This is a continuation of the list from my last post.
A wise person...
Acknowledges God in all his ways
Honors God with what he has
Loves God's correction
Is happy when he finds wisdom
Doesn't keep good from those who deserve it
Is trustworthy
Doesn't strive with a man, unless he has a cause to do so
Stays away from whores
Gets out of bad contracts quickly
Is not lazy
Has or gives good council
Has common sense
Loves someone who rightly rebukes him
Receives instruction
Stores knowledge
Restrains his lips
Keeps peace with his neighbors
Doesn't betray confidences
Listens to advice
Talks only when it is right
Chooses his friends wisely
Listens to his parents
Walks with people who are wise
Runs away from someone when he finds they are a fool
Is not quick tempered
Merciful on the poor
Slow to wrath
Shares knowledge
Seeks knowledge
Makes his father happy (if possible and right)
Will be called prudent
Speaks wisdom
Develops a reputation for being wise
Is teachable
Has a calm spirit
Speaks cautiously
Is not led astray by alcohol
Sees when sin is coming and removes themselves from it
People in authority are drawn to him
Doesn't drink when he controls the fate of others
During my study I found many repetitions which I did not include in my list. The most common description was in regards to what the "wise" man says. It would appear that what one says is very important in how one is perceived. I find several things interesting but I would like to say that I have no training in Hebrew nor am I a scholar of theology, so I leave myself open to correction.
I noticed that it didn't say the wise man never got angry or wrathful, he is just slow to wrath and he doesn't strive with a man, without a cause. The wise man also must be quick to listen both to criticism and instruction. If someone, human or God Himself, corrects the man rightly or rebukes him correctly, it should cause him to love that person all the more. I will admit this last concept is one that I see rarely. In the future I will endeavor to put this and all the other criteria into practice.
Now that you have seen all this, do you consider yourself to be a 'wise' person? Are you becoming wiser and developing relationships with wise people?
Accepting correction and appreciating it is rare, but wonderful. These days I think most folks are more interested in being understood, than in trying to understand another. I think people experience correction as demeaning to their personhood, when in fact it is just the opposite if rightly given. Or even if it isn't rightly given! It is within the individual's power to accept even crass or ill-intentioned correction and make the most of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, recently I was at a forum for the deaf community in my area. The speaker made a point that as interpreters you need to both ask for advise and accept criticism.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should remember that if you can't take it, certainly don't dish it out.