What does wisdom look and sound like?
All of us have voices, ideas, and practices which influence us in ways we may never fully appreciate. We have our favorite sources – ones we like, trust, or match our particular flavor or view of the world. Some of them are seasonal; some last a lifetime.
Of course, we also know people, books, and outlets which immediately rub us the wrong way. We might find common ground with them in one area, but their character, choices, and/or opinions close the door for us to take them – or anything they have to say – seriously.
But a desire for wisdom suggests that we long for truth beyond our own whims, understanding, or preferences. We believe that there are principles, facts, and practices that – whether we like them or not – would benefit us from learning and applying.
The problem is we have to sort through quite a bit of noise. With so many opportunities and so much information at our fingertips, why does the world around us seem more confusing than ever?
All of us would be better off with more finely tuned eyes and ears for wisdom. Yet we might just be writing off the most impactful sources out there – and with good reason.
The (Many) Sources of Wisdom
Before we go looking for it, let’s be clear on what we’re seeking. More than simply knowledge, wisdom is applied truth in our daily life. Apart from action, truth is a collection of good ideas sitting on a shelf, collecting dust. Apart from truth, action is a random guessing game, or a misguided attempt. You might stumble upon wisdom, but you’d be better off consciously knowing it and doing it.
Every human source of wisdom is flawed in one way or another. Either our understanding of truth is incorrect and incomplete, or our application of it (our action) misses the mark. For example, it may be wise to exercise. But our understanding of best practices may be limited, and/or we may be inconsistent in going to the gym and actually working out!
Looking at the world through this framework, it would stand to reason that the best sources of wisdom out there are those who score highest in truth (the value of what they’re saying) and application (how their actions align with their intentions).
The Bible offers the most complete picture of wisdom available to us. But its pages are filled with people with low marks in one or both categories. Even Solomon, who many regard as the wisest man who ever lived, made grave mistakes. (See a prime example in 1 Kings 11:4). Imagine if Solomon lived today. It wouldn’t be surprising if many wrote him off entirely. His writing may be good, and he was clearly successful financially, but we shouldn’t trust anyone who’s made a mess of their marriage(s) and spiritual life. Yet he still has prominent real estate in God’s best selling source of wisdom.
How to Cut Through All the Noise
True wisdom ultimately comes from God, most reliably through Scripture. AND we have other voices and sources available to us, offering valuable insights – if only we can attune our eyes and ears to recognize them.
Think of Scripture as our reading glasses for life. It’s not only a God-given guide through which we can learn and apply wisdom, but also a lens through which we can test other potential sources. Like an old prospector, we can use it as we pan for gold – discarding the dirt, sand, and junk along the way. In other words, “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
What sources of wisdom influence you most? What sources have you written off which might contain gold? What dirt have you unconsciously swallowed that needs to be sifted out?
As you reflect on those questions, we invite you to:
- Be Curious. There are wisdom sources out there that may invite you to affirm or challenge your preferences or current beliefs. You don’t have to agree with everything in a book or a person’s life to learn something valuable.
- Compare to Scripture. Pay attention to how everything you’re seeing and hearing matches up to the principles, values, and messages in the pages of the Bible. If you’re not already, get familiar with it!
- Pray for Discernment. Not everything/everyone is easy to read, and we will not always be able to see ourselves, the world, and true wisdom rightly. Praying for discernment invites God to redirect and amplify the limits of our own understanding.
- Seek Counsel. As you are exploring, ask and engage others around you to help you see better – especially people whose belief and maturity exceeds your own.
What we can learn through the many examples throughout history and this present moment is that wisdom does not equal infallibility. You might truly be the most enlightened person in your circle, and still you will be limited, biased, and occasionally blind. “If you desire to profit,” says Thomas à Kempis, “read with humility, simplicity, and faith, and never desire to be called learned.”
In other words, focus on true wisdom, and the rest will work itself out.
