Wisdom is not cheap. It is costly.
There is no free way to become wise.
Desiring the fruit of wisdom will require your commitment and risk. Without skin in the game, you will not be able to experience the fruit. Wisdom is earned.
Cheap wisdom is looking for hacks and shortcuts in order to avoid responsibility.
Cheap wisdom is thinking you are an expert or can critique others before you are actually in the arena.
Cheap wisdom is seeking control and power rather than mutual trust.
Cheap wisdom is thinking you can do life without needing others.
Cheap wisdom is seeking intensity rather than intimacy.
Cheap wisdom is doing something to grow in status rather than service.
Cheap wisdom is living as if you are more important than others.
Costly wisdom is saying no to short-term pleasures for long-term gains.
Costly wisdom is gladly being generous when you could keep more for yourself.
Costly wisdom is taking a meaningful risk when you could be hurt again.
Costly wisdom is doing the right thing when no one is watching, even though you likely wouldn't get caught for taking shortcuts.
Costly wisdom is serving others without thinking about what you will get in return.
Costly wisdom is lived out with others and their struggles, not merely in theory.
Costly wisdom seeks to live at peace with others by making amends whenever possible rather than focusing on being right.
Costly wisdom is saying yes to the narrow way when seeing others taking the easy path.
Costly wisdom is staying gentle and genuine when you have been wronged.
Costly wisdom is seeking to listen with love when you don't understand or agree.
Quotes
"God, I offer myself to Thee–to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!"
Questions
To what degree are you concerned with putting yourself first, with resentment because others have hurt you, or with fear of the future?
How can you surrender to God and be less self-centered today?
Endnote
Someone is very dangerous when they believe they are wise, seek to take no risk, and use their power to protect themselves and take from others.
