But, Are We Wise?

Fifteen years ago, I was visiting with my best friend’s seven-year-old granddaughter. She was an unusually bright and gifted little girl.  I said to her, “You are a very smart girl. But, as you grow up, you also need to be wise. Do you know the difference between being smart and being wise?” “Oh yes,” she replied.  “Being smart is knowing that 2+2 equals 4.  Being wise means doing the right thing.”  I thought she nailed it, especially for a seven-year-old. 

 Over the years I watched her grow into an intelligent and beautiful young woman.  Last week she graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in neuroscience with honors.  She was accepted into Southwest Medical school to continue her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.  With her discipline and intelligence, she has continued to practice wisdom, choosing to do “the right thing.”  She is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.  Her grandfather will turn 90 this summer on July 4. The entire nation is preparing parades and fireworks to celebrate.

 We continue to advance in knowledge, technology and science, but wisdom seems to be in short supply.  Many, young and old, are struggling through life seeking entertainment, recognition and success but failing to practice the wisdom that chooses the “right thing.”   Artificial Intelligence promises to provide a wealth of information and assistance, but can it make you wise? After all, you are the human being.  Only you can make the choices that lead to faith, fulfillment and love.

 During this presidential election year we need wisdom.  No president in our history demonstrated more wisdom than Abraham Lincoln.  At the end of 1863 he faced decisions that could enhance his chances for reelection, but might not be in the best interest of the country.  Lincoln said, “I have never done an official act with a view to my own personal aggrandizement, and I don’t like to begin now.”  Wisdom always rises above self-interest.

 King Solomon, who was noted for his wisdom, opened his book of Proverbs with these words: “To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice, and integrity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion.  A wise person will hear and increase in learning, And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,” (Proverbs:1:2-5).

 In his second chapter, the wise King wrote, “My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding.  For if you cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding;  if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He stores up sound wisdom for the upright,” (Proverbs 2:1-7).

 James promised, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given him,” (James 1:5).