You like to consider yourself a wise person. You try your best to approach the events life brings your way with wisdom and knowledge. To do this, you keep from jumping from one instant conclusion to another. You think things through and arrive at a wise decision.
Dale Carnegie wrote several best seller books on how to best get along with other people. And more importantly, how to influence others to your best interest. In discussing wise people, he said: “The small man flies into a rage over the slightest criticism, but the wise man is eager to learn from those who have censured him and reproved him.” When someone criticizes you, your reaction speaks volumes about your character. If, once criticized, you become defensive, you learn little from their words. On the other hand, if you are criticized and evaluate their words, you can gain someone helpful words to make you a better person. You show that you are wise.
The New Testament book of James is a very practical book. The words therein give straight advice to put into daily practice. In discussing those who are wise, it says: “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (3:13). It says that when you are wise and understanding, it occurs by you reacting properly to events you encounter. These words, it says, are words of “gentleness of wisdom.”
Being wise is only a few thoughts away. Just learn to approach the critical words of others in an understanding way. Instead of becoming offensive, contemplate if what they are saying is true. Regardless of whether their critical words are true or not, approaching them through contemplation, yields wisdom. Now, that is being wise!
