when you learn, teach. When you get, give.

What have we learned and what did we get?

On this life’s journey, there are few treasures as precious as wisdom. For us, it’s the lessons learned through experiences on the path less traveled. It’s the quest in the woods where the way is not yet obvious, there are no maps, we were ill prepared, but never alone. This blog is a testament to our journey; the lessons learned along the way. Maya Angelou said, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” So we are doing just that, we learned a few things, and we will teach what we know.

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7.

Ah, Maya. She was known as a beacon of wisdom herself. Many of her words had this uncanny ability to cut through the noise of the world and speak directly to the soul. And that’s the thing about wisdom, it’s not just about knowing things; it’s about understanding them on a deeper level, seeing the patterns in the chaos, finding meaning in the mundane. And then knowing how and when to apply it.

Is wisdom the same as being smart?

I’ve collected a fair share of degrees and certificates over the years. They’re nice, they look impressive hanging on the wall or on LinkedIn, but they pale in comparison to the wealth of wisdom I’ve gathered along the way. Perhaps I should rephrase that, I sought wisdom. The same way you would seek out the lost diamond earring in a stalk of hay. Degrees might open some doors, but it’s wisdom that lights our life’s path. We all have some level of education, what causes us to stand out? How do we know what to keep and what to let go?

You see, wisdom isn’t something you can just pick up at the store or earn with a fancy piece of paper. It’s cultivated through experience, through trial and error, through the countless ups and downs of life. It’s not always easy. I often contend with James 1:5, it says, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. I have asked, and I have sought through books, blogs, podcast everything you can think of, but it was only given to me by God after the experiences, major sacrifices, lessons learned the hard way, moments of doubt and uncertainty.

Why is wisdom the principal thing?

But was it worth it? Absolutely. Because here’s the thing about wisdom: it’s not just about making better decisions or avoiding mistakes (although it certainly helps with that). It’s about finding joy in the simplest of moments, appreciating the beauty in the mundane, cherishing the love of family even when they drive you up the wall and forgiving those who do you wrong. Without wisdom, I would not be able to do these especially the latter. And understanding the One who made it all possible. We are nothing, we deserve nothing, so whenever or wherever we are blessed, be grateful.

Do you we have a worldly wisdom or wisdom from above?

Wisdom is not just a thing, but a person

As persons of faith, we often run to the Proverbs seeking wise words from the wisest person ever lived, that’s Solomon, right? Solomon was the wisest up until his time. I know this because I have studied the Proverbs over and over, and I see for myself that though there are some truths, they do not always apply to everyone or in all circumstances. Also, remember that although Solomon was called the wisest, he was pulled away and served other gods. 1 Kings 11. Not so wise. He did make it back to God in the end to say, “Worship God and keep God’s commandments because this is what everyone must do.God will definitely bring every deed to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14.

However, there is One who was wiser than him. He was wisdom and truth wrapped up in a person. His name is Jesus. If you truly desire wisdom, heed his words and do them. When we not only hear, but do the word, we have gained the principal thing. Now, whenever we read and study the Proverbs, we do so through the lens of Jesus.