Reflection
“But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament,
and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.”
Psalm 16:11
True wisdom is a moral quality, not necessarily a measure of intelligence. In the Bible, “wisdom” is used to translate the Hebrew word of the Old Testament meaning to be wise in thought and deed, and the Greek word of the New Testament meaning clear, or wise. The Scriptures make plain that wisdom that is based upon the Word of God is the only true wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to perceive the true nature of a matter and to implement what we discern to be what is of God in that matter. The wisdom that leads others to justice is consistent with God’s justice. It seeks to empower others to confront injustice and to spark a vision of a better world. Wisdom judges rightly between things that differ and searches out with new insight what is most likely to be consistent with a God centered life.
Prayer
Give us the vision to act wisely.
Action
Where have you encountered true wisdom? Have you been a source of wisdom for another? How can you lead many to justice?
Suggested Reading
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Proverbs 16:23
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice.
Psalm 51:6
Wisdom and deep intelligence require an honest appreciation of mystery.
Thomas Moore
Wisdom begins in wonder.
Socrates
It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.
Mahatma Gandhi
The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Real wisdom is not the knowledge of everything, but the knowledge of which things in life are necessary, which are less necessary, and which are completely unnecessary to know.
Leo Tolstoy
The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.
Rabindranath Tagore
Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom.
Walter Benjamin