Must we continue to live with stupidity and blunder our way foolishly through life, basing our actions on impulse, emotion and false concepts and a warped view of the scheme of things – or can we act like a wise man? Can we adopt the persona of a wise man – think like a wise man, act like a wise man, react like a wise man, analyze and understand situations like a wise man, be a wise man?

The wise man is a deep thinker, and when dealing with a problem his serious concern may be manifest in his stern countenance. However, as he analyzes the situation and finally discovers a creative solution, a light goes on in his mind and the feeling of “Aha!” at the moment of insight is accompanied by a smile.

Who is really wise and who understands anything, says an alternative translation. The wiser we become, the more clearly we perceive our foolishness – our limitations and the depth of our ignorance, and the need for further learning, caution, consultation and prayer, our greatest source of wisdom, help and strength.

Perhaps Paul has these words of Solomon in mind when he corrects Christians at Corinth for their naïve overconfidence-confidence in spiritual matters, saying, Quote: “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2).

If we are in business, how well do we actually understand the mechanics of that business? What are the key factors for success in that business? How well are we using the unique assets of the business, such as specialist experience of staff or geographical location – and also the creative potential of even the lowliest of employees? What is the true nature of the business and can we precisely define our target market? What are the main weaknesses and threats to the business – and what are we doing about them?

In our personal lives, how well do we understand our own attitudes, habits, special gifts, strengths and weaknesses?

The wise man is pro-active and no longer a desperate and defensive victim of circumstance – and his positive attitude makes his face shine, and his radiant countenance creates a good impression, helping him win friends and influence other people. Smile as you dial, says the sales manager. It shows in your voice.

It is said that the face mirrors the heart and that the eyes are the windows of the soul – and they shape the countenance. If this is true, then perhaps Solomon’s message is summed up in the alternative translation of this phrase which says that because of the wisdom in his heart, his countenance shall be doubled.

The need for a wise and understanding approach to Christian living is stressed by Paul, when he says, with regard to the abuse of spiritual gifts, Quote: “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil, be children, but in your thinking be adults” (1 Corinthians 14:20).