Wisdom Gives Us True Peace
Who would you consider to be the wisest person you know? Keep in mind that there are smart people, and there are wise people. Wisdom is a virtue, and it gives us the ability to make sound judgments based on experience, knowledge and common sense. We can all gather and gain wisdom, but wisdom cannot be taught. We discover it for ourselves; usually, after a journey through difficult times, which no one can spare us from because we make it alone. Actually, wisdom develops by reflecting kindly on the lessons gained from each experience in our lives.
Knowledge can be collected over time through study of the Scriptures. The Book of Wisdom in Sacred Scripture was written about 50 years before the coming of Christ. The author is unknown, but was probably a member of the Jewish community at Alexandria, in Egypt. His teachings are spoken in the person of Solomon, the wise king of Hebrew tradition, at a time of great suffering and oppression.
Wisdom and knowledge are nurtured together, and the book of Proverbs may be the best book in the bible to study when you are seeking biblical wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7 “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”– Proverbs 18:15 Wisdom is what God blesses us with so that we may glorify Him with the knowledge we have of Him. It is a gift for discerning what is right and lasting. Wisdom gives us true peace.
I would have to say my brother Jon is the wisest person I have ever known. He lived like St. Francis – loving and kind to all people – and he enjoyed the outdoors and nature. He was strong like St. Peter; the “Rock” when it came to suffering and leading others to Jesus. Jon was diagnosed with Stage IV liver cancer in November 2014. His witness, given this prognosis, revealed wisdom that can only be achieved by faith in a merciful God. Jon’s pain and suffering ended on April 22, 2015.
He was only 56 years old, and was looking forward to enjoying life with his wife of 35 years and four grandchildren – with a set of twins born in April and another baby due in July. He was my best friend. He was very humorous, honest and also very humble. The way he lived and completed his life prove that there is a difference between being a smart person and a wise man.
The legacy he left to his family and friends, people of all walks of life, was one of strong faith. He told me he did not look at this process as dying because he believed in eternal life. He perceived the months remaining in his life as an opportunity to comfort those who loved him – with the knowledge that God was with him in his final journey home.
Only a very wise person would find purpose in managing to “live” with a terminal illness. I am so blessed to have enjoyed life with Jon as my brother. I thanked him for helping us see God’s mercy in his suffering. His comment, “I am happy to bring people to Jesus, but I do wish there was another way!”
As you reflect on a person you feel exhibits great wisdom, also ponder your own purpose in life. What is God calling you to do today? How are you sharing your faith and trust in God with others?
In the midst of joy and sorrow, good times or bad, we are all called to witness God’s love. Throughout the New Testament Jesus reminds us that we are to “die to self,” take up our cross and follow Him. It is a lifelong process.
Desiring God is true wisdom. Amen!
