There is something about wise people that I learned…
They never have to speak for even the most inept among us to know they speak with wisdom and understanding. While others are hogging the conversation, or attempting to interject their own view, wise people just know to hold their voice and at the best time they will have something to say that will just amaze everyone.
Part our our problem relates to how we prepare to interject a similar story that is being spilled by someone, and we can hardly hold our peace to one-up someone! We don’t think about what we have to say as being necessary, or important, but we choose to speak even before our thoughts have gelled. Hopefully the brain catches up to the story and we have a good ending, but more than likely what we needed to share was not even necessary!
Through the years I have had wise counsel in my life. Some I worked for. Some were spiritual leaders and pastors. Some were good friends, and others were complete strangers. And yes, there have been a few that were close family members that were always looked up to as someone who had something wise to share.
I am never so smart in my own ways that I do not hesitate to seek out someone much wiser than I…
This points me toward a main thought… What you and I think as wisdom may be two very different things. It all depends on the needs for the moment, and the perspective of your view. When we research viewpoints of wisdom, we have to delve into the person speaking, the message of the words, and the wise counsel in the meaning of those words. I love this quote…it speaks volumes to me!
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others;
for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness;
and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.
~Audrey Hepburn
You should take a moment to day and read Solomon’s 8th chapter of Proverbs. His words start with this (emphasis mine):
Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. (Proverbs 8:1-11 NKJV)
We often think that wealth, good lucks, or fabulous fortune would serve us better than all the wisdom in the world. That famous Jamaican musician said it like this:
“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver or gold.” ~Bob Marley
I’m sure he took these words straight from the Word of God, in fact, straight out of the concept of words spoken by Jesus.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36 NKJV)
“To gain the world is to gain (1) the riches of the world, as the rich young ruler (Mark 10:22), or as Demas; (2) the honors and fame of the world, as Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30), or as Herod (Acts 12:21-23); (3) the sinful pleasures of the world (Hebrews 11:25; Proverbs 23:31); (4) the amusements and follies of the world (Ecclesiastes 11:9).” (GTB commentary)
Think on it. Selah.
At the tomb of the Emperor Charlemagne (742-814 AD), a successor finally opened his burial vault and found him sitting on a marble chair, robed in finery, and the gospels in his lap. But his finger was pointing at the words of Jesus from above…what will it profit a man if he gains the whole word…and lose his own soul.