Have you ever wondered why the owl is the universal symbol for wisdom? This mug to the right must be for a uber-Mensa coffee addict. Look at him.... sitting so pretty on his stack-o- books. In this life, where successes are measured in your IQ and credit scores, I don't really get this wisdom connection of an owl, sitting on a stack of books on a coffee mug. Perhaps I am over-thinking this.
I’ve always said it’s better to be smarter than to be richer because if you were smarter the “rich” part would eventually come. But lately, I have been challenged to seek true wisdom. Solomon was the richest and smartest man in the world according to the Bible. I wonder how long he thought about his one request that God would grant? It seems an obvious choice.
Proverbs says wisdom is better that gold. We certainly have a need for more wisdom with the decisions that have to made on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. We make our decisions and our decisions make us. How many times have you made a list of the pros and cons about a big decision you had to make? If you are like me, the pros plus prayer give weight to the right choice.
But wisdom is really not about the pros and the cons but it’s about what our Creator and Sustainer says is best.
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
One who lacks wisdom is a fool. Now that might seem a little harsh...but..
Fools act before they think….open mouth insert foot. We’ve all done that. Wise people think before they act; fools don't—and even brag about their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16 NLT
Fools spend all they earn. Spending paycheck to paycheck sound familiar? Most of us need some "plastic" surgery according to Dave Ramsey. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. Proverbs 21:20
Fools hurt those they love. Guilty as charged. The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1
Fools think they know it all….news flash…we don’t. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 NLT
So how you get wisdom? It’s as easy as 1..2…3!
Fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Ask God. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Hang out with wise people. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16
So what are you waiting for…what am I waiting for? Fear God, pray for wisdom, get wisdom, obey! Proverbs 31 day challenge starts now!
1 comment:
Believe it or not, I think the owl as a symbol for wisdom comes from the Greek goddess Athena, whose symbol was an owl.
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