Better to be Wise in Spirit than Strong in the World

​Ecclesiastes 9: 16-18   
16…“Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. 17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.”
When a poor but wise person is heard, kings can be defeated. 
What good comes from people with fame, fortune, and loads of money who speak foolish ungodly things? Some of the young 20 something celebrities think they can share their wisdom with the youth when all they are doing is corrupting their minds. Now I am not saying this is true of all of them but there are a few whom society have seen go through rough childhood drama whose whole life is in the public eye yet somehow made it through and think they have the answers. Not so. When a platform is taken up and they prosper from it more than the people they are “helping”; that is not true to the Word. Those types will eventually self-destruct. Unfortunately, some who were brought up in the church and found fame were corrupted themselves and have difficulty returning to their roots. Others stay in the background even if they are in the limelight and do not outwardly pronounce their cause but in their silence assist others without regard of their own safety.   
What about small town popularity? Being a great person in any arena whether it is the arts, politics, or even in the church in your small town does not mean you can have a true meaningful voice. Yes people will listen and you have followers but where will they go when you fail? If you cared more for them than yourself, they will pick you up. If it is found that you considered your “fan base” just stepping stones to get your name further, you will fall deeper than before and remain the fool until the lesson in humility is learned.
The poor silent wise person speaks volumes when they are listened to. The ones that stay out of the lime light and have that small voice can make the town successful but must remain faithful to their roots in the Father. 
Back in my hometown in Illinois there is a man we called Preach. He is a good man who has a decent life and was always found wandering the streets. When there was a concert, play, rally, or other major city function he could be seen from a distance just keeping watch and occasionally participating. Plus he does a mean Elvis impression. His wisdom is well received. He did not want the fame or the glory and would tell you that all glory belongs to God. He is the glue that kept us together. He is known as the town’s good will ambassador who would not hesitate to run an errand for the local shops, bring a lunch to a merchant here and there. He has made national news but does not take credit for anything. He is a silent, wise witness for God.   
Who would you rather listen to, the one who flaunts fame and self-destructs or the God-fearing old wise person who quietly keeps the people together?
Food for thought…..Jesus wants us somewhere in the middle.  We do not have to be famous and God does not want us to be silent. We should shout out our faith with Joyfulness in our hearts, without fear of repercussions. Show it without boasting or desire for rewards. Be the “Person of God” He wants us to be.
So share Jesus with the same mercy and grace that God has shown us and our rewards will not be here, but in Heaven.