Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have―get understanding.
Ø Is knowledge wisdom? Not necessarily!
Ø Is wisdom power? Yes, but it is not brute force.
Ø Is wisdom the key to long lasting happiness? Now there is a good question ... read on!

I thought that when I turned 50 I would be wise and therefore I would have it all together. I expected to be riding high with all the areas in my life running like a well oiled machine!

Now, wouldn’t that be something, if at the same time, my relationships were all rich and smooth, my weight was down and my fitness up, there was more money coming in than going out and my spiritual life was healthy.
Could it be that wisdom is a progressive journey and not a destination?

When King Solomon was asked what he most desired―he answered wisdom. Because of his wisdom, he gained great riches and became the richest man in the world in his day. Then for a while Solomon lost his way, forgot his understanding and embarked on a path of disaster. Without wisdom most mortals have the propensity to self sabotage. Did the riches and subsequent power cause him to become prideful?

Wisdom is valuable―to be desired over riches, King Solomon says much later in life. If wisdom is that valuable―why are there so few ‘wise’ people and so many foolish? Because, as Solomon says, wisdom costs―sometimes ALL you have!

Wisdom and decision making

A young student asked his teacher if he should get married and have children or if it would be best to stay single. The teacher thought for some time and answered, “Well young man―whatever you decide, you WILL be sorry.” Wisdom counts the cost. Wisdom does not always make decisions easier, but it does bring clarity which can bring more peace of mind to the decision.

Wisdom makes the right decision upon what is right and not on what is convenient. Wisdom discerns (really sees) what is going on and approaches life with this honest perspective. Wisdom overrides emotions and short term thinking. Wisdom follows a train of thinking through to the end. ‘What if’ and ‘then what’ are questions wise people ask so that they don’t chase the wind. They waste less time and energy on the things that are not good value.

Wisdom and knowing it all cannot co-exist

Wisdom is developed as we grasp the ‘truths’ that are revealed to us. We cannot be enlightened while we hold on to our current beliefs with grim determination, leaving no room for more. That’s why 15 year olds are encouraged to leave home and rule the world while they still know everything.

Wisdom brightens a man’s face and changes its hard appearance

Whilst our values tend to become stronger the older we get, the black and white approach to life gains a softer edge. We have more tolerance for those on life’s journey as we realise that the cost of wisdom is high and the blows to one’s pride are sometimes gruelling.

Wisdom cannot be hurried

Good wine, strong relationships, wealth and wisdom―there is no substitute for time. We need time to gather the stories and the perspectives that shape our thinking. Though we all have the same amount of time, we don’t all value it equally. Some people simply pass time while others pay attention to what happens in their time.

Wisdom dares to ask the hard questions

Reflection and evaluation are two disciplines rarely employed by the masses. A wise woman asks how life really works and she doesn’t try to make life fit into her preconceived mould.
She asks:
· What worked or didn’t work?
· What is the best course of action?
· Should I leave this situation or person well alone?
· What was my part and motivation in this?
· Did I act in the best interests of others?

Wisdom takes responsibility but doesn’t try to control

Wisdom asks what can be changed and what can’t or shouldn’t be changed, and to know the difference. Knowing what should happen and how to make it happen are not always grounds for stepping in. Wisdom is gained alone. No one can lift the weight of life’s lessons for another.

Wisdom and pride are enemies

I was married at 19―we are now is our 34th year. My mother-in-law is 84 and we love each other―but it wasn’t always so.

My philosophy from personal experience

If a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law don’t get on in the early years―it’s the old girl’s fault. She should be wise enough to put her ego in her pocket and allow the young wife time to stake out her territory. If, however, in later years the problem still exists―then the younger woman must solve the problem because the mother-in-law is unlikely to change. The daughter-in-law better set about winning mother-in-law over.

I didn’t much care about winning my mother-in-law over―too pride consuming! So, I simply decided to put her in her place. After much pain and frustration, I had not achieved any positive affect. Rats! I finally had to adopt my second strategy―I gave her the respect and attention she wanted and I let her be herself. She never did give me the praise and approval that I wanted as a good mother to her grandchildren. I don’t think she understood how to give it. Still, she gave me what she could, and for that I am grateful.

Who should act first? The wisest one!

Wisdom can be summed up in love. When I focus on wisdom instead of knowledge, or power or being ‘right’, I love my life and I love and enjoy others. Whilst I sometimes ignore wisdom, I am committed to its pursuit. Though it cost all I have, I continue my journey.

Article written for www.womenz.co.nz
Copyright Yvonne Godfrey August 2008