Wisdom

Let’s make a distinction: wisdom is different than intelligence. Intelligence may be had by those able to hold a great many facts in their minds. They know a lot about a lot of things, which can be a very useful tool. But there is such a thing as an intelligent fool, or conversely, a person who may not have a high degree of intelligence but who has a deep degree of wisdom. Wisdom is the person who knows how to live and how to relate. The intelligent person might be gifted at crafting words or statements, for example, but the wise will know when to speak and when to be silent. The intelligent may have the competencies to be impressive in the moment, but the wise will have the discipline to get things done overtime. Wisdom is not flashy and is often overlooked and under-appreciated. Ecclesiastes tells us “there lived…a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom.” It goes on to say, though, that “nobody remembered that poor man.” (Ecclesiastes 9:15). The wise are content with this. They do not live to be impressive but effective, unlike the fool who parades himself. Scripture has a great deal to say about wisdom. The book of Proverbs is dedicated to wisdom, as are Ecclesiastes and a few others. James is often referred to as the wisdom book of the New Testament, Song of Solomon has a great deal to say about romance and relationships, and Job gives wisdom for enduring hardship and suffering. Scripture tells us, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” (Proverbs 3:13-14). Wisdom is found through both Scripture, and according to Scripture itself, through the counsel of many (see Proverbs 15:22). We learn from our own experience, the experience of others, and the experience of Scripture. Those who grow in wisdom are those who listen carefully to the counsel of Scripture, they seek the guidance of others, and they are reflective enough on their own experiences that they learn from their own collection of wins and losses.