It’s in every one of us to be Wise
Find your heart,
Open up both your eyes.
We can all know everything
Without ever knowing why
It’s in every one of us, by and by
The lyrics of this great song were written in the early ‘70’s by a relatively unknown artist named David Pomeranz. I actually owned the vinyl album that contained his original recording. The tune was subsequently covered by a great many artists, The Hollies, Cliff Richard, John Denver, just to name a few.
Wisdom is defined as either the ability or the result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Since the first human walked the earth wisdom has been desired, sought, coveted and cherished. It was with the fruit of the Tree of Wisdom that the devil tempted Adam and Eve. Their fall from grace came as a result of their desire to easily acquire that which can’t be bought, stolen or inherited. As the lyrics of the song imply, wisdom does not come from without, rather it comes from within.
Many mistake knowledge for wisdom. Those that do couldn’t be more wrong. Through knowledge one finds earthly power but only through wisdom does one discover the true treasure that imbues us with the infinite liberty of both our body and soul.
How does one become wise? The answer is simple but not easy: serve others and seek righteousness and, to the degree that you do, you will be given wisdom and all of the attendant riches and rewards that accompany it.
Arguably the wisest human yet chronicled was King Solomon. As a young man Solomon assumed the throne of his father, King David. Shortly afterward, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered, “Oh Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father; David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like. And if you follow me by keeping my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, I will give you a long life.” – 1 Kings 3:7-14.
Seek wisdom for selfless reasons and you will receive it – and much more. The pathway to wisdom runs straight through your heart.
You can know everything without ever knowing why. It’s in every one of us, by and by.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call, what are the riches of glory in His inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of His great might, which He worked in Christ, raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. –Ephesians, 1:18-21
Have an Awe-full weekend!
William “Bill” Bacque