Monday Memo: Wisdom

2/14/2022

Wisdom

I was thinking...

Several years ago, I was privileged to team teach with my bride a course on the book of Proverbs. As is always the case for me, when preparing to teach I end up learning more than if I were to just be the student. I have read and re-read the book of Proverbs. I like to read it especially during the months where there are 31 days. I’ll take one proverb for each day to read, study and learn.

I ran across a recent mixture of contemporary proverbs with Solomon’s and thought I’d share them with you on this Valentine’s Monday.

Just because a person lacks the use of their eyes doesn’t mean they lack vision. (Stevie Wonder)
Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)
How far would Moses have gone if he had taken a poll in Egypt? (Harry S. Truman)
The time is always right to do what is right. (Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Genius is an infinite capacity for taking life by the scruff of the neck. (Katharine Hepburn)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. (Proverbs 3:5)
Facing it—always facing it—that’s the way to get through it. Face it. (Joseph Conrad)
Never let the fear of striking out get in your way. (Babe Ruth)
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. (Milton Berle)
When people are least sure, they are often most dogmatic. (John Kenneth Galbraith)
We must become the change we want to see. (Mahatma Gandhi)
Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Wisdom can be hard to come by. I have known some smart people who lack wisdom. I have known some extraordinarily wise people who never made it out of elementary school. What is the difference? Perhaps some of the difference is found in one’s ability to listen to life and listen for God.

May God grant us ears that not only hear but are growing in their ability to listen. “God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power; crown thine ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour…for the living of these days…lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal…serving thee whom we adore.” (The United Methodist Hymnal P. 577; Words, Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930)

Always Thinking…