Some people think wisdom comes with age, but the old saying goes: "There's no fool like an old fool." For example, although Solomon in his youth was the wisest man ever, he lost his wisdom as he grew older. Some people think wisdom comes with education. However, Jesus proclaimed that His Father hides some revelations "from the learned and the clever" and reveals them to the merest children (Lk 10:21).

True wisdom is a gift from God. Old age, experience, education, or intelligence cannot produce it. "All wisdom comes from the Lord and with Him it remains forever" (Sir 1:1). Therefore, "if any of you is without wisdom, let him ask it from the God Who gives generously and ungrudgingly to all, and it will be given him. Yet he must ask in faith, never doubting" (Jas 1:5-6). Begin each day asking for wisdom. Pray daily to the Lord: "Send her (wisdom) forth from Your holy heavens and from Your glorious throne. Dispatch her that she may be with me and work with me, that I may know what is Your pleasure. For she knows and understands all things, and will guide me discreetly in my affairs and safeguard me by her glory. Thus my deeds will be acceptable" (Wis 9:10-12).

When we were confirmed, the Church specifically prayed for us to receive the Spirit's gift of wisdom (see Is 11:2). We have no excuse not to be wise. Let's renew our Confirmations, receive the Holy Spirit, and accept Christ crucified, our Wisdom (1 Cor 1:23-24, 30).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997