These days it seems like true wisdom is in short supply.  People often accuse one another of being ignorant and having poor judgement.  Our society idolizes youth and beauty, with actors, musicians and athletes in their 20’s getting a lot of attention and “air-time”.  These “kids” may have notoriety, but have they gone through enough life experiences to be able to share wisdom with the world?

The dictionary says that wisdom is…

• Experience and knowledge together with the power of applying them
• Prudence, common sense
• Wise sayings

To say someone has wisdom is a superb compliment.  When people apply that wisdom to problems and propose solutions, it is a great benefit to others. 

In the Bible, Solomon, son of David, became a king at the tender age of twenty years old.  God came to Solomon in a dream (1 Kings 3:5-14).  God asks “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”  Solomon replies that even though he is king, he is like “a little child who doesn’t know his way around.”  “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.”  The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.  God gave Solomon what he asked for and more.  (1 Kings 3:28) …the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given Solomon for rendering justice.  (It is too bad that Solomon didn’t exercise that wisdom when it came to women later in his life.)

Today, where can we find wisdom and how can we ourselves become wise?  Many have gone before us and they have learned much that can serve as a foundation of understanding as we face questions and look for answers, whether it is in the written word or by consulting elders. (Proverbs 19:20) Get all the advice you can, so you can be wise the rest of your life.  Looking to those who have lived their lives with integrity, we can gain valuable insights of what is right, just and fair.  (Proverbs 2) Tune your ears to wisdom and ask God to grant “a treasure of common sense.”  God will lead you to pearls of wisdom, if you search for them like hidden treasures.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who have chosen to avoid evil and find joy in doing what is right, have a wealth of knowledge to share. (Proverbs 1:8-9) My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.  Just leaders and godly educators teach and show the way to those who follow and stay on the path of the righteous.  The understanding that you gain from listening to their wisdom and the discipline you build by exercising good choices will keep you protected and safe. (Proverbs 2:7) God is a shield to those who walk with integrity.  This is what God wants for you.  Have respect and awe for our God who holds immense power over everything and all wisdom of the ultimate truth.  He is willing to lead us to wisdom as we listen and follow His instruction and great consul.  In these ways, we can have ageless wisdom as our guide so that we find more peace and joy in living.

Let God bless you and keep you. Amen.