Karen Limmer, St. Luke’s member since 2009
Proverbs 11:2 (NRSV)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.

James 3:17 (NRSV)
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.

Reflection:

It is interesting that everything I found about wisdom in the Bible does not point to newspapers, books, classes, and experts. All the verses I read encourage humility, empathy, silence, and listening to gain wisdom. Growing up, I was not taught to acknowledge when I was wrong, and I did not see this modeled either. I do not remember anyone apologizing at home. So admitting fault and apologizing is something I have learned as an adult. And I am still working on this, especially with my husband and kids.

Several years ago, I was shocked to receive feedback at work that one colleague thought I was defensive. My instinct was to say, “No I’m not!”, thus proving their point. I really reflected on this feedback, and I have kept it with me in order to remind myself to be receptive to views outside of my own. I have found that it feels really good to not pretend I am right all the time. To let people know that I feel pretty strongly about some things, but I am not certain about others, and I am open to learning. I love that often when I learn that I was wrong, I can now look at this information with curiosity rather than defensiveness.

I heard a preacher once say in a sermon that one of the important things he has learned in life is that he is not always right and that this notion is very freeing! As I find myself more open to opposing viewpoints, I see more clearly today’s culture of extreme opinions and hostility toward those with opposing views. Perhaps we could all listen more and admit to ourselves that we might not be right ALL the time. And let’s commit to continuing to learn. Maybe what is true today will be disproven tomorrow. It is okay to seek more information and change our minds. After all, according to scripture, wisdom is peaceable and willing to yield.

Prayer: 

Dear God,

Please remind me to listen first and to remember that I have more to learn than to teach. I thank you for the people in my life who think differently than I do. Help me to learn from them and to be gentle and peaceful. Amen.