For a righteous and godly living, we need the gift of wisdom. Wisdom is closely related with the gift of knowledge. By knowledge we come to know reality even when it is hidden, or when there is confusion and chaos, or when we are trapped to cunningness of others. Knowledge also helps us to know God’s will and plan. Wisdom gives us a direction to our life especially in a specific context according to the knowledge we have received. Wisdom guides us when and how the truth known to be responded to or acted upon according to the will of God. When wisdom is put to use, a “knowing” truth turns into a skill of insight and putting God’s Word to work. Wisdom guards and shapes us into a man or woman of God by possessing the skill of using truth in a generative and fruitful manner. Knowledge without wisdom can make us intolerant and we might do damage with the truth we possess. Wisdom helps us to understand the truth within the providence and mercy of God, and be at peace and serenity. A life of wisdom ultimately results in a life that gives glory to God.
The word of wisdom or utterance of wisdom or teaching of wisdom also has a prophetic function with the goal of guiding others toward a life of holiness and worship. Wisdom enables us to speak, teach, instruct and counsel others in compassion, and interpret their life in clarity towards the fullness of life. It leads us to practicing righteousness.
Wisdom guides the society too giving light to the social conscience. It reveals the truth about time, its challenges, conflicts and struggles. We learn how to go about according to what God wants. We have many examples from the life and teaching of Jesus, how he was guided by wisdom. In wisdom, he had to dishonour some conventional practices and accepted values. Many of the lawful signs of blessings, like richness, were interpreted to secure the unjust practices that maintained the status of the privileged. Jesus discerned those so-called blessings as having no value in the kingdom.
Rich young man makes his entry calling Jesus as ‘good master,’ seemingly for an approval of his own greatness. He was perfect in following the laws. But the lawful richness was a hindrance for him to enter the kingdom, just as the righteousness of the Pharisee in the temple was a hindrance to see someone crying out for God’s mercy. Being religious does not necessarily make a disciple. Rich young man was lacking something like the rich man who was blind towards Lazarus.
Of course, the poor are invisible, they are seen as unworthy burden on the public purse. In their struggle to survive they are exploited. Though it is lawful to have wealth and richness, the self-centred storing of wealth necessarily creates poverty, injustice, hunger, and inequality. According to the law, it was not necessary for the rich man to share his wealth, it was not necessary for the priest and Levite to attend to the wounded at the roadside. They were disabled to see how the law should guide them. In fact, there they lacked wisdom. Therefore, today we need to reflect more on a globalisation of solidarity and fraternity if globalisation in the level of economy left many uncared. Who owns and has the benefit of increased wealth, fast developments, amazing infrastructures…
Wisdom guides us to see and act within an integral whole, for the common good and fulfillment of all. The saying of Jesus to the rich young man is today for the individuals, nations, organisations, and global corporates. They do act legally and perfectly following every commandment from the beginning. They keep Jesus too in good records in a very religious manner. Jesus would say, you lack something, sell your richness, share the benefits of developments and technology with the poor, and follow me. Justice, and righteousness according to God's will makes a disciple. Will it make you sad? May wisdom keep us in the path of God.
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