By HAROLD KELLER

A few years ago, I was in an office of a very successful man, according to worldly standards. He was very wealthy, very intelligent, and very confident in his own ability. His office was surrounded by all kinds of books that gives men knowledge.

I asked him if he ever read the Bible? He said, “Not really.” I think I shocked him when I said, “Don’t ever read it.” “Why?” he asked, puzzled. “Because in that one book there is more wisdom than in all these books you have, and knowing you, you probably will be frustrated having spent so much money for them,” I answered.

I’m reminded of another conversation I had with a young man who was a church-going, good family man. “Do you pray?” I asked. He seemed to be insulted by the question. “Sure, I pray. You should know that,” he answered. “What do you pray for?” I questioned. He then rattled off a number of things like good health, happiness, prosperity, being a good husband and father, etc. I jokingly said, “If you want a short cut in praying, pray for wisdom. With that, you get everything else.”

Speaking of wisdom reminds me of King Solomon in I Kings, Chapter 3. When he became king after his father, David, he was afraid of the awesome responsibility to rule the people. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what He could give him? Solomon could have asked for anything, but he asked for wisdom to have an understanding heart to judge the people, and for discernment so that he would know the difference between good and bad.

Solomon’s request pleased the Lord and according to I Kings 3:11-13, He said to Solomon, “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked; both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.”

Many people think that knowledge and wisdom are practically the same. Knowledge comes from experience and gathering facts and information. Knowledge is man-made – wisdom, on the other hand, comes directly from God.

Is knowledge a bad thing? Definitely not, but without wisdom, it could be vain and maybe even dangerous.

According to Proverbs 3:16-18, “Wisdom gives: A long, good life, riches, honor, pleasure, peace. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who eat her fruit, happy is the man who keeps on eating it.”

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.