Wisdom

There are people that we know whom we deem "wise." But what is that? What is it about them that makes them wise? How would we describe it?

There seems to be a difference between knowledge and wisdom, they are not mutually exclusive, but one doesn't automatically equal the other. There are some brilliant minds out there with not a lot of wisdom. In fact, if fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (so says the Proverbs) then knowledge can potentially be a dangerous thing, for it can create in us self sufficiency.

I think those poeple who I know who have wisdom are people who are essentially humble. They do not claim their wisdom, or lord it over others, but rather have a clear understanding that their Lord is Jesus.

Yet there is still an element of "knowing" for wise people. They have an ability to look into a situation and see something that nobody else can. And then they enlighten the rest, and it seemed so simple, something that should have been so obvious but it wasn't. I am amazed when that happens. I am amazed at the wise, and how their eyes can see quite clear, and how their ears perceive great mystery.

In conclusion, I think human beings would do well to pray as Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 3. He did not ask God for riches, or long life, or fame, or any material thing. He asked for wisdom. And not just wisdom, but the mind that would be able to deceifer between right and wrong. It seems so simple, and I think it is. This is going to be my prayer this week.