What Does Wisdom Look Like?

This morning I started reading 2 Chronicles. King David has died and his son Solomon has become king. God says to Solomon, ‘What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!’

Solomon replies: ‘…you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly…’

What does wisdom look like?

Yesterday, with friends at ‘Fairhaven’, Norfolk, we walked along woodland paths, enjoying spring flowers and trees. We sat in a bird hide, looking out over South Walsham Broad.

We saw a few birds – nothing unusual. Hearing an unfamiliar sound we looked up. A large grey heron was on a nest, alongside two baby herons, at the top of a tall tree.

My wisdom says that big, long-legged birds should nest at ground-level. Nature’s wisdom says otherwise!

Last night I learnt about Paul Innocent, from Sheringham. In 2023, Paul contracted an incurable disease that has left him blind, but he continued to pursue his passion for golf. Last summer in Scotland he won the British Blind Open Tournament.

The local news, showed Paul, alongside his guide, caddie and coach Rob Linge, returning from winning a Blind Golf Association’s tournament in Georgia, US.

My wisdom says that Paul’s blindness should prevent him from playing golf. Paul’s wisdom – and determination – says otherwise.

On Sunday Minister-Lou preached on Exodus 13. Israel, led by Moses, has come out of slavery in Egypt to travel to their Promised Land…

‘God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land… So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.’

Their wilderness wanderings last for forty years.

My wisdom says that their protector God would lead them safely, by the most direct route. God’s wisdom says otherwise.

Today… I pray for the humility and patience to seek the wisdom that’s different from, greater than, my wisdom.

Bible quotes are from the New Living Translation