I was recently teaching Sunday School, and the topic for the week was Solomon’s wisdom. We talked about a variety of things, including the difference between being smart and being wise. The example I gave was that a smart person knows that a tomato is a fruit. A wise person knows not to use it in a fruit salad. The kids got a kick out of that, but it also helped them see the practical difference between knowledge and wisdom.
As we progressed through the lesson, we moved on to the story of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, who reigned after him. Despite inheriting a kingdom from one of the wisest men to ever live, Rehoboam made poor decisions that led to the loss of much of the kingdom. The reason? Solomon didn’t pass on his wisdom to his son effectively, and without it, that wisdom became less valuable.
This got me thinking about the value of wisdom and how it’s only truly valuable when it’s shared. You can be the wisest person in the room, but if you keep that wisdom to yourself, it doesn’t benefit anyone—not even you, in the long run. Before we get started, I need to share how incredibly blessed I’ve been that several people have taken an interest in my development and been willing to share their wisdom. Even with their guidance, I still have only one thing in common with Solomon—we both have an abundance of shortcomings. However, while Solomon made many mistakes in his life, I think it’s fair to tell you that he wrote my favorite book (of any kind). The Book of Proverbs contains incredible wisdom that has helped me countless times and provided guidance when I’ve veered off course. As such, the greatest wisdom I can pass along is to absorb that book and let it change your life. Now, back to this week’s thoughts.
Wisdom is Meant to Be Shared
Drawing from another biblical story, wisdom is like a candle that lights up a room. If you keep it under a jar, it doesn’t do anyone any good, and eventually, it will burn out. But when you share it, that light spreads, helping others to see more clearly. Solomon was incredibly wise, but the story of his son shows us that wisdom isn’t just for personal use; it’s meant to be passed on. If Solomon had shared his wisdom with his son, perhaps the kingdom’s fate would have been different.
The Impact of Hoarding Wisdom
When we choose not to share our wisdom, we limit its impact. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that what we’ve learned is only for us or that others need to figure things out on their own. But think about the difference it can make when we offer guidance to someone who is struggling or when we share something we’ve learned that could help someone avoid a mistake. Hoarding wisdom not only keeps others in the dark, but it also limits the potential for that wisdom to be built upon for the next generation.
Wisdom and Legacy
Solomon’s story is a great reminder that wisdom is part of our legacy. The lessons we learn, the experiences we go through, and the insights we gain—they’re all part of the legacy we leave behind. But a legacy isn’t something we only leave after we’re gone; it’s something we build every day by sharing what we know with others. When we pass on our wisdom, we ensure that it continues to make a difference long after we’re no longer around to share it ourselves.
Be Willing to Borrow Their Diploma
Perhaps the greatest wisdom someone can have is being wise enough to be a willing learner. In my experience, most people are happy to share their wisdom if you’re willing to listen. The saying goes that the Lord gave you two ears and one mouth because you should listen twice as much as you talk. Let someone who learned the hard way allow you to start ahead of their pain.
That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge…
Think about the wisdom you’ve accumulated over the years—whether it’s about work, relationships, or something else. Then, find a way to share it with someone who could benefit from it. And because you are never too old to learn something new, take the opportunity to borrow the diploma of someone wiser than you. In both situations, wisdom is better shared.
I’m thankful you took the time to read this, for choosing to work, and for being a part of what makes this world amazing.
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