One of my favorite stories of all time is The Lord of the Rings. Whether in book or movie form, I love the story told as good triumphs over evil and the king is returned to his rightful place on the throne. Now, I know part of why I like the story has to do with the battles. I get goosebumps every time I watch the scene in The Two Towers where Aragorn and Theoden and their followers ride out into the horde for a last stand, only to have Gandalf arrive with Eomer (Yes, I know it’s Erkenbrand in the book. Either way, it’s a stunning scene.)
But, part of the mythos that intrigues me most is the nature of wisdom and how it is displayed. Gandalf operates in strength and courage, with an understanding of his power and limitations. He also does not shy away from battle when battle is clearly the only way forward. Aragorn leans on him for guidance. Throughout the stories, from the start of The Hobbit through the end of The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf is portrayed as a paragon of wisdom.
Across the verses of Proverbs 24, there are several descriptors of the wise.
- The Wise are Full of Strength (v. 5)
- The Wise have Enhanced Might (v. 5)
- The Wise gain Victory (with many counselors) (v. 6)
- Wisdom is Honey to the Soul (vv. 13-14)
- Wisdom provides a Future (v. 14)
As it turns out, whether Tolkien intended it or not, Gandalf embodies the kind of wisdom that Solomon describes. Sometimes, there is wisdom in remaining silent, and sometimes the wisdom is in speaking up. Sometimes there is wisdom in seeking peace, and others the wise recognize that the only viable pathway forward is to take up the fight.
Wisdom is indeed more precious than silver and more costly than gold (Proverbs 3:14).
The bottom line is this: Wisdom provides the strength we need to carry on and be successful, and the only source of that kind of Wisdom is God the Father.
The blessed addendum to that bottom line: All we have to do is ask for God to increase our wisdom and He will.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5 (ESV)
So, what are you waiting for – ASK!
And also, go watch the movies if you’ve never seen them. They’re really good.
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