Introduction
Wisdom in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that often aligns with several key principles. I have been fascinated by the concept of wisdom from a young age. I remember well from Sunday School and from Boys Life magazine the story of King Solomon.
Here is the story of Solomon asking for wisdom from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:
1 Kings 3:5-14 (KJV)**
5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
This passage captures Solomon’s humble request for wisdom and God’s generous response. So let us begin this exploration of wisdom with humility.
Humility
Recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge and being open to learning from others.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2**
”Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Paradoxically Ibhave also had a life long struggle with humility. My family would often repeat this observation. “Geoffey is very talented and smart. He just has no humility.” I never thought of myself as a braggart. Yet I suppose in dicernable ways to others I was happy to glow in the praise of others for my talents. Over the years as I recognized this as a weakness of character I did my best to address the issue. Notice the pride that still remains in that sentence! Avout30 years ago I did a retreat with my spiritual director to focus on the issue. At the end I wrote a prayer song to congretize what I was attempting to learn.
Lord Jesus give me grace to be
So filled with your humility
That other souls I’ll come to see
more precious than my own to be
When I come face to face with hate
When anger cries and fears denpbate
When hurt rejects and chaos reigns
Let me bring love into the pain
May I forgive as you have me
May your light shine for all to see
As all the gifts that I recieve
Are shared to give my thanks to thee
And most of all I pray your grace
That when I meet you face to face
That in my eyes you to may see
Your love in my humility
Is it possible to say I may have made some progress? Singing is one of my talents. I have gained some perspective regarding this talent and humility. The concept of throwness has helped. Yes Ihave had lots of training. However, I was born with this ability. Currently whenever I go to church (especially where I am not well known) at least one if not several people will find an opportunity to tell my how much they enjoyed listening to me sing. I respond by saying “I was born with this voice. The Lord blessed me with it. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” I hope this is a more humble way to respond.
Likewise I often have an opportunity to praise others for their talents. For example I will say to a car mechanic something like “I don’t know how you do that. When it comes to cars I’m like George Carlin who said “If you see me under the hood Im looking for the reset button!”
Patience
Understanding that wisdom often comes with time and experience, and not rushing to judgment or action.
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Proverbs 14:29**
I don’t believe I am the only one who prays, “Lord I want patience right now!” Yet I have come to lean on another verse. “All things work together for good for those who trust in the Lord.” Romans 8:28
Some people are better in living in the present. It takes practice. There is much talk these days of Mindfulness. It boils down to an effort to pay attention to what is present in the present. It encourages us to pay attention to ourselves our very breath.
Patience is linked directly to faith because it helps us trust that God is in charge. We don’t have to, and should not try to, make things happen. Indeed this is wisdom.
Compassion
Considering the well-being of others and acting with kindness and empathy.
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8**
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reware.”
We might also add the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This too is connected to faith. We trust that our kindness makes the world a better place for everyone.
I’m a big fan of both “Random Kindness” and “Pay It Forward.” I find that when I participate in such acts it, “Makes my day as well as for the person whom I gift even a small kindness.
One of my hobbies is Origami. I have even created a diamond ring out of a dollar bill.
The smiles I get when a waitress receives one as part of her tip makes my day.
Jimmy Carter has been the best ex-president ever! This has mostly been due to his kind efforts for the poor. I imagine his Suday School class also appreciated his wisdom.
Discernment
The ability to see things clearly and make sound judgments based on a deep understanding of the situation.
Discernment
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:14
Discernment seems to me the most obvious attribute of wisdom. As a pastor of a small city parish near an interstate highway I was frequently challenged to discern the validity of claims for assistance. Most people these days are confronted by similar decisions at various intersections. We wonder “Is this person really in need? Or “Is this their chosen profession of panhandling that is more profitable than minimum wage?”
My current strategy is a combination of prayer and gut feeling. I can only hope my discernment is wise.
Integrity
Acting in accordance with moral and ethical principles, even when it is difficult.
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40
The four central moral imperatives are said to be Truth, Beauty, Goodness and Love. We could make a longer list. However, these make a good beginning. Jordon Peterson has one in his rules for life. “Tell the truth or at least don’t lie.” He explains that while the truth may be illusive we clearly know a lie. Wisdom knows the tuprue path forward can not bring success when we leave it behind.
Likewise our faith tells us that even if love leads to a cross the ultimate end lies in resurrection. My Bishop recently shared the underlying meaning if the word Good in Good News. He told us in the Greek the word is the same word for Victory in Battle. Goodness triumps over evil. The wise person understands.
Only a fool believes ugly art is wise. This doesn’t mean there can not be depictions of war and destruction with a certain aspect of beauty.. For example in famous paintings like Guernica by Pablo Picasso. Probably Picasso’s most famous work, Guernica is certainly his most powerful political statement, painted as an immediate reaction to the Nazi’s devastating casual bombing practice on the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.
Ethics refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues. We are unwise to deviate from these standards. Common wisesom reminds us that what goes around comes around.
Balance
Seeking a harmonious approach that considers multiple perspectives and avoids extremes.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
When I was a Recreation Major in college a required class was Stunts and Tumbling. We were in the same class as Physical Education majors. We were graded by achieving point for each required stunt. I had much difficulty doing a hand stand. The professor said to me “It is easy to do it right.” However, I realized what he meant was “It is easy when you do it right!” Blance, not strength was the key.
So it is with life in general. Force will only go so far. It must be balanced with cooperation and other virtues. The wise person knows when to speak and when to be silent; when to resist and when to accept, when to celebrate and when to accept defeat.
Gratitude
Recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, which fosters a wise and balanced outlook.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude is the greatest strategy for moving forward through the difficulties of life. My late wife, Lily, became seriously and chronically ill before the end of our first year of marriage. For a long time we suffered asking the “Why?” question. There is no good answer. Because. Why not. Etc. Were inadequate, even painful answers. The better question is How? How do we now live? The best answer is With Gratitude. Other answers like Regret or Bitterness are, shall we say, unwise.
As I mentioned above Romans 8:38 has been a great aid to me. Trustkmg and seeing how all things work together for good has worked for me. Inspite of being given a prognosis of only 3 years we shared 39 years of adventures together.
After receiving this prognosis and advised she should stay close to ho e and conserve her energy we did the opposite. We bought a canoe and paddled every nearby river and lake.
We traveled to the Holy Land and walked where Jesus walked. We took up Healing ministry and helped other suffering people. We celebrated every chance we could.
Self-Awareness
Understanding one’s emotions, motivations, and biases, and how they influence decision-making.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
It is clearly unwise to go through life without coming to understand the unconcious impulses, archetypes, stories, and unresolved conflicts that direct our behavior. One of the self-help books of the 60s was helpful to me. I don’t remember which one. Perhaps it was What Do You think Say After You Say Hello? It suggested we examine the favorite childhood story that characterized your life. For me it is The Little Engine that Could.
When the big engines are unable to take the circus train over the hill it is the Little Engine that accomplishes the task. Upon reflection I realized I would often attempt unlikely or at least unreasonable goals. Yes, saying “I think I can!” helped me achieve many other goals. I am an Eagle Scout. Yet, I have also tried to help the circus when it was either impossible or foolish to try!
Conclusion
These principles help guide wise behavior and decision-making in various aspects of life. Wisdom might suggest there are more, perhaps many other helpfules. principles related to wisdom. There are, after all, many unknown unknowns out there in the world and inside our psyches. As the Oracle of Delphi recognized the wisdom of Socrates as the greatest because he knew he knew nothing! I hope this post has encouraged your pursuit of wisdom.
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