Pandemic: A Perfect Season to Pursue Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you​​​​​​​”

Wisdom is defined as the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common senseand insight. On one hand, others define it as the capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct. It is also defined as the soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends while some define it as the right use of knowledge. Albert Einstein, one of the best scientists of all time, views wisdom not as a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it. The Scriptures, on the other side, says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom - the foundation of true wisdom which is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

How does one get wisdom and what are its manifestations? The Scripture is rich in telling us about wisdom. First, understand God’s will. When we understand what the will of the Lord is and please God, wisdom is abounding. We cannot understand what the Lord’s will is if we have not searched God’s precepts and ways throughout time and throughout the history of men. We can understand God’s will when the Word dwell in us richly by reading, hearing, and applying what we have seen and heard. Second, walk with the wise because whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. Acquire wisdom when we listen to their sound advice and accept their instruction. Remember that the wise of heart will receive commandments, and a wise person hears his father's instruction. Third, be watchful on how we live our lives. If one is wise and understands God’s ways, we can see it by his/her honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. As it is written,pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. One who is wise is prudent to discern his/her way, and he/she pays careful attention to how he/she walks, and turns away from evil - in thoughts, words, and in deeds. The heart of the wise makes his/her mouth prudent, and his/her lips promote instruction. Being one with knowledge, he/she restrains his words, and as a person of understanding, he/she maintains a calm spirit.

During these times, how can we apply the value of wisdom? It has been said that wisdom preserves the life of him/her who has it. Nowadays, many are struggling in their everyday life as they are feeling the effects of the pandemic - some have lost their jobs, some feel restrained because of the quarantine, while some fear the uncertainties it might cause. This is the time that we have to, all the more, seek wisdom. We have known many stories in the news where people who have lost their jobs found a way to generate, if not multiply, their wealth through service or by making products  by cooking, baking, painting, gardening, and others. God gives us the ability to make wealth using our skills, talents, creativity, and inventiveness. If we make use of our time wisely and use it as an opportunity to learn and further enhance our abilities, we cannot be defeated by the depression the pandemic might cause. Let us also have the wisdom to guard and take care of our bodies by following the health protocols, making ourselves clean and healthy both inwardly and outwardly. 
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How do we respond? Everyday, we may be bombarded by circumstances but the true test of wisdom lies on how we respond. He who is wise, hear what the Scripture says:If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  (CGLG, CRFV)

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