Joash was seven years old when he became king.
2 KINGS 11:21 (CSB)

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I turned seven during the first month of my first-grade year. This was one of the most important years of my life so far. I learned how to read, write, add, subtract, and sing patriotic songs. Miss Allen taught us as much with her kindness, patience, and faith as she did with Fun With Dick and Jane and our Big Chief tablets. 

I learned to love learning in that class. The thought did cross my mind toward the end of the year that since I could read, write, and do arithmetic, what else could they teach me in the other eleven years I had to go to school? This is the thought that disqualified me from serving as President of the United States. That and the fact that I was too young according to the law of the land. 

One of the qualifications of reigning as king or serving as President is that you know a lot of stuff. Another qualification is that you surround yourself with people smarter and wiser than you in the areas you do not know well or understand completely. Joash had good advisors. As long as he listened to them, learned from them, and followed their guidance, he served wisely and well despite his youth.

This is an important lesson for full-grown men and women as well, even those who do not serve in high offices. It is good and wise for all people to use all the brains they have and all they can borrow. We are better than Me when it comes to making decisions affecting many others. 

It has been said that we are the byproduct of the people closest to us. Those we associate with most closely shape our reasoning. It is wise to surround ourselves with people who are smarter, better, and faster than us. We require people are strong where we are weak. We need dependable and trustworthy friends and associates who can help us arrive where we all need to go. 

A few months ago, a friend called together a couple of us to serve as his Clarity Committee. This is a group that asks open and honest questions without giving advice. Silence is the starting place and is welcome throughout the process. It is in silence where we think our most complete thoughts and where we form our best questions.

This is not a place for joking or chattering. The meeting lasts at least two hours. The last twenty minutes are used for reflecting back to the host of the meeting what he or she has said. 

Who helps you lead yourself and others well? Who provides you with clarity through deep listening and powerful questions?

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I will seek wise counsel daily.

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Our Father, thank you for surrounding me with wise family members, coworkers, and friends. Give me ears to hear what they ask. Grow me in wisdom through collaboration with them. Amen.