Do you know anyone who is “wise beyond their years”? Years ago, in another city, a mother and her son visited our church. We went to visit them in their home, just down the street. She confided in me that her son supported them financially. Looking at him I thought, well he must be older than he looks. She told me he had graduated from college and worked for a computer company. She told me that he had graduated college at the age of 13. Her son was very smart. I do not know whether he was wise, though. Intelligence and wisdom do not always come as a package deal.
After all of Job’s distinguished “friends” finished their speeches about how he had only received what he deserved, thankfully, another friend showed up. But what could young Elihu offer to these older gentlemen? A lot. How do we know Elihu was wise? He waited his turn as he respected his elders. Then as he began to speak, he acknowledged that the Almighty alone can give wisdom. Elihu knew enough to know that God was sovereign. Smart young man!
Good news! It is not too late for us to become wise even if we are smart, or not. God not only knows all things, but he shares his wisdom with those who seek him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Or as James put it in the New Testament, “If anyone lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault.” This is encouraging for those of us who so desperately need wisdom just to live.
