Long ago, a man asked for just one thing. He did not ask for riches, a fabulous life, material possessions, or anything of this world, but he asked for wisdom. When the gift of wisdom was bestowed upon him, all those worldly things materialized. That man's name was King Solomon, the richest man to ever live. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet's wealth are not even close to what King Solomon enjoyed. The dictionary describes one who is wise as "marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment." To possess understanding, one must possess extensive knowledge, experience, and a sound capacity for using it.

The opposite of wisdom is ignorance. Again the dictionary defines ignorance as, "destitute of knowledge or education. Resulting from or showing a lack of knowledge or intelligence." Ignorance usually results in poverty, loss of security, desperation, and often in exploitation. Ignorance manifests just the opposite results from that of wisdom. Consider the many countries of the world. Where ignorance reigns, what are the conditions of society and what do the people experience?

Considering wisdom and ignorance, what state do you choose? Where are you on a continuum that starts with ignorance and ends with wisdom? What do you seek? Most people choose a state of gaining riches without developing wisdom and that just does not work! One would conclude that education, gaining knowledge, and developing understanding would be important to living the life you dream. Gaining these things is not hard but does take some effort.

Commit to just a couple of activities that will develop your knowledge. One, read 30 minute a day. Choose a subject you wish to learn about, block out 30 minutes, and enjoy reading. In one year you will have read 182 hours, at least 18 books, on at least two subjects. You will become a subject matter expert in those two subjects and in three years a subject matter expert in six subjects. The result is that you will make more money and/or be promoted. Second, purchase educational CD's for your car and play them continuously as you travel. Turn your car into a "University on Wheels." You will not only be learning but you will develop a more positive attitude. Spend the money and just do it. There is no better investment you can make!

Brian Tracy says that listening to the radio is bubble gum for the mind! In a short time you will begin to see major shifts in your life toward the goal of developing and gaining wisdom. Remember all the things you will possess as you develop and gain the gift of wisdom.

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Joe Farcht is the founder and president of Leadership Advantage, Inc. He works with business owners, executive, managers, supervisors and individuals in transformational leadership development at an attitude and behavior level. http://leadershipadvantageinc.com joefarcht@cox.net or 602 996-1802.