Daily Stop & Thinks

Wisdom

Wisdom

Wisdom

Wisdom

Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of education. (Victor Hugo, 19th century French author)

Hugo certainly was not against education, however. He also said, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.” Formal education is important, of course, but it must include more than mere head knowledge. Practical experience, trial by error, and hands-on learning are all essential elements in developing both common sense and wisdom.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge (Proverbs 23:12).

Wisdom

The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. (William James, 19th-20th century American psychologist)

As children, we didn’t understand that there is more to life than the now. We didn’t think beyond what we might be doing at any given time. As we grew, we learned that there are many tomorrows; in fact, they will continue beyond our lifetime. Hopefully, we’ve learned the great value of contributing to those worthy causes that will last long into the future.

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life (Proverbs 9:11).

Wisdom

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. (Miles Kington, late British journalist)

This month’s thoughts are about Wisdom, the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments based on personal knowledge and experience. We’ve all known people who seemed very intelligent but weren’t able to make sense of the simplest things in life. It’s all too easy to gain lots of knowledge but not have a clear understanding of how to best use it for personal and community benefit.

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).

Truth

Change is the end result of all true learning. (Leo Buscaglia)

We live in an age of information overload. Resources are readily available to anyone, almost anywhere, on any subject. But, the Bible says, we may be “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).  Unless knowledge of truth is applied to life, there will be no change and very little, if any, learning.

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you (Psalm 86:11).

Truth

If scholarship is about wisdom as much as truth, then it is about practice as much as knowledge. (Chris Gehrz)

We assume that scholars are always seeking to find truth in their special field of study. Gehrz is suggesting that it isn’t just truth (the facts) that you should look for, but wisdom—how you apply that truth to life. Furthermore, it isn’t just learning more but putting that learning into practice—seeing life change and experiencing growth from discovering truth.

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out (Proverbs 18:15).

Truth

Truth is what is real; it describes how things really are. (Henry Cloud, self-help author)

It can sometimes be difficult to see things as they “really are.” How do we confront someone with truth that may be hard for him or her to face? Cloud suggests that truth must be joined with grace. “Truth without grace,” he says, “is just judgment, and grace without truth is just deception.” We need to blend both into our speech and behavior.

Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! (Psalm 85:10)

Truth

What makes an idea worth spreading is not its novelty or scientific intrigue, but its ability to transform. (Tim Sprankle, pastor)

Sprankle also said, “Information [by itself] does not result in transformation because information is impersonal.” Gossip, which is assumed to be information, is most often personal, but rarely intended for positive transformation. Ideas are important, of course, but we must be careful to impart truth that will help others grow and change.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

Truth

Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions. (G. K. Chesterton, 19th-20th century British apologist)

The more often we hear something that at first seems strange, the more acceptable it may become. Yet, falsehood doesn’t become truth by its repetition. Some TV commercials are repeated so often that they become commonplace to us, and no matter their validity, they may soon become acceptable to the unwitting observer. Beware!

An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies (Proverbs 12:17).

Truth

Truth without grace is just condemnation; grace without truth is mere license. (James Emery White, contemporary pastor and writer)

Confronting a family member or friend about his or her improper conduct or attitude can be a really critical moment. As White suggests, we need to approach such an encounter with both truth—facts, not rumors or preferences—and grace, a willingness to forgive and restore upon proper acknowledgement of wrongdoing and a commitment to correct past wrongs.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).