Mensa Otabil - Wisdom's Friends
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We’re still looking at the subject of wisdom, and today we’re exploring the friends of wisdom. Wisdom’s friends and we’re examining Proverbs chapter 8, verse 12: «I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.» Wisdom doesn’t walk alone, so you can’t simply claim to be wise while exhibiting behaviors that are not wise. It’s like the old story of Anansi, who supposedly gathered all the knowledge or wisdom of the world into a pot, then decided to climb a tree to hide it. That very act of trying to conceal wisdom in a tree reveals a lack of wisdom.
When someone claims to possess wisdom, there must be accompanying traits that showcase their wisdom, and here three of them are mentioned. The first is prudence. If a person has wisdom, they will be prudent. Prudence simply means sensible or measured behavior. A wise person has control over their actions; they are sensible and measured, not just making noise without producing results. To be prudent is to manage what you have well, maintaining the ability to grow even the little you possess. Wisdom can take something small and make it significant. Why? Because wisdom is prudent and cares for what it has. It is faithful in little, so it can be faithful in much.
If we are wise people, one of the lessons we must learn is to be faithful in the little things that God gives us to do. It may be teaching a Sunday school class, doing something in church, or fulfilling tasks in your office that may seem insignificant, like sweeping or cleaning. Prudence dictates that you manage these small responsibilities well so that you can handle larger ones effectively. Therefore, prudence is a friend of wisdom.
The second friend is knowledge. Here, knowledge entails taking note of things and learning. It is not simply about accumulating facts; many believe that memorization indicates knowledge, but it is actually about paying attention and observation. Being observant means noticing when something is out of place. A knowledgeable person pays attention, takes notes, and learns. A wise person learns from their mistakes; they pay attention, draw lessons from past errors, and move forward. That is wisdom-knowledge combined with attentiveness. Don’t let mistakes merely be mistakes; let them become lessons. Knowledge helps you pay attention so you can remember and learn from your experiences.
Lastly, wisdom comes with discretion. Discretion involves making good choices. It means you may have the option or permission to do something, but you don’t abuse that permission. It’s akin to someone telling you, «Come to my house; the house is yours.» You enter and treat it carelessly, showing no discretion. Discretion involves self-control. It means you decide that although you can do something, it may not be wise to do it. For example, even if someone gives you their phone number, you might consider whether it’s appropriate to call them at that moment.Thus, wisdom demands that we have discretion, pay attention, and practice prudence. We must manage the little we have well.
If we seek to be wise, as the Bible teaches us in Proverbs chapter 8, may these behaviors accompany our wisdom. May the Lord help each of us as we strive to live more fruitful lives. Let us pray: Say with me, «Heavenly Father, I want to grow in wisdom. Help me to grow in prudence, knowledge, and discretion. In Jesus' name, amen.» So, my friends, wisdom is easy to find; it’s simple to be a wise person. Pastor Mensa Otabil, shalom, peace, and life to you.