In the previous blog from the ‘Everyday Wisdom’ series we saw the difference between conventional wisdom and Godly wisdom. Whether the wise are successful in the cultures’ standard of success or not, the wise in the book of Proverbs are successful at life from God’s perspective.
Success is not having the right formula, financial freedom or attending the right school or program, but being a certain kind of person. We cannot separate who we are from what we do.
According to Proverbs there are some characteristics that mark a wise person. What are those marks?
They know who is in charge
Military personnel know who to salute when they see a designated rank. One of the marks of a wise person is their heart’s posture of submission to God. A Roman centurion whose servant was paralyzed knew who to salute when he said to Jesus,
“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” Matt.8:8-9.
Jesus was amazed by this guy’s faith and submission. The wise submits to the truths of God in contrast to others who like their own way and have no use for the knowledge and wisdom of God.
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.
1 John 5:3
They continually seek truth
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…Wise men store up knowledge…and the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 1:5; 10:14; 18:15
The wise are open to truth and know they don’t have a corner on the truth. The wise are open to the truth no matter where or who it comes from. Those who think they know everything are typically not teachable. The wise know that the whole truth and nothing but the truth is found only in God.
The wise commit themselves to grow in God the rest of their lives. Their ears are always open to more truth and have a thirst for it. If you want to grow in everyday wisdom you will make God the major pursuit of your life.
They know when they’re wrong
Wow, that’s refreshing when so few today admit they’re wrong whether it’s business or personal. As hard as it may be at times we need others who tell us the truth about ourselves. These are the kind of friends we really need.
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. Proverbs 9:8-9
Like the arrogant Mr. Scrooge those who think they can “do it all by themselves” end up lonely and disconnected. The wise not only value advice, but appreciate the one who corrects them.The wise know they have not arrived or are right 100% of the time. They know that the blame game is lame.
The wise ask, “What is my part in this situation and what is God teaching me?” Be different and admit it when you’re wrong. When you do you’ll be getting wiser and your friends and loved ones will appreciate it.
