In the Bible we read about the “wise men” who came to see Jesus as a child. “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the King, behold wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2. 1)

When you think of someone who is wise, of whom do you think? Perhaps it’s a grandfather or a professor or a woman who seems to know just what to do in a crisis. Wisdom is more than intelligence; more than just knowing facts. There are many persons who are smart and have great knowledge, but are not wise.

The Bible says, “ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight” (1 Cor. 3.19). The “wise men” (also called MAGI), were men of knowledge, of learning & study. They were wise also because they were men of action– and did something with what they knew. Finally the Magi were wise because had some spiritual wisdom. They could discern that the earthly events they were witnessing had greater & higher meanings.

So what makes people wise? What are some characteristics of PEOPLE WHO are SPIRITUALLY WISE? Using Matthew’s story of the Magi, I would like to point out some of the traits of persons who are wise.

PEOPLE ARE WISE WHEN: THEY POSSESS KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD. The Magi didn’t necessarily know the Scriptures so they sought-out men who did. They went to the priests & scribes who knew the prophets and the writings of Godly men.

Unfortunately, knowledge alone will not make us wise. The priests & scribes of the New Testament are not known as wise. They had knowledge of the scriptures and prophecies, but they did nothing with it. They did not go to see like the Magi did. Still, possessing knowledge of God’s Word, reading, studying, & knowing the Bible is crucial to wisdom. You can’t do what you don’t know!

MEN ARE WISE WHEN- THEY DISCERN GOD’S SIGNS. The Magi...saw the star, listened to God’s voice of warning in their dream, and could discern that significant things were happening in world.

Are there signs in our day? Is God showing himself? In many ways! We are surrounded by changing events– wars, leadership, fires, floods, earthquakes. It is amazing how people pray, repent, and turn to God when the heat is on, then quickly turn back to the old carefree ways when troubles are past.

There are personal/individual signs of God’s presence and work: people are spared from death in auto accidents, people are blessed with children, God grants His peace during a storm. Those who are wise pay attention to the things God is doing in their lives. They discern God’s signs.

MEN ARE WISE WHEN: THEY SEEK THE LORD OF THE SIGNS. Some are satisfied with the “majesty of the event.” They see the fireworks, or enjoy the beauty of the moment, but they will seek no more. The wise want to know more, see more, understand more, experience more. THUS, WISE MEN LOOK FOR THE ONE BEHIND THE EVENT...THE CAUSE!

FINALLY, MEN ARE WISE WHEN THEY WORSHIP THE LORD OF THE SIGNS. Wisdom is MORE than knowledge or intelligence. Real WISE men are men of action. They DO something with the info they have. I believe that wisdom often comes at the cost of KNEELING DOWN. The MAGI worshipped the Christ child- they bowed in adoration, awe, and respect for a little child– whom they knew to be King! They are examples to us of how we also ought to respond to Jesus.

May the Lord bless you with “wisdom” this Christmas season– as you bow to worship the King!