Wisdom, family and friendship

Choices: do not fear

‘How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” (Proverbs 16:16)

When it comes to wisdom, friendship and family, do we share ours with them or do we keep it to ourselves?

I think — without knowing it — I have always sought wisdom. Certainly I’ve never sought “gold”, though I’ve been blessed to have had a relatively prosperous level of existence. One might say to me, “It’s easy not to have gone after money, you’ve never been hungry.” And there may be truth in that, but even when I tried to live a bohemian lifestyle after university, I still ended up earning and prospering. But I digress… Because this post is not about money or an exchange of money (or other priorities) for wisdom. This is simply about wisdom and its value not to be taken for granted when we have it. Sometimes we need to share it…. that little truth can bring unto us a burden.

Wisdom, friendship and family

What do we do when we see others lacking in wisdom? Do we speak or remain silent?

I’ve recognised that I have been gifted with a lot of wisdom. Sadly, I’ve shared relatively little of it because I haven’t realised — until now — that most people don’t want to hear from me, probably because they know I’ll speak on a plain they don’t wish to join. Perhaps they are in denial or perhaps they simply disagree. Or perhaps it’s a combination, a sort of — ‘we don’t want to ask Sarah because she’ll tell us what we don’t want to hear.’ 

Sadly, I think people don’t want to hear the truth, even when they know it IS the truth. They don’t want the truth, but want their ears tickled. What does scripture say?

“…. because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools….” (Romans 1:18-19)

Many would prefer to live as they choose rather than to live according to what is true.

Making a personal leap

Well, as I’ve recognised why most don’t want to hear from me, it gives me more courage. Oddly, knowing what I say is more likely to be rejected than accepted, I don’t have to hesitate for fear of rejection but rather can speak as I am led, knowing it is likely not to be received. This kind of takes away the risk factor, making rejection much more sure and therefore less frightening. 

Of course if I’ve wisdom to share, how may I apply this in the sharing of what I have?

But Grace

There is a major principle that supersedes wisdom, and that is grace. 

Wisdom without grace is like good advice without love: both are too rough, too harsh, too stark.

So, I aim — I will aim to speak truth full of GOD’s grace. He is love, He is truth, He is grace. And He is wisdom. Packed altogether, maybe I can move some barriers and bring some love, grace, and truth into the lives of family and friends who are a bit daunted by a relatively forthright person, who is confident in a LORD they may or may not trust themselves.

I think I might have just talked myself into being more sensitive and more proactive in other peoples’ lives, those of friends and family of course, where I have a bit of licence — by long time intimacy or by blood — to do so. Wisdom recognises that with many, we have no right to speak. Without an invitation or a relationship, it is not for us to advise others, but to pray. And in fact, in all things, it is wise and prudent to pray first. The LORD can give us the words and the anointing, the timing and the opportunity.

Always seeking the will of the LORD, for you and for me,

Sarah