“Joe” is one of those people who believes he is an authority on everything.

And I do mean everything! No matter what you say, he has either done it, heard it, or been there and knows all about it. “Joe” knows the best way to go about fixing things. “Joe” knows the best way to solve problems. And no matter what you may have accomplished, he has done it first, and better.

It’s easy for me to get annoyed with “Joe” and it’s easy to justify not wanting to be around him, which is sad, because he really is an intelligent man. But it is challenging to spend much time with “Joe,” because he wants to make sure you know just how smart he is.

“Joe” may be intelligent, but he isn’t wise. Intelligence involves knowledge of facts. Wisdom knows how to use that knowledge in a Christ-like way. Intelligence likes to prove. Wisdom likes to improve.

Today’s verse cautions those who might tend to be like “Joe.” There is no need to blow your own horn or call attention to your own smarts. Don’t settle for intelligence.

Be wise instead, and let your face and your life be a reflection of God’s grace, power, and holiness.