Word for Wednesday
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. Proverbs 1:5
There are few times or situations in life when wisdom does not come in handy. The writer of the book is making the link between wisdom and knowledge: the wise man is one who knows to continue learning, the one who knows when to ask for advice. In other words, the wise man knows when he doesn’t know what he needs to know.
We all know experts in various fields, people who seem to know everything there is to know about a particular topic or area of expertise. But there are some areas where nobody knows everything about the subject, in particular, the Scriptures. The greatest of Bible students freely admit their ignorance, their inability to grasp any more than a few faint surface-scratchings of the Word of God.
Our text tells us that God puts a premium, not on how much we know, but how much we are willing to learn. Do you know all there is to learn about the Assembly, or about baptizm, or about how to live as a victorious Christian? I don’t think so! And you don’t either. But are you willing to listen to others who know a bit about the subject at hand? If you are wise, you will keep trying to learn.
When advice is needed, there is no shortage of sidewalk superintendents. Everybody has an opinion, but wisdom in such situations consists, not necessarily in knowing the right answer, but in knowing who to ask for advice.
Who do you ask for advice? Some obvious choices are the Lord’s servants, or the elders in your Assembly. But don’t forget about the elderly brother or sister who has had experience in the trenches. If you are wise, you will know whether to ask for advice, and who to ask.
Remember, knowledge goes in at the ears, not the mouth. Wisdom begins at the heart, and moves from there to the brain. -Jim MacIntosh