The Way of Wisdom

In our last blog we saw some ways we can recognize a wise person. Here are some of the other characteristics of the ways of the wise. They are…

Self-controlled
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise…The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction… A wise man’s heart guides his mouth and his lips promote instruction. Proverbs 10:19; 16:21, 23

Being careful with your tongue not only builds character, but a reputation as well.

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Prov.29:11

The wise control their anger keeping in mind the long term outcome of their words. They can calm animosity and persuade without manipulation, a rare quality. This fourth mark fosters the next  characteristic of the wise. They have a…

Positive influence on others
They are the kind of person who encourages others with patience. They provide a shoulder to lean on, but also a kick in the pants when needed. In casual conversations people take mental notes of their ideas, concepts and connections.

We can learn a lot by standing around the right places and the right people. The wise provide fresh insights with reality oriented knowledge. Their passionate wisdom does not come from an ivory tower. 

The lips of the wise spread knowledge… The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Proverbs 15:7: 13:14 Another mark of the wise is that they are…

Peacemakers
A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it… Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger...Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 16:14; 29:8; 12:18

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Mat.5:9

In 1934, Hitler’s plague of anti-Semitism was spreading throughout Europe like wildfire. Some would escape it. Millions would die from it. But an 11-year-old boy named Heinz would learn from it. Heinz was a Jew who lived in the Bavarian village of Furth with his family.

As tension mounted between the Jews and Germans in that community, Heinz’s father, a school teacher lost his job, and his family endured great hardship. Gangs of Hitler Youth roamed the neighborhoods of Furth looking for trouble. Young Heinz learned keep his eyes open for them. Whenever he saw gang of troublemakers, he would cross to the other side of the street. Sometimes he would escape a fight, but sometimes he couldn’t.

One day Heinz found himself face to face with a Hitler Youth. A beating appeared inevitable, but on this day he walked away unhurt, not because he put up a good fight, but because of what he said. Somehow he convinced this troublemaker that a fight was foolish and unnecessary.

From that point on eleven year old Heinz learned the power of words to avoid conflict, and for a young Jewish boy living in such a volatile anti- Semitic climate, that was a skill he used often.

In fact, it was a skill he perfected. Fortunately Heinz and his family escaped Bavaria and made their way to America. As the years have passed, his name has become synonymous with peace negotiations.

He will be remembered as on the greatest peacemakers of this century. You don’t know him as Heinz. You know him by his Anglicized name, Henry…Henry Kissinger.