Tuesday 29 July 2008

Background

These days, King Solomon's name is a by-word for wisdom. As wecan see from today's reading, Solomon's wisdom was not justconfined to 'proverbial' wisdom - pithy sayings and maxims. Nor wasit about secretive, mystical knowledge - rather, music and thenatural world. Plants and animals figured greatly in his'wisdom'.

What does this tell us about the nature of wisdom?

Certainly, that it both encompasses and goes beyond traditionallearning - books and courses of study. Wisdom also takes in thehuman sense of wonder, both at the world around us of which we area part, as well as our gift of imagination, which is where musicand song arise.

Thus, in the biblical understanding, wisdom is far from 'expertknowledge' in one narrow field. Rather, it is that which opens bothheart and mind to learning and "breadth of understanding".

To Ponder

What can you do to broaden your depth ofunderstanding?

Take time to observe and appreciate the worldaround you. What difference does this make to your outlook onlife?