Would All The Wise Please Stand Up?
by Bryan Gibson
The Book of Proverbs has much to say on the subject of wisdom, including what makes one wise. Let’s look at some characteristics of a wise man, according to the Book of Proverbs.
• Realizing that he still has a lot to learn, he takes advantage of every opportunity to increase in knowledge and wisdom (1:5; 2:1-5; 9:9; 10:8, 14; 18:15; 24:5-6).
• He welcomes the wisdom and advice of others, knowing that “in the multitude of counselors, there is safety” (11:14).
• As strange as it may sound, he actually loves those who rebuke him (9:8). He knows he needs people like that to get him back on the right track. He understands that “blows that hurt cleanse away evil” (20:30).
• He will not trust his soul to what seems right; he wants to know what is right (16:25).
• He is bent and determined to follow, not his own ways, but the ways of the Lord (3:5-7).
• He “restrains his lips”, or “spares his words”; he doesn’t say everything that’s on his mind; he doesn’t speak just to be heard, or to impress others (17:27; 29:11; 14:33; 10:19).
• When he does speak, he uses to tongue to teach (15:7), to rebuke (25:12), to encourage or help others (12:18), and to win souls (11:30).
• When dealing with angry people, he is especially wise in choosing his words (15:1; 16:24; 29:8). He is adept at bringing calm to a tense situation.
• He does not overestimate his ability to withstand temptation; he fears and departs from evil (14:16; 22:3).
• His behavior is such that he makes his parents proud (10:1; 15:20; 23:15-16; 23:24). They rejoice especially in his righteousness.
• He shows no partiality in his judgment of others (24:23-25).
• He does “not overwork to be rich”, because he realizes that riches “fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (23:4).
• He does not squander his money (21:20), but he is generous with it (11:25).
• He possesses other qualities that are the products of wisdom: humility (15:33), mercy (14:21), diligence (12:27), self-control (16:32), integrity (28:6), prudence (22:3), fear of the Lord (23:17-18).
• This is the man who will “inherit glory” (3:35).