Wisdom

March 26

(Luke 7:35 NIV) “But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

(Proverbs 2:1-11 NIV) “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, {2} turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, {3} and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, {4} and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, {5} then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. {6} For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. {7} He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, {8} for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. {9} Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. {10} For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. {11} Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

(Proverbs 4:5-9 NIV) “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. {6} Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. {7} Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. {8} Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. {9} She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”

In this world of instant Wikipedia and Google knowledge, one thing lacking is genuine wisdom. We can be a treasure trove of facts, but have little wisdom. We can be a computer genius and have an IQ of 160, but still live a life that reeks of foolishness. Wisdom is not something you get from books or even sermons. You can buy knowledge (thus, the booming market for higher education), but wisdom cannot be purchased with money. It is most often attained by paying the price for foolishness. Wisdom is something you grow through years of learning from mistakes… from reaping the fruit of both wise and unwise behavior. It can only be acquired through personal experience. How do we know if we have wisdom? We know it by the children it spawns in our life… the fruit it produces in our living. Wisdom comes from the Lord. Its discretion will protect you. Wise up! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day