If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask
God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James
1:5
In the next two weeks, millions of people, teenagers and adults alike, will walk across stages all over the world and take in their hand a valuable piece of paper called a diploma. Some will work very hard for this piece of paper and earn many well deserved accolades. Others will barely make the grades to earn the diploma. Through the work required to earn a diploma, no doubt they have gained some wisdom. But there are all kinds of smart people around. Many have very high I.Q.s whereas some are barely more than border-line on the test scales. Intelligence cannot be confined to I.Q. tests or measured by diplomas.
Some people are street smart. I know a man who
is clothes smart. He can sniff out bargains on men's wear the way hunting dogs
find a fox. He also knows the considerable difference between quality and mere
appearance.
Another man was never known to be
much of an academician. In truth, his graduation from high school was more an
act of grace than merit. However, he is the most literate man regarding
automobile engines whom I have ever met. On that subject I am completely
uneducated while he is something of a Rhodes Scholar.
My mother was a gourmet cook. She
rarely used measuring spoons or cups. She just intuitively knew how much of
each ingredient was enough. She was food smart. Michael Jordan was court smart.
Conversely, we all have our gaps in knowledge. Will Rogers used to say,
"We are all ignorant, just about different subjects." True.
Tradition says the wisest person
on the Bible's pages was King Solomon, son of David. When he ascended to his
father's throne, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a vision and said, "Ask what I shall give to you." God appeared to Solomon with a blank check. "Ask me what I shall give to you." And what did he choose?
Wealth? Fame? What purpose would that have served? He already possessed those
things. Romance? Solomon had enough of that for a thousand lifetimes.
What did he need most to rule
effectively, to lead Israel to new heights, to construct his father's dream of
a temple and to insure the political and economic future of his nation? "Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come
in before this people," Solomon
answered the Lord, "for who
can rule this thy people, that is so great?"
He asked for wisdom, which was an
indication that he was already rather wise. And God granted his wish. In fact,
in 1 Kings there is the assertion that "King
Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And the whole
earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into
his mind.". Wisdom was not reserved
for Solomon. There is more than enough to go around. You and I can have a
share, as well. We can be intelligent, regardless of I.Q. or diplomas or any of
the other ways in which wisdom is ordinarily measured. This week we will consider
a few ways in which we (with God’s help) can equip ourselves to live
intelligently.
Scripture to Claim:Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
