Daily Stop & Thinks

Wisdom

The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important. (Inspiration Line)

We rightfully respect the wisdom of years. We have high regard for those who have lived long and fulfilling lives. We often grieve, however, at wasted lives, and mourn the early death of young men and women who seem to have so much to offer. So, it isn’t the length of life that matters so much; it’s what you do with the time you’re given.

Walk in wisdom . . .  making the best use of [your] time (Colossians 4:5).

Wisdom

The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values. (William Ralph Inge, 19th-20th century Anglican professor)

There are many ways to teach and many theories of education. We say that the teacher hasn’t taught unless the student has learned. But the important question is what has he learned? The student who has merely gained some facts is not yet well educated. Along with knowledge, wisdom and discernment must be achieved, resulting in the learning of principles and ethics.

These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance (Proverbs 1:4-5).

Wisdom

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. (Goethe, 18th-19th century German writer)

Knowledge is important; you won’t get far without knowing something. Willingness, even eagerness is good; without them you won’t go far, either. But knowledge is worthless if it is not put to use. Wisdom is the good use of knowledge. Likewise, it takes more than a willing attitude to accomplish anything worthwhile. As Nike puts it, “Just do it.”

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).

Wisdom

God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it’s ME. (Inspiration Line)

This interesting twist to a familiar saying is really challenging! Most often we cannot change others; we have to accept them as they are and recognize the truth that change, most of the time, has to begin with us, with me. What a difference it would make if we were to recognize this truth and work hard at the changes we need to make in ourselves!

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone (Romans 12:18).

Wisdom

An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight… The truly wise person is color-blind. (Albert Schweitzer, late Nobel Peace Prize winner)

This statement may be over-simplified, but it does often reflect the attitude of some people. The pessimist sees nothing positive; the optimist refuses to see anything negative. In reality, we shouldn’t be strictly “color-blind,” or we’ll miss the danger signals of red and the fresh opportunities of green. We should view life with the wisdom gained from learning and experience.

A discerning man keeps wisdom in view (Proverbs 17:24).

Wisdom

The breadth of your library will enhance the depth of your life. (Rev. Jim  Brown, pastor)

With the advent of television, e-mail, and social media, the skill of reading may be a lost art in the 21^st century. Perhaps the advent of e-readers will revive the habit of reading books. Let’s hope so, because the wisdom of the world and the understanding of culture and tradition hidden in books will be lost if we don’t continue reading the great literature.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it (2 Timothy 3:14).

Wisdom

Since changes are going on anyway, the great thing is to learn enough about them so that we will be able to lay hold of them and turn them in the direction of our desires. (John Dewey, 19th-20th century educational reformer)

Change seems to be one of the few constants in life. Dewey suggests, “Conditions and events are neither to be fled from nor passively acquiesced in; they are to be utilized and directed.” We should not fear change, but we dare not ignore it either. The challenge is to approach change with a view to using it to our best advantage.  

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it (Ecclesiastes 7:12).

Wisdom

Sign on a maintenance shop door: “We can repair anything. Please knock hard on the door, the bell doesn’t work.”

We laugh at such a puzzle. But we are sometimes guilty of doing the same thing in life, aren’t we? We speak in generalities, which may be accepted but quite often are not true, and we don’t expect anyone to challenge our statements. It would be wiser not to make broad boasts, to be careful with ideas we share, and to offer our services with humility.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

Wisdom

We teach what we know, we reproduce what we are. (Winston Churchill)

Too often, teaching is merely the transferring of information. Was Churchill saying that there’s something more to learning than just remembering the facts? The goal of education ought to include gaining wisdom and understanding, and it must equip students for life. The teacher who is a person of character and integrity will pour his life into his students.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (James 3:13).

Wisdom

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late U.S. first lady)

Experience is a teacher without parallel. We can learn from books, classes, hard study, and research, but what we experience personally, we remember with clarity. And if we value the events of our life, we can profit immensely, discarding what is worthless and clinging to what is beneficial.

I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom; … I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” (Ecclesiastes 1:16)

Wisdom

To speak simply, you must think deeply. (A. E. Wilder-Smith, 20th century British chemist)

Another scientist, Albert Einstein, said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” In a world as technically complex as ours, these are ideas that become increasingly important. Truths that are to be learned and applied by the average person must be thought through carefully and deeply so they can be explained and understood simply.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

Wisdom

I’m more interested in what I discover than what I invent. (Paul Simon, singer, songwriter)

Simon’s comment suggests something about the personality of creative people. Certainly, they are proud of what they produce, whether it’s music, art, or a device of some kind. They seem to recognize, however, that there is a lot more to learn, to discover, and build upon. Pride in one’s work is one thing; humility to recognize there is still more to discover is another.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

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