Finding The Wise People

I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion.

Proverbs 8:12

What do some of the wisest people you know have in common: they voraciously seek wisdom! It seems obvious, but it isn’t. It takes humility to seek out the advice and input of others, and it is a constant struggle to overcome pride and self-sufficiency in this matter.

Author and speaker Gregg Harris notes that when the Queen of Sheba found out that King Solomon was the wisest man who had ever lived, she responded by traveling to “test him with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1).

You probably know several Solomons—wise people you could learn a lot from. Here are some questions to identify who they are:

• Who knows what you need to know?
• Who is doing what you would like to do?
• Who knows you better than you know yourself?
• Who will give you honest, constructive feedback?
• Who can encourage you and guide you?

Once you identify these folks, figure out how to learn from them. Read their books. Spend time observing them. E-mail or call them. Take them to lunch and ask questions.

Here are six categories of Solomons you need to start interacting with right away:

1. Trusted Friends and Relatives

Don’t neglect the obvious. Ask family members: “When you observe my life, what do you see as my strengths and weaknesses?” If you are a student, ask your teachers, “Based on what you know about me, what do you think I would be good at?” Ask coworkers or bosses: “I want to take my work to the next level. What are some areas of strength or weakness that you think I could work on?”

2. Spiritual Advisors

Ask your pastor: “What kind of character qualities do you see in my life? How can I be stronger at what really matters? How can I discover what is important to God in my life?”

3. Mentors

Think of the wisest people you know and arrange to spend time with them. Prepare well for it; write out questions you would like to have answered. Tell them that you admire them and want to learn from them, and ask if it is possible to take them to lunch or arrange to spend time together.

4. Coaches

If you want to know how to play a sport, you find a coach. If you want to explore an occupation or find out how to be wise and successful, you should do the same thing.

5. Authorities

Though you might not spend much time with them, you can learn by reading their books, browsing their web sites, and subscribing to their publications.

6. Heroes

Perhaps there are people from the past—or those still living—for whom you have great admiration. Inspire yourself by reading biographies and autobiographies to discover what made them tick.

Start seeking out the Solomons in your life today. Make it a priority. As you do, your inspirational gift will spark to life, and you will find a much greater sense of direction and purpose in life.