We often think of wisdom as something we gain over time, but Jacob urges us to "be wise," implying that we can make better use of the wisdom we have already gained. We do this by slowing down and by thinking about the potential consequences of our actions
“Wise in Their Own Eyes”
Isaiah said, "Wo unto the wise in their own eyes." God wants us to be wise, but it's apparently dangerous to think we're wise. This is probably because a fundamental characteristic of wisdom is a willingness to listen and learn, particularly from God.
Wisdom and Foolishness
Our perception of wisdom is not very reliable. We may overestimate other people's understanding and our own. The key is humility. Jacob and Paul counseled us to become fools before God. We need to recognize what we lack and be willing to learn from Him.
How They Might Entangle Him
During the last week of His life, Jesus responded wisely to His antagonistic interrogators. He challenged their rigid categories, provided simple solutions to apparently complicated problems, and testified of simple truths with sincerity.
Pearls
Jesus wants us to share the gospel with everyone. We would wise to focus on the fundamentals, and to be careful when and with whom we share our most sacred experiences. He wants to share them with everyone, but not everyone is prepared to receive them yet
An Understanding Heart
After Solomon became king of Israel, God invited him to ask for a blessing (1 Kings 3:5, 2 Chronicles 1:7). Solomon could have requested so many things, including longevity, increased wealth, victory in battle, or a good reputation among leaders of other nations. But he didn't request any of these. He framed his simple request... Continue Reading →
Wisdom > Cunning
During His visit to the American continent, the Savior quoted most of Isaiah 52, including this passage: Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:Isaiah 52:13-14 (See 3 Nephi 20:43-44.) In... Continue Reading →
“Faster Than He Has Strength” – Mosiah 4:27
The first movement of Robert Schumann's Piano Sonata number 2 (Op. 22) is labeled "So rasch wie möglich" (as fast as possible). Near the end of the movement, he writes "Schneller" (faster), followed shortly after by "Noch schneller" (even faster). It's an exciting piece to listen to (I recommend this performance by pianist Tiffany Poon),... Continue Reading →
Wise Men
Not all of the wise men in the world at the time of Jesus's birth made the trek to Jerusalem. As Matthew records, sometime after the birth of the Savior, a group of wise men came "from the east" to Jerusalem, seeking a baby whom they identified as the "King of the Jews." They said... Continue Reading →
Wisdom and Knowledge – Moroni 10:9-10
Moroni begins his list of spiritual gifts with two which sound similar, but which he makes clear are not the same: For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom;And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;Moroni 10:9-10, italics added The apostle Paul made the... Continue Reading →