#33 Who is your Source of Wisdom?

“The just man’s lips nourish many, but fools die for want of sense.” Proverbs 10:21

Who do you go to for guidance when you need direction? When you have something really bothering you, when you find yourself in a situation and don’t know what your next move should be, who comes to mind first?

Picture that person. Good.

Think about what that person possesses to earn your confidence. Why are you drawn to them? Why are comfortable confiding in them and why are confident they will guide you?

I don’t know your person but I think I know a few things about your relationship. Chances are your person will seem well-rooted and centered (at least more than you). Your person won’t let their ego get in the way of helping you and they will have experiences to share.

What do you do if you realize you don’t have someone right now you can confide in? Don’t worry, there is an answer for that, and I will share it before we are done.

I’ve been blessed so far to have four people in my life that I felt I could go to with any situation and get good advice. My father, my wife, my best man and one former boss.

My Dad’s name is Joseph. I’ve always felt he was perfectly named because in many ways he has reminded me of St. Joseph, and I thank God I still have him. As I write this today he is in his 70’s and in fairly good health.

My wife, Lori, is my true counterpart. Her approach is different than mine but she has never stopped challenging me to be a better person. That’s why I married her.

Ed was my best-man twenty-some years ago. We are just enough alike to always be comfortable around each other. But his challenges and successes have been much different than mine, and that has always made him a great sounding board.

Then there was Mike. Mike was the man who hired me for the job that brought my family and I to Texas in 2004. You can read about that experience here. They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Mike was a fantastic mentor to me until his passing a few years ago. However, before he moved to Heaven he shared enough stories with me about business and relationships, to fill a few books (and I intend to).

My hope is that each of you reading this can also point to a parent, spouse, friend or mentor in your own life and know that wisdom is only a call, text or conversation away. My other hope is that you are considered one of those wise people, by someone close to you.

If not, you can be. All wisdom comes from God, and He freely shares it with anyone who asks. He gave all mankind His words, the embodiment of His wisdom.

You can start today (for free!) on your desire to become a wise and valued influencer. Society tries to convince you that wisdom comes at a high price, and that it is shielded in secrecy. The world wants you to believe that only those with money and power can lead.

The truth is, a certain level of financial success does not ensure people will seek you out. And a prestigious position on the corporate ladder, a fancy job title, does not reveal anything about a person’s ability to teach, counsel and guide. If you think you cannot lead because you are not in a management position – think again!

Wisdom does not require power and fortune when choosing a residence for itself. However, having wisdom can certainly lead to financial strength or a job promotion. The clear path that wisdom provides is what we all need to keep from floundering. With it, we become a homing beacon in the dark for others.  

If you’ve read some of my other stuff you know I advocate certain books in the Bible as starting points. In the Old Testament, I really love the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a collection of bite-sized “value-bombs”, nuggets of eternal wisdom on relationships and money.

And in the New Testament, start with any of the four Gospels. They are far more than simple biographies of Jesus. As God incarnate, Jesus is called the Word Made Flesh. His time on earth was spent demonstrating wisdom in action.

Wisdom, far more than money or status, makes us valuable to those around us. Take your first steps in that direction. You can start at any age. You can be that person, be the person who comes to mind when someone else is asked who they go to for guidance!

Open your Bible to either the book of Proverbs, or one of the Gospels, and read a passage today.

There you will find a constant companion who is ready, willing and able to advise you, and remain with you, all the days of your life.

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