Should’ve Known Better

– Ponderings:

What does it mean to be wise? In our world, wisdom is often confused with intelligence, experience, or success. But the Bible paints a richer picture. In Scripture, wisdom isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you live in relationship with God and others.

The book, Where Heaven and Earth Touch, discusses the ancient Hebrew method of teaching and learning. Questions were an important part of getting students to think. The book has a chapter devoted to wisdom and offers three answers to the question, “How do we know if we’re truly wise?” First, one who is wise learns from all people. Second, one who is wise foresees the consequences of his or her acts. Third, one who is wise lives out what he or she has learned.

I don’t know about you, but if these three things are the standards for wisdom, I don’t always qualify. I don’t always learn from all people. I sometimes make assumptions and exclude some people as having nothing to teach me. I sometimes act without thinking and, therefore, don’t foresee the consequences of my acts. Finally, there are times I fail to live out what I have learned; in other words, there are times I should have known better.

Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear (awe) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Biblical wisdom begins not in the head, but in the heart. It’s an awareness that God is God, and we aren’t. This “fear” isn’t dread; it’s awe. It’s the posture of someone who recognizes the limits of human understanding and trusts the One who sees the whole picture.

James writes, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). Wisdom is shown in how we live and treat others. A wise person isn’t just smart; they’re kind, peace-loving, giving, and considerate of others.

Solomon famously asked God for wisdom instead of riches or power, and God was pleased and answered his prayer. James encourages us to follow Solomon’s example: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). God doesn’t withhold wisdom from those who sincerely seek it. But it often comes slowly, through daily faithfulness, prayer, and listening. The thing is, God’s wisdom, based on sacrificial love, humility, mercy, and trust in a greater plan, can often look like foolishness to the world.

So, how do we become wise? We start with reverence. We walk in humility. We seek God’s counsel and wait patiently. We let Christ shape our values and our vision. In a world overflowing with information but starving for wisdom, may we be people who listen before speaking, love before judging, and trust the Lord more than our own understanding.

Did you know that Federal Express began as a college business term paper focusing on the need for a new system for urgent deliveries? Frederick Smith didn’t get a good grade because the professor didn’t think much of the idea. Two years later, in 1973, Smith turned his paper into a reality. In 1983, FedEx earned a billion dollars in revenue. By 1988, it was the largest full-service cargo airline in the world. Smith’s estimated personal net worth is over $5 billion. It’s a story of someone who refused to allow the negative impression someone else had of him and his dream stop him from doing what he felt could be done. I can learn something from Smith’s story when thinking about my faith. Others may not understand and may think me foolish, but I have a dream of an abundant life … with God as my center.

Are you walking the slow, sacred road to wisdom? And pondering the greatness of God and his immeasurable love for you along the way?

Prayer: Lord, you are the source of true wisdom. Teach me to live in awe of you, to listen for your voice, and to seek your will above my own. Give me the humility to learn, the patience to grow, and the courage to live wisely. May my life be marked by kindness, integrity, and peace. And when I don’t understand, remind me to ask you. Make me wise, not for my glory, but for yours. Amen.