The bold colour contrast of this dahlia “Twynings Smartie” makes me smile. Clean white, vibrant magenta, stunning yellow- it’s lovely. The skill of the grower is impressive: hybridising from other dahlias in the hope of producing viable new specimens. Years of trial and error, vast accumulations of experience- which includes finding out what DOESN’T work.
Breeding new plants tends to be a quiet procedure, with a backdrop of birdsong. Quiet wisdom- spectacular result.
Modern society seems easily impressed by volume and repetition. Real questions and real answers have become an endangered species! Our data revolution of internet and mobiles is both a boon and a curse. It gives us access to much information, but does little filtering or verifying of that raw data. Propaganda is effective when it repeats a statement (loudly and often) in a way that separates the words from actual reality and truth.
Where shall we look for real wisdom? Perhaps the realm of revelation and religion has more wisdom than we expect? The quiet wisdom of the written thoughts and insights of generations of those who have earnestly and honestly looked and searched for understanding is surely worthy of consideration.
The verse from Ecclesiastes is a gem of insight. This ancient book of Wisdom offers comment about the pleasures and stresses of life: rather than brash slogans, it produces quiet wisdom based on reality PLUS faith.
In the Book of Proverbs, “Wisdom” is given voice as a character calling out to the world, announcing the gift of God. Who will we choose to listen to? The quiet wisdom of God, or the babble of human “authorities” and philosophy? Wisdom, or the foolishness of wealth, influence, and power? Only one leads to life. One blooms in beauty, the other is a weed fit only for composting.
Proverbs 8:34-36 (NLT) “Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the LORD. But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.”
The Reflectionary 