EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
'Will you give me wisdom?'

By H. Murray Hohns

The first nine chapters in the Bible's book of Proverbs discuss wisdom. We learn that wisdom is valuable, more precious than gems; that wisdom begins when we first realize that God is to be held in awe; that wisdom will keep us safe while we sleep; that wisdom was created just before God made the heavens and earth and all living things; that we learn of it from our parents and acquire more of it as we grow older; and, amazingly, that it is readily available.

Wisdom has to do with hindsight, insight and foresight. What happened, or might have, if we had done this instead of that; what is involved today and what we should do and what can we expect from the decisions we make each day. Wisdom is also related to prudence.

While at first glance, prudence sounds like it is related to the word prudish, they are miles apart. Spend a little time with a prudish person, then do the same with a prudent person and the difference will be overwhelming. Prudence is a life saver.

Prudence is related to discernment or the ability to understand what is going on, to succinctly sort through the arguments and facts before you and then to always make the proper choice. The prudent people in our community are also known as the old money crowd. They are always where they are expected to be, where we hoped they would be. They are the backbone and the salt and light of our community. We may not know them but we all rely on them. They are wise people.

My dictionary defines wisdom as knowing what is true, lasting and righteous. Scripture goes further and says that wisdom is true, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. By these definitions, not many of today's leaders exhibit much of what is defined as wisdom.

These definitions tower over against the many popular ideas of what wisdom entails or what is acceptable good behavior. Wise people are problem-solvers, peacemakers, gentle, merciful, gift-givers, people who do not insist on their own way and so much more. Wisdom gives us the ability to realize that our neighbors are lovable, and when our neighbors are preferred and loved by us, neighborhoods and neighbors change for the better.

Scripture tells us to ask God when we lack wisdom, and that he will then answer our request generously without regard to the seeker or his background. In truth, it's the asking that counts. Everyone in our Islands can become wise just by asking: "God, will you give me wisdom?"

Let's all begin each day with those words. What follows will be glorious, for our Islands will be filled with wise men and women and the products of their collective thought.

H. Murray Hohns of Makiki is a retired engineer and an associate pastor at New Hope Christian Fellowship.

Expressions of Faith welcomes written works from leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.