And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” Ecclesiastes 9:16 HCSB
We tend to respect and listen to those who are wealthy and well educated. Our society tends to value attractiveness and success more than wisdom. When someone who is poor speaks, we seem to ignore him because we do not think he has anything of value to say. Just because someone does not have higher learning or great wealth does not mean he does not have words of wisdom.
Solomon reminds us in this verse that wisdom is better than strength and a few verses later states that wisdom is better than weapons of war. We should seek wisdom because it is greater than anything we can obtain. Wisdom can come from the rich, poor, educated, or uneducated. Just be observant; there are people who can provide words of wisdom all around us.
Challenge: Seek wisdom from all different types of people. Wisdom will help you in everything you do. Even though there is value in exercising your body and gaining strength, it is even better to exercise your mind and gain wisdom from those who have gone before you.