Oh, to be wise. Mature. Level-headed. Patient. Astute. Shrewd? Maybe in a better sense of the word. Not naive or cynical but perceptive and logical. Any of the above said of me or you? No comments, please!

How to garner some wisdom is today’s quest. I find clues in the Old Testament book of Daniel. Throughout this short prophetic work, Daniel and his three Jewish friends are men of prayer–‘Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of Heaven… ‘(Dan. 2: 17-18). Seek the Lord. Pray.

Daniel knows who to turn to. Whenever and about whatever. To his God, the Lord. The same one we cry out to. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we have direct and constant access to God. Can you imagine? So get on the horn and talk it out with Jesus. Every bit. Leaving nothing out. Pray your heart out. Again, whenever and about whatever.

Here’s another smart thought–it’s wise to limit your anger toward those you can barely tolerate. I’m sure it grated on Daniel, the lead wise man in Nebuchadnezzar’s court, to have to rub shoulders with the other religious scholars who worshipped pagan deities. Religious oil and water never mix.

Nevertheless, when King Nebuchadnezzar commanded that all the royal scholars and their families and possessions would go up in a puff of smoke if the king’s dream was not told to him in its entirety; and, in addition, correctly interpreted, it’s then that Daniel jumps in to save not only his own skin but that of all the wise men under his command, including the most pagan of all.

Wise Daniel cares about his opponents–‘…Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation’ (Dan. 2: 24). Can you sense a hint there? I struggle with this. Such compassion is rarely in me. I know I need God’s help. Just me?

Near the end of Daniel’s book, we find more savvy words–‘And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase’ (Dan. 12: 3-4).

Here’s a clever idea–tell others about Jesus. Open up about who you worship and follow. Share already! No particular way is prescribed. Most will do. Find yours and go for it. Speak up. Didn’t someone do that for you?

And don’t forget about that ‘book’ that’s mentioned in verse 4. It’s your Bible, life’s roadmap. It’s without equal. You’ll discover the Word of God guides and comforts you. Ignore it, let it gather dust, and you’ll run everywhere you shouldn’t go, all confused and messed up, scurrying down rabbit trails to who knows where. Basically, lost.

Find your path with the Lord and stay on it. It’s found in the pages of your Bible. Grab hold of it and dig in. Keep plugging away. And, by all means, never leave home without it!

Lord Jesus, be my guide always. Thank you for my Bible. In your name and for your sake. Amen.