1 Chronicles 26:14  The responsibility for the east gate went to Meshelemiah and his group. The north gate was assigned to his son Zechariah, a man of unusual wisdom. (NLT)

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Zechariah was a man of “unusual wisdom.” The Message and the English Standard Version call Zechariah a “shrewd counselor.” 

These two descriptions vary due to how we choose to interpret ancient Hebrew words in their particular contexts. Calling someone unusually wise may feel different from calling him or her shrewd.

A trip to the dictionary is helpful. Shrewd can be interpreted as having clever awareness, or resourcefulness, especially in  practical matters. It can also mean artful and cunning in practice. It may mean sharp and penetrating. 

This is the kind of person you want working with you, and not against you. 

I ask my coworkers each year two important questions. Please don’t ask anyone these questions who is not kind. Also, make sure you are wearing rhinoceras hide when you receive their answers. 

First, I ask, “What do I do better than I think I do?” Second, “What do I do that I think I am better at than I am?”

One thing caught my attention from the responses I received. I trust some people farther and longer than I should. The good news is that I typically give people the benefit of the doubt. The bad news is that I typically give some people the benefit of the doubt longer than I should. 

You get the idea that Zechariah had better benefit-of-the-doubt boundaries than do I. He could sniff out a lie or half truth in an instant. He knew when someone was trying to snooker another. 

It’s good to have a Zechariah on your side if you pride yourself on how kind you are. Believe it or not, some people will use your best qualities against you for their own advantage. 

Jesus said, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves,”
(‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

Don’t be gullible. Don’t be hurtful.

Live wisely. Live peacefully. 

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I will live a wise and kind life that protects against harm and preserves the peace. 

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Our Father, make me a man of unusual wisdom. Make me shrewd and harmless. Amen.