognition of His existence.

The Jewish people, by contrast, merited divine revelation and the giving of the Torah because they declared “We will do and we will listen” — a readiness to accept the Torah’s guidance in practical living. Judaism demands the most in terms of concrete commandments, because its goal is to shape the person, refine him spiritually, and grant eternal reward. Most non-Jews are not interested in such a transformative commitment. For them, God requires only the Seven Noahide Laws. Thus even a wise person who recognizes the truth of the Torah can remain a non-Jew without being required to convert.

In answer to your deeper question on why wisdom itself doesn't force every wise man to reach the same conclusion, we must ask two prior questions:

1. Are all wise men truly seeking the divine will?

2. Of those who search, are they honest in their search?

Truth is found only through the combination of wisdom plus honesty, but unfortunately, the two do not always go together. Just as some honest people are not particularly brilliant, so too some brilliant people are not honest in their intellectual pursuits. Wisdom alone does not guarantee truth.

Few Seek Truth

King David already lamented this reality: “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand and seek God” (Psalms 14:2).

Most people are not interested in searching for truth. Even among researchers, many are absorbed only in their narrow field. Physicists focus on physics, biologists on biology, but rarely do they show interest in archaeology, metaphysics, or the meaning of life.

I myself have met scientists who admitted belief in a Creator, but then showed no curiosity at all about the implications and no exploration of the purpose of life or the truth of Torah. For them, acknowledging God was as casual as commenting on music or art.

Our sages taught: “In the way a person wishes to go, he is led” (Makot 10b). “If he comes to defile himself, the door is opened; if he comes to purify himself, he is helped” (Shabbat 104a). Each scholar finds what he seeks. Only the true seeker of truth will discover truth.

Einstein, with all his genius, never investigated Judaism or religions — only physics, and physics is exactly what he found. Had he devoted himself to searching for God’s will, he would have found that instead. Similarly, Stephen Covey — whom you mentioned, focused on business and outward success, not on ultimate truth. He settled for a “spiritual” sect that appealed to his emotions, without rigorous research. Whoever seeks material success will find material success; whoever seeks truth will find truth.

Wisdom Is Just a Tool

How can we understand wise men who miss the truth? Wisdom is only a tool which can be used for good, or for evil.

Science illustrates this well: some scientists developed gas chambers and atomic bombs, while others developed medicines and agriculture. Science itself is neither good nor bad, it depends on who wields it. The same is true with wisdom: in the hands of an honest man it leads to truth and justice, while in the hands of a corrupt or biased man, it produces lies and excuses to justify selfishness.

The search for truth depends more on integrity than on intellect. A mediocre but honest judge will reach the truth more reliably than a brilliant but corrupt one. In fact, the dishonest genius will use his brilliance to defend lies with sophisticated arguments.

Honesty Over Cleverness

The difference is like that between a lawyer and a judge. A lawyer uses cleverness to defend his client, twisting evidence to serve an agenda. A judge must seek truth without bias. The honest person is the judge; the dishonest person is the lawyer of his own ego.

Our sages warned: “One act of mockery can overturn a hundred arguments of rebuke” (Mesillat Yesharim, Ch. 5). This is why so many intellectuals dismiss religion with mockery instead of honest study, because they act like lawyers, not judges.

Most scholars I’ve met were more concerned with honor, comfort, and career than with truth. They used intellectual games to justify their lifestyle. As the Torah says: “Bribery blinds the eyes of the wise” (Deuteronomy 16:19). Every person must ask: am I acting like a lawyer for my own convenience, or like a judge in search of truth?

One Honest Seeker vs. Billions in Error

Even if billions follow false religions, one honest seeker like Abraham has more value. The Midrash explains: Abraham looked at the world and asked: “Can it be that this city has no ruler?” God appeared to him and said: “I am the Master of the world.” (Bereishit Rabbah 39:1).

So too, whoever sincerely seeks God will find Him. The tragedy is that most people — including many of the wise, are not seeking truth at all, only comfort.

Wisdom alone does not guarantee truth. Many brilliant people justify false beliefs because they are biased by comfort, culture, or self-interest. One honest seeker — like Abraham, can find the truth that billions overlook.