Imagine for a moment that you’re hunting for treasure. Years ago, I was that eager treasure seeker, sprinting after every nugget of knowledge like a hound chasing a hare. I gathered facts, figures, and the latest trends, believing they would pile up to create a fulfilling life. But as life unfolded quietly around me, I realized something vital was missing. Knowledge, while important, can fade away in a blink. Wisdom, however, is the treasure that endures.
Cultivating wisdom is akin to a slow, deliberate stroll through a beautiful forest rather than a mad dash for shiny objects. It invites you to linger with questions that challenge your comfort, rather than just accepting easy answers. When pastoring in the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii, balancing drywall and sermons, I often leaned on quick facts to make it through the day. Yet during those long, contemplative nights wrestling with my doubts—praying, reflecting, seeking—I discovered something profound. True wisdom didn’t come from knowing more; it blossomed from understanding on a deeper level.
A powerful nugget of truth in Proverbs 4:7 resonates with me: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” It’s not about hoarding data like a dragon with its gold; it’s about refining how you view the world through the lens of truth and grace. Information may have told me my father was weak, but wisdom revealed his quiet strength. Where information added layers to my anxiety, wisdom became the anchor for my faith.
So, how do we actively cultivate wisdom in our daily lives? It can be as simple as pausing to reflect before reacting or seeking diverse perspectives that challenge our own. We can engage in meaningful conversations, read deeply, and ask thoughtful questions. Wisdom helps us navigate the intricate web of decisions we face and remarkably shapes our relationships. Where mere information might lead to judgments or hasty choices, wisdom encourages us to connect, empathize, and respond in ways that foster growth and understanding.
So, let’s stand firm in this pursuit together. Ditch the urge to be right constantly and instead embrace the courage to evolve. Over time, you may find that your perspective shifts—not because you’ve amassed a collection of facts, but because you’ve grown wiser with every experience. And that, my friend, is the mark of a life truly well-lived. Wouldn’t you agree?

2 responses to “THE WOE OF WORDS AND WONDER OF WISDOM”
well done, my wise and few friends have provided protection and guidance
LikeLike
Someone once said, “A true friend comes in when the others go out.”
LikeLike