Wise Folk

 I recently read a science magazine in which there was an article about intelligence. According to the author, every one of us knows at least 8 really smart people. Think about it for a moment, do you know 8 really smart people?  You may know even more than that, I know I do. I've met some incredibly smart people over the years and I am always amazed at how smart some people really are. 

 Take a few moments right now to make a list of some of the smartest people you know. Who would you put on that list? Perhaps a favorite teacher, your doctor, one or two of your friends, maybe a colleague at work, a financial advisor or maybe even a local librarian would most likely make your list. The bottom line is that you would probably not have too much difficulty in coming up with a list of smart people that you know and love.

  Now stop to think of another group of people. How many truly wise people do you know? Do you think you could come up with as long a list of wise people as you did with a list of smart people?  I'll bet that you might not be able to come up with as many wise people. Most of us realize that being really smart is not a guarantee of being wise. We all know that being wise is not the same thing as being smart.

  What is the difference? The author of that science magazine article put it this way, "Being smart is knowing about something, whereas being wise is knowing what to do with that knowledge."  A smart doctor is up on all of the new research, is well aware of the known medical knowledge, and uses the newest techniques. A wise doctor is one who knows how to reverence the patient, to work with the family and how to bring his/her scientific knowledge into collaboration with the psychological, spiritual, and personal welfare of those under their care. Knowing someone who is smart is good. Knowing someone who is wise is a real blessing.

  Who are the wise people who bless your life? Are your parents the ones whose wisdom has guided you? Are there close friends who have given you the benefit of their wise counsel over the years? Maybe a pastor, a nun or some other religious leader has been there for you. Just who are the wisdom figures in your life?  If you were to take the time to consider the wise folks who have been a part of your own growth and development, you would soon come to realize, I am sure, just how truly blessed you are. In fact, that is what happened to me after I finished that science magazine article. I took a few moments to recall the wise ones who have been there for me, and I was immediately aware that I am truly blessed. I am certain that you are too. Why not check it out for yourself?