Wisdom is not a superpower possessed only by great scholars or Oprah Winfrey. Wisdom can be obtained even by normal people like you and me. But it’s sort of like learning a foreign language, it comes easier to some than for others.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:5
Wisdom is like that special gadget in the bottom of your tool box. You may rarely use it, but when you do, it’s invaluable.
Wisdom is to knowledge what great poetry is to the alphabet.
If you Google “wisdom” you get a list of really smart people. A guy named Nathan Leopold had an estimated IQ of 210 (Einstein’s was said to be 160). Leopold also was a convicted murderer, so intelligence and wisdom are not always a packaged set.
Wisdom cannot be measured on a scale. It is more like creativity, a thing that is expressed or displayed in moments of unique clarity. And like creativity, some have more of it than others.
Japanese proverb: “Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on the back of an ass.” (I’m talking to you, Bill Maher.)
Wisdom cuts through the clutter and confusion of competing ideas. It makes the complex simple and offers a pathway forward.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10.
Sometimes when I don’t know what to do, I simply bow down and acknowledge that God is Lord of all. That, in itself, is a wise thing to do.
Supreme Court Justice Potter Steward once said of pornography, “I know it when I see it.” Wisdom is kind of like that.
Wisdom is not always knowing the answer. Sometimes wisdom is simply trusting God when you don’t know the answer.
Wisdom is like lasagna, delicious layers of intelligence, experience, common sense and good judgement. Also, patience, introspection and humility. And throw in character and honesty, too. Best of all, it’s non-fattening!
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a 19th Century theologian, defined wisdom as “the right use of knowledge.”
The word “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom.”
Knowledge is knowing a lot of answers. Wisdom is knowing the right questions.
Jesus was the personification of wisdom. He displayed wisdom in every aspect of human life – possessions, relationships, devotion to God, subjection to leaders, leadership of others, friendships, enemies, celebrations, prayer and sacrifice. “And because of (God) you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God…” 1 Corinthians 1:30
Think of the wisest person you know. What other characteristics do they have? My wise guy is soft spoken, funny, unassuming, compassionate and short. Think Yoda. In fact, he uses wisdom like a Jedi sword; only when needed and to lay bare the truth. Cuts me, he does.
Little kids can be profoundly wise without knowing it. When my middle child was six, she said, “The sky is just heaven’s floor.” Think about that.
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” – Proverbs 19:20