Rigid Wisdom

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Is the old dog dumb? Too set in his ways? Or too wise for the young dogs.

A lot of young dogs think they're smart. Some may have experienced a good bit over their brief life. Things which may have afforded them wisdom. Some may have had a good master who trained them (the master plays a big role here, but that's a topic for another day). Some may just be born a little smarter in some respects.

A lot of old dogs have done stuff. Experienced stuff. Learned stuff. Landed-upon stuff. And perhaps become a little rigid.

I think when Solomon was asked by God what he wanted if he could have anything in the world, his reply was "Wisdom". 1 Kings 4:34 shares, "From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom." So Solomon was a wise guy. Folks revered him for his God-given wisdom. But was Solomon an old dog? I don't know. He was wise, though. Perhaps wise beyond his years. Perhaps wise in an only-Godly sense.

I believe wisdom is flexible, dynamic, adaptable. Wisdom, while it may not necessarily be taught a new trick, clearly could perform one. Perhaps wouldn't an unwise one, but would look into it, and not just right it off.

As we age, we do know more and more. Perhaps even get wiser. But does it become a stumbling block? Or a wall that we can't seem to overcome? Even when there's wonderful new grass or areas of influence and areas to influence on the other side.

I believe that God's wisdom, when humbly sought and humbly applied would have: The look and activity of a new dog —á la a wag of the tail and a potential new trick or two; with the confidence and patience of a dog whose run around the block a good bit.

I can get stuck in my ways, and in what I think I know (and I know some old dogs in this kennel as well). Some of which are probably okay, or even good. However, hope I can remain "new dog" enough to have impact and still enjoy a new trick.