I know a lot of smart people. Folks with expertise in various fields of study, those who understand finances and technology and medicine and mathematics. I watch smart people on the news speak about different issues and potential solutions. I like to think I’m a pretty smart guy as well.

But smart ain’t necessarily wise. Take the current upheavals over the Epstein revelations. Lots of smart people, hundreds apparently, hobnobbed with a sexual predator. They flew on his private jet, stayed at fancy resorts on his dime, met powerful people by his invitation, and partook in unspeakable acts behind closed doors. Except the doors remained ajar. His correspondence reveals the pandering of really smart people to this depraved hypnotist. Now these intelligent folks are learning the meaning of you reap what you sow.

None of these world leaders, people who make decisions affecting all of us, showed an ounce of wisdom in their dealings with Epstein. How could so many get it so wrong? Perhaps they looked to the wrong source (if they looked at all). The intelligentsia of the world point to power and wealth and influence as indicators of wisdom. But such metrics fail to measure true sagacity.

Instead, the Scriptures point a different direction: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Respect, awe and obedience to God form the foundation of wisdom. Humility lays the groundwork. Opening the Scriptures plows the ground. Practicing what we find within plants the seeds. Acknowledging the Only Wise God as our Creator and Lord brings forth a harvest of penetrating discernment.

Wisdom reveals itself in humility and reverence towards God, no hint of which is found in the thousands and thousands of pages in the Epstein report.

Psalm 111:10

Photo by Tanja Tepavac