SHADES OF WISDOM

A wise man (person) will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5).

The book of Proverbs was written for the young and the naive (1:4) to give them wise counsel and to help them develop the skill of discernment and discretion. 

The most-used term as a definition for the wise in the book of Proverbs is skillful.  How does one develop skills?  By learning from a teacher, which, in its self,  is often tedious and hard work.  It has been said that there is no teaching, only learning, so the fool will not put in the effort to learn and develop the skills that are needed to succeed.  The wise of the book of Proverbs are those who are skilled in honest occupations from those who labor with their hands to those who are skilled at teaching and counseling and laboring with their minds.  Those who are skilled in dishonesty are the worst kind of fools.  Unfortunately, there are way too many of the skilled dishonest, so it is important to develop the skill of discernment so that one doesn't become their victim.  It must be added that this kind of wisdom includes women as well: "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands" (14:1).  Women can be just as skillful as men and just as destructive and depraved as men too.

A second word for the wise in the book of Proverbs is one who considers carefully: "A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding (is wise) than a hundred blows into a fool" (17:10).  As well: "He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father" (28:7).  Many people are driven by their emotions.  They do not stop to think and take time to consider all the issues involved.  Our genetics and family systems do play a role in our ability to think critically, but they are not determiners.  The ability to think critically can be developed if one is willing to learn!

A third word for the wise in Proverbs has to do with substance: "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous . . . (2:7).  The word is in the feminine gender so that it means the opposite of girls gone wild, but rather girls gone wise.  This kind of wisdom is not the kind of popular culture based on the breezes of popularity, but the kind of understanding that has stood the test of time. It has substance. It is true, not trendy!

Finally, the last word for the wise in Proverbs is sakal.  There is overlap as to how these words are used, but what makes this word different is that it is active. a sakal person is one who acts circumspectly, prudently and wisely so that others may see and learn.  Sakal is used five times in the book of Proverbs and wise action seems to be the consistent thread in its use: "A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully . . . " (17:2).  Some will never learn from an other's example, nevertheless, we should live lives of wisdom to inspire others.

Our Father's Love,
Tom