Write about a way in which one can gain wisdom.

Faced with the above essay question, one of my students blurted out “the Bible”. Face palm. My slew of ideas as I prepped to teach this lesson did not include the Bible. Call myself a Christian. Cheek slap. Although my student attempted another essay in the end, it got me thinking. So what could you say or write about the Bible and wisdom?

Parables
Some skills for life are hidden gems to be found in the parables of the Bible. A parable is a simple story that can help set us on the right path. For example, the parable of the Sower. Like a seed that falls on dry ground or among weeds or fertile ground, the truths we hear are sometimes hard to accept but if we are not choked by distractions, we could successfully accomplish our goals.

Proverbs
The Proverbs offer wise advice on how to lead our lives, and yes, to hold our tongue. For instance, the warning that pride goes or comes before a fall, can be found in Proverbs 16:18. If you are too arrogant, failure may be the bitter pill that awaits you. And Proverbs 15:1 is true, so true – “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” Mind our language.

Psalms
At times I can be stubborn despite hearing good advice. And Psalm 32: 8-9 reminds me not to be like the horse or mule, who has no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle… If we believe that God has his loving eye on us, then we should trust that God will instruct and teach us in the way we should go. God’s angels are around us.

In further conversation with my student, I find out that he is not a Christian. Bless his heart that he sees the Bible as a book of wisdom.

 

Shared by Karen R-Fong, a wannabe tai-tai who wants to retire in a library of books and to read with our Lord to her last days.