WISE GUYS

For the wisdom of this world is
foolishness before God...
I Corinthians 3:19a

My Grandma Benbrook would sometimes say of folks she considered to be know-it-alls that they were “too big for their britches.” I was never quite sure as a very little girl what she meant when often speaking of adults like that, but when she would tell me the same thing about myself, I had a pretty good idea what she was talking about. Now I realize my view of myself including a young ego were each inflated far beyond my size or age. As we read or watch anything of today's events, hear commentators or even people interviewed, all seem to appear to be the wisest of the wise when in reality, the opposite probably is true.

This morning while clicking through various TV channels, I came across one of THOSE news channels I so rarely watch, but caught Franklin Graham's name mentioned as an upcoming person to be interviewed. I watched that interview that began with a referral to Franklin's father. Just as his father, Billy Graham, would have done, he presented the complete plan of salvation. Right in that moment, THAT news broadcast was caught in the net of the salvation story whether they wanted to hear it or not.

However, the commentator seemed to tolerate those moments so he could dig deeper with Franklin about the President. Bottom line, the commentator wanted to know what Franklin thought about all the lies the President supposedly had told since coming into office. I guess a New York paper had published a number that had been calculated by some watch service. I quickly prayed for Franklin as the interview was live, that he would be very careful, and yes, wise in his answer. He didn't disappoint me. He let the commentator know that despite such calculations, he wasn't aware of lies told by the President. He added that “we all have lied at one time or another and have regretted it.” He included himself and the commentator in that comment. Franklin was having to respond on the spot. Knowing the commentator, he probably didn't give Franklin is questions ahead of time.

We all have witnessed people who would claim to be wise. Many consider if they have some kind of advanced degree from a university or seminary, that they are automatically wise. I would choose to differ with that. I don't know how many times I have told women that there is a huge gap between wisdom and horse-sense. Horse-sense comes with living life, gaining in practical knowledge we apply to every day living. Wisdom is a different thing.

God's Word tells us something about wisdom all through the book of proverbs. However, in the Word, we see the starting place in Proverbs 9:10:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom: and the knowledge of
the holy is understanding.

This verse and 1:7 are the themes of this wonderful book. Wisdom begins with God and our relationship with him. Otherwise, our words are nothing but a lot of “hot air” that may sound good for the moment, but that aren't beneficial or meaningful in the whole scheme of life. This is why degrees don't qualify us to be people of wisdom. Wisdom from God enables us to put to practical use the knowledge we have attained. Wisdom also gives us the ability to speak and think in ways that honor God and not necessarily impress the world.

Along with our having to have a personal relationship with God to be truly wise, that wisdom is then enlarged, expanded and strengthened as we become people of God's Word. Those folks who accept Jesus as Savior, and then don't stay strengthened by God's Word usually live lives in spiritual doubt. God has never intended for it to be that way.

Most people I have known to be people of wisdom rarely know just how wise they are. I've complimented some on something where they have shown wisdom. They are surprised being thought of as wise. The wise rarely recognize for themselves their wisdom. If they do, they are wise enough to give God all the glory.

The goal is not to be the wisest person walking the earth. The goal is to love and enjoy life in a relationship with God that is growing, loving and beyond all expectations. Our world right now needs people of wisdom. We see some crazy things going on in our country philosophically, politically and spiritually. We are hearing things from leaders in our states and country we never thought we would hear. In it all, God is lost to such “wise” folks, but He isn't. He's still in charge and still speaking through His people through the wisdom He sheds abroad in their hearts.

Father, help me to act and speak with Your wisdom. Help me to listen carefully as people speak and to have Your wisdom in my responses. Keep me close to You. I don't function well without Your direction in my life. Keep me alert to Your voice and I thank You with all I am for Your unending love in my life. In Jesus' precious name....Amen