At least I used to think so. A recent Bible study in Proverbs on the
virtue of wisdom led me to research more on the subject. For as long as I can
remember, owls were a symbol of wisdom and intelligence. Those wide eyes that
stared out from childhood stories and cartoons were considered all knowing.
Greek and Roman mythology portrayed
owls as solemn birds because they were mysterious and could see through the
darkness. It turns out that owls are not
so wise after all. Their small brains
compared to their body size makes them much less trainable than crows, hawks,
parrots, and pigeons. Another childhood
belief burst by modern science.
Wisdom in owls
and humans seems to be in short supply these days. Socrates once said, “True wisdom comes to each of us when we
realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around
us.” 2020 is turning out to be a year when much wisdom is required to navigate
all the confusion. The Covid 19
pandemic, killings, demonstrations, and riots have made me realize I have no
control over life’s circumstances.
I feel very humbled and know that the God of
the Universe is the only one I can turn to for strength and answers during
uncertain times. God wants to give
us wisdom, but he wants us to recognize him as the source and to ask for it.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who
gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5
Solomon
established his kingship in Israel after the death of his father, King David.
God was pleased with him and one night he appeared to Solomon:
God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Solomon’s replied that what he wanted from God was wisdom and knowledge to lead
his people.
He did not ask for gold, silver, or other material possessions, but selflessly
asked to be a wise and understanding leader.
God answered his prayer by giving him wisdom and worldly possessions
too.
How
can I receive God’s wisdom? The answer is found in the book of Proverbs:
"The fear of
the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
To fear the Lord requires an
understanding of the character of God and a desire to worship him and please
him in the way I live. Humility is the key to receiving Godly wisdom.
Hollywood, television, politicians, and
social media scream out their message of worldly wisdom. Follow it and you will become like the fools
described above. Godly wisdom is
described in the book of James as follows:
“But the
wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full
of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
I may not be a wise old owl, but I can
be a wise older lady who reflects God’s wisdom in this world.
