Have you ever known anyone that was really smart? We all have, I’m sure. At least we’ve know those whom we perceive to be smarter than we are. I hope you have anyway. If you’re the smartest person you’ve ever known, don’t look now, but you’re in trouble. You’re either in denial, on heavy psychotropic drugs, or living on Pluto. Maybe living with Pluto would be a better analogy. Ahhhhh, grasshopper, the struggle for wisdom causes us many embarrassing moments and can consume a lifetime.
In college, a professor of mine once said, “No question is dumb if you don’t know the answer!” Then, as soon as I asked a question he replied, “I can’t believe you are dumb enough to ask that!” We sometimes observe the actions of others and then remark, “What an idiot!” This usually happens when we don’t approve of or agree with their actions. Many times we go to great length to give the illusion that we are intelligent creatures.
The next question is always, “Why?” A lot of the time, we feel that if others don’t perceive us as smart, they won’t accord us respect. If our boss doesn’t find us smart, our job may be in jeopardy. If our friends don’t find us smart, they won’t remain our friends. We desire admiration. We wish to be looked upon with reverence, held in high esteem, and we want our lives to have value. Sometimes, we just want to matter.
Let’s see what the Word of God has to say. In James 1, verse 5, we read, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Think about this for a moment. I know that I have switched from the term “smart” to the term “wisdom.” I never claimed to be smart or wise, so let us go forward. God says He will give us wisdom, just for the asking, and not refer to us as morons. What’s not to like about that? Is there a catch? Yes there is. We must believe in God, trust in God, and let God live in us. Don’t worry about humans thinking you are smart. Who are you trying to impress anyway? How ‘bout God?