Live Well, Live Wisely, Live Humbly

For some unknown reason, a science teacher who was into philosophy, instructed his students to find out who was documented as the wisest man in history. They were also informed that this paper was to be for a test grade. His students responded in a variety of ways. One wrote her answer in the form of a question: “Are you assuming that the wisest person was not a woman?” Another wrote an answer that hinted on sarcasm, if not apathy: “If there was a wisest person—which I rather doubt—it was some unknown person who understood that fame and wisdom do not go hand in hand. This person went down to the nameless dust, or perhaps still lives in obscurity.” One student dared to suggest Mr. Bean. And, I’m sure to gain points with his teacher, another student suggested the professor, himself. With respect to wisdom, Plato stated that, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” I can’t help wondering if the latter comment aptly describes the responses of these students.

But despite the disinterested effort made by the students, much has been written on the subject of wisdom. In an effort to define the word, Charles Spurgeon stated that, “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise…. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” An 18th-century poet, hymnist, and friend of John Newton, William Cowper added his own understanding by saying that, “Knowledge is proud that it knows so much; wisdom is humble that it knows no more.” Even the wise old owl has something to teach us. An English language nursery rhyme reads, “A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?”

I recently sat under the teachings from the Book of Ecclesiastes, a collection of poetic writings that are considered part of The Books of Wisdom, along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Solomon. This is not the first time I’ve been challenged from this book, and no doubt, it will not be the last! After six days of in depth study, I was left sober-minded, humbled and, hopefully, a tiny bit wiser, challenging myself with: How wise am I in the choices I make and the things I do? But then again, are we not supposed to do some introspection when we study God’s Word, asking ourselves, How am I living, how am I using my time and energy and, most importantly, how often am I studying and obeying what God has taught me in His Word?

Ecclesiastes 2:13 is an affirmation that wisdom is where our introspection must begin: “I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.” And the Book of Proverbs reminds us of the source of such wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10), and, “For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you” ( 2:6,10-11).

Throughout life we find ourselves under the authority of others, and naturally, it is normal to expect those who lead to be in the know, to be informed, to be wise. But in truth, to have one’s mind filled with information that is ultimately shared under the arm of authority does not necessarily make one wise. Rather it becomes a questionable blessing. Absolutely, knowledge and wisdom are gifts—a blessing—from God, but information wrongly acquired, and inaccurately interpreted and shared can become a nemesis rather than a blessing. Sadly, unless one is in agreement with such questionable blessings, one may face being ostracized, intimidated, harassed and even threatened. Again, wise counsel and unquestionable leadership comes from God’s Word:

“Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish plotting.

Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats”  (James 3:13-16, The Message).

Godly wisdom and God-given discernment must be at the forefront of all our decisions, actions, and thinking. And Godly wisdom must be at the forefront of all authoritative leadership in order for one to respect and honour that leadership. John Piper states that, “Our thirst for happiness is insatiable in this world, and if we do not have the wisdom to seek it in God, then we will find whatever substitutes we can in the world….Ultimate and eternal happiness that we crave is only found by wisdom. Therefore it is supremely important that we “get wisdom.”

My week under the teaching from Ecclesiastes offered much to learn and remember. Of the twelve chapters and multiple verses, for me, the words of wisdom are concluded in the following verses and act as a constant reminder to strive to “live well, live wisely, live humbly.”

“Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Therefore, stand in awe of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:7