Public Wisdom

For Thursday, January 12, 2006
Proverbs 14:33

Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding,
but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

The person of understanding possesses wisdom in his heart. He is wise because he is understanding of truth, of the ways of others, and most of all of God. To understand - to have the ability to listen and observe well so as to discern truth - that is the way and the source of wisdom. A person of understanding does not have to take courses to learn wisdom; he does not have to search for it; rather, wisdom already abides in him.

But wisdom is of such magnitude and possesses such fortitude that it makes itself recognized even in the midst of fools. It rises above foolishness, so that even the fools see the wisdom of others, even though they may reject it for themselves. Wisdom may rest in the heart of the person of understanding, but it is not hidden. It cannot but be manifested in the possessor's conduct.

And so the Word of God shines in its wisdom and acknowledged even by those who reject its Author. So Christ is honored by those who do not recognize who he is. And even we may be respected, if in truth, we walk by wisdom.