Reading… my Bible.
…James asks: ‘Who is wise and understanding among you?’
…King Solomon was said to be the wisest man who ever lived. ‘Solomon’s wisdom was ‘greater than all the men of the East…’, but we also read that he had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines… I wonder about that wisdom.
…At Christmas we think about the ‘wise men’ who leave their homes, follow a star, and visit Jesus. I wonder what makes them ‘wise’.
Reporting… on yesterday’s latest news of war. Our TV showed pictures of destruction, devastation, death… Iran, Lebanon, Ukraine. International leaders spoke out, justifying decisions they’ve made and actions they’ve taken. There’s a difference between wisdom and power.
Relaxing… We watched ‘Ambulance’, a documentary series that follows ambulance crews across Yorkshire. We saw the challenges of delivering emergency care across geographically diverse locations. Paramedics showed compassion, patience, knowledge, skill… and wisdom as they treated each patient in an appropriate caring manner, assessed their needs, and made critical decisions.
Reflecting… people I’ve known, respected and consider to be wise:
…Teachers caring for a class of thirty very different children, expert in teaching skills, making hundreds of positive interactions with their children each day.
…Carers for those with addictions, working with understanding, patience and focus, through frustration and people at their worst.
…Christian leaders who show me faith not by talking about it but by living it with humility, consistency, humanity, integrity and ordinariness.
Recalling… a conversation yesterday. Charlie has re-written his will. Some members of his family don’t get on with each other, some have lots of money that they’re selfish with, some will do anything to get what they want. Charlie needs wisdom in doing getting it right.
Returning… to James’ original question. James concludes: ‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.’
Responding… I pray for this sort of wisdom for world leaders… ordinary people in their daily caring responsibilities… Charlie… and me.
*Solomon’s wisdom is listed in 1 Kings 4, his wives in 1 Kings 11. The wise men in the Christmas narrative is in Matthew 2. James writes about wisdom in James 3
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