Week Four, 2018
Wisdom
“… then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom ” (Job 33:33).
Our education system tends to focus the importance of knowledge, but where do we find wisdom and what we understand about this? The dictionary has these definitions about wisdom:
1. Knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life.
2. The natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand.
3. Knowledge of what is proper or reasonable: good sense or judgment
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10) What does it mean to “fear the Lord” and why is this fear the beginning of wisdom? What is “wisdom”? Who Is “the Holy One” and why is knowledge of Him “understanding”?
What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Knowledge is really about facts and ideas that we acquire through study, research, investigation, observation, or experience. Wisdom is the ability to discern and judge which aspects of that knowledge are true, right, lasting, and applicable to your life.
Wisdom is acquired by those who listen and learn from those who have traveled before, especially the elderly who often have gained wisdom through mistakes. Recently Pope Francis encouraged the younger to learn from the older saying,
“This is something very beautiful and important. The elderly are the historic memory of every community, a heritage of wisdom and faith to be heard, preserved, and valued.”
If we are young, we are encouraged to listen to the elderly and if elderly, to impart our wisdom to those who will follow behind us. A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. (Proverbs) 13:1
An unknown person once said, “To Be Old And Wise, You Must First Be Young And Stupid.”
We all, no matter what age need to seek wisdom from others, but also remembering that the greatest source of wisdom is the holy Word of God.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
A crowded Southwest flight was canceled because of a mechanical problem. A single gate agent was re-booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers.
Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, “I HAVE to be on this flight.”
The agent replied, “I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these people first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.”
The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?”
Without hesitating, the attendant smiled and grabbed her public address microphone: “May I have your attention please; may I have your attention please” she began – her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. “We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Gate 14.”
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Reflecting on the past is healthy, but dwelling on it keeps you stuck in the past. Stay positive with a focus on the future. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is a mystery and that is why today is called the present. Brg. General Dick Abel
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©2018 John Grant | Florida State Senator (Ret.) | 10025 Orange Grove Drive | Tampa, FL 33618
