Wisdom and understanding

Dear friend

As a child I remember seeing the films based on the tales of the Arabian Nights; The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and perhaps my favourite, Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp. We would often speculate about how we would use our three wishes. "All the money in the world" was a popular starter. "As many wishes as I want" was a bit smarter.

King Solomon was asked what gift ("wish") he wanted from God. He chose wisdom (which to us same children seemed pretty boring). However, for the most part it was an inspired choice by the third King of Israel. Many of the Proverbs are thought to originate from Solomon. And many of the Proverbs are about the topic of wisdom. Such an one is found in the Old Testament, Proverbs 2:10, 11.

10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

There seems to be something serene about wisdom. It is never boastful, ostentatious or flaunted. It is also never demeaning, overpowering or forced. Part of the wisdom of wisdom seems to be it's gentle assurance and peaceful self-confidence. People in the company of a wise person shouldn't feel intimidated, despite the different endowment of light and truth.

Having a heart embellished with wisdom and a soul delighted by understanding is surely a state to be desired. It is not about seeking superiority, after all, that would be unwise. It is not about intellectual prowess; the test of this life is not passed by sitting an exam. It is about personal development, especially spiritual development.

I think it is connected to receiving the inner peace that Christ offers. As we correctly apply the knowledge with which we have been blessed, we demonstrate meek wisdom.

I hope that through being wise we will exhibit the understated trait of discretion. I pray that through knowledge we will benefit from understanding that keeps us stable, safe and spiritually secure.

Karl.