Smart or Wise?

make good decisions as a ruler. God was so pleased with this request that He made Solomon the wisest person who ever lived! The three Wise Men who followed the star to find baby Jesus were also known for their wisdom—they recognized something amazing was happening and made the long, difficult journey to worship the newborn King.

So what's the real difference between being smart and being wise?

Smart/Knowledgeable: Knows lots of facts, information, and how things work
Wise: Uses knowledge to make good decisions that honor God and help others

Think about these real-life situations:

• You know eating vegetables keeps you healthy, but do you choose them over junk food?
• You know you should ask permission before going online, but do you always do it?
• You know sharing is right, but do you willingly share your favorite snacks with your siblings?
• You know God wants us to be generous, but do you give part of your allowance to help others?
• You know wearing a helmet protects your brain, but do you wear it every time you ride your bike or scooter?

Here's something I'll admit: I know a lot about nutrition and exercise because I've read books and articles about staying healthy. But sometimes I still choose to eat that second piece of chocolate cake instead of going for a walk! I KNOW what's good for me, but I don't always make the wisest choice. Can you relate to that?

This happens to all of us. We might know the right answer on a test about honesty, but then we're tempted to cheat when the test is really hard. We might know we should include the new kid at lunch, but we don't want to risk looking uncool to our friends. Knowledge is having the information—wisdom is actually doing what's right, even when it's difficult.

So where do we get wisdom? God has given us amazing instructions in the Bible! Proverbs 1:7 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This doesn't mean being scared of God—it means having deep respect for Him and understanding that He knows what's best for us.

Sometimes the smartest people in the world make foolish choices, while people who never went to college make incredibly wise decisions because they follow God's guidance. Think about it: a grandmother who only finished eighth grade but loves Jesus might give better advice about friendship problems than someone with multiple college degrees who doesn't know God.

Here's your challenge this week: Before making decisions—big or small—ask yourself these questions:

• What would Jesus do in this situation?
• Will this choice honor God?
• How will this affect others around me?
• What does the Bible say about this?

I have Smarties candy for everyone today, and each one has a special reminder attached. These aren't just sweet treats—they're reminders that having KNOWLEDGE about God through reading the Bible helps us make WISE choices. Our church exists to glorify God, inviting all people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. So when you speak, act, or make decisions, remember to choose wisely in ways that bring honor to God and show His love to others.

Let's pray together: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible as our guide for life. Help us not just to learn facts about You, but to grow in wisdom. When we face tough choices at school, with friends, or at home, remind us to ask what Jesus would do. Give us courage to make wise decisions even when they're hard, so that our lives will bring glory to You and show others Your love. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN.