Arizona State University, like all universities, is a great factory of knowledge. Some knowledge is manufactured in the classroom, some in the labs, and much is produced even in the dorms and around the tables in various eateries and Starbucks on campus. The library is a storehouse of great knowledge as are professors, staff, and students themselves.
I am a big believer in education and the gaining of more knowledge. This is an excellent vocation in itself for followers of Jesus. Yet, we cannot confuse knowledge with wisdom. The Bible, for example, while containing much in the way of knowledge is better suited for wisdom.
An entire section of the Old Testament contains what many label “Wisdom Literature”. These would be the books of Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (aka Song of Songs), and, for our Roman siblings, Wisdom of Solomon, and Ecclesiasticus. Books like Proverbs simply have wise sayings for living. A book like Job, on the other hand, shows a wisdom that must be lived out though concrete experience and genuine relationships with others.
Jesus uses wisdom in teaching. Many would say the Beatitudes are biblical wisdom for living. Parables are a form of wisdom using images of every day first century life. Note Jesus doesn’t say something like, “Thus says the Lord” in such words and passing along of wisdom, but instead appeals to reason, logic, experience, and nature.
Who is the wisest person you have known? Quite possibly it is not the most educated person you know. For me it was my paternal grandfather. I am not sure he even graduated from high school. However he was very well read and tested his reading in life. He knew education was not wisdom. Conversely he knew lack of education was not wisdom, either.
My grandfather knew wisdom is a relational category that has knowledge and learning as well as the love to know what to do with these things. I am guessing those whom you see as those who are wise have a similar understanding and expression of wisdom. I am guessing they were someone who exhibited much of the wisdom through caring and love.
I am not sure I am a wise person. What gives me hope is that I have begun to understand that the more I learn, the more I realize how much I do not know. Such an awareness, hopefully, is the beginning of true wisdom.
God wants us to learn. God values and supports education. Jesus, after all, was often called “Rabbi” or “Teacher”. Education, however, is not restricted to the classroom, school, or laboratory. It can come in conversation, listening, dialog, walking down a city street or through a quiet forest or meadow. Wisdom can be found in sunsets, experiences, and suffering. Wisdom is found in relationships. It is discovered in how we use our knowledge and improve our knowledge as we engage with one another. Wisdom comes best when knowledge is tested and put to use in our lives.
One of the best examples of this I have seen is during the Jr. High years. Yes, you read me correctly, I said Junior High, as in 12-14 years old or so. When we think of these years often we think of being lost and of being rebellious. Yet it seems what adolescents tend to do most is take what they have been taught at home and test it. They both go against those childhood teachings and with them. Eventually they come out on the other side that is called high school. They are different now. They are a blend of what they had always been taught, spiced with a bit of their own person and own thoughts. Wisdom, hopefully, had begun to come to them.
In some ways we are all adolescents. We are a bit confused, somewhat rebellious, yet hang on to some old ways and teachings. Somehow for us wisdom continues to break through over a life time. Perhaps true human wisdom is hanging in there with a willingness to grow in both knowledge and wisdom. Perhaps wisdom’s chief partner in the process is humility. …we are not nearly as smart or knowledgeable as we too often think we are. This is why I frequently share this quote. I do not know where I first heard it, but am sure it does not originate with me: “People do not care what you know, until you care.” That, it seems to me is wisdom at its core and at its finest!