WoW 136: On the ways of the wise [Words of Wisdom]


Plant seeds of wisdom today

Take the next 23 or so breaths slowly and reflect deeply on your life. I hope these words help you grow in you the most valuable treasure in life: wisdom. Wisdom grows imperceptibly but flourishes like a mighty oak, standing the test of time.

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The most important investment you can make is in seeking to become wise. Wisdom is most simply defined as having virtuous skill in living.


Living a virtuous life is the best insurance against becoming poor or experiencing joy if you are. Living a virtuous life is the best way to improve your reputation among people you respect. Becoming virtuous is the best way to make your marriage last and flourish. If you’re single it will help you find the best spouse possible.


Reflect on any specific area of your life and ask yourself, is this the way the wisest person I know would live?

If you can’t answer yes, then identify what the wisest person you know would think and how they would live, and orient yourself towards becoming like them.

Some ideas to grow in wisdom:

Seek to stop doing evil and pursue as much good as possible.

Choose the narrowest way possible.

Practice confession daily.

Read slowly and reread the greatest books.

Have no secrets.

Seek to pray continually.

Expand your vision and awe of God.

Live with gratitude.

Seek simplicity.

Focus on serving others with abandon.

Find the wisest friends you can and love them well.

Quotes

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Socrates, as quoted in Plato's Apology (38a5–6)

“The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us. When we begin to take the lowest place, to wash the feet of others, to love our brothers with that burning love, that passion, which led to the cross, then we can truly say, ‘Now I have begun.'”

Dorothy Day, Loaves and Fishes

Questions

How would the wisest person I know think about this situation?


What books am I reading to grow in wisdom?


How can I become more wise today?

(Use these questions as a journal prompt and to guide your prayers this week)

Endnote

Cultivating wisdom and virtue is the surest path to a life well-lived; will you commit to walking that narrow way today?

Live wisely,

Josh



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Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

I help people overcome their strongholds and grow in wisdom. The quality of your life stems from the depth of your connection to God, to yourself, and to others, and the courageous action you take out of that connection.

Read more from Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT

Plant seeds of wisdom today Take the next 28 or so breaths slowly and reflect deeply on your life. I hope these words help you grow in you the most valuable treasure in life: wisdom. Wisdom grows imperceptibly but flourishes like a mighty oak, standing the test of time. Read in your browser. Listen instead of reading If you prefer listening, you can subscribe to the audio version on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player. Help spread wisdom and leave me a positive review if...

Plant seeds of wisdom today Take the next 27 or so breaths slowly and reflect deeply on your life. I hope these words help you grow in you the most valuable treasure in life: wisdom. Wisdom grows imperceptibly but flourishes like a mighty oak, standing the test of time. Read in your browser. Listen instead of reading If you prefer listening, you can subscribe to the audio version on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player. Help spread wisdom and leave me a positive review if...

Hey Reader,Just a quick note to share that I experimented this week and created a video of the podcast...let me know if you want more content from me like this! Check it out. Plant seeds of wisdom today Take the next 72 or so breaths slowly and reflect deeply on your life. I hope these words help you grow in you the most valuable treasure in life: wisdom. Wisdom grows imperceptibly but flourishes like a mighty oak, standing the test of time. Read in your browser. Listen instead of reading If...