Walking with the Wise #245: Wise in His Eyes

“How much better to get wisdom than gold!

To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
—Proverbs 16:16

As the Revolutionary war drew to a close in winter 1783, a provisional treaty had been signed with Britain, the war was all about over, even though an official peace had not yet been declared. While camped in New Windsor, New York, with too much time on their hands, General George Washington’s troops had nothing to do but drill in the cold weather. Discontentment festered and the officers of the Continental army were extremely frustrated. Peace negotiations were dragging on and congress had promised them pensions years ago, but nothing had happened. There were months of back pay that had not yet been collected and they were enraged. On the verge of going home, furious officers threatened to go to Philadelphia and depose the government to get the money that was due them.

Hundreds of officers convened a meeting on March 15, 1783 at a meeting hall to air grievances and quite possibly come up with a plan to overthrow the new government, without Washington being invited. What was Washington to do? He was the commander of the army, and was accountable to congress for the men, but was also their leader. The men were frustrated and angry because Washington said he would help them, but hadn’t done anything except telling them to be patient and that it took time, but that’s not what they wanted to hear. As the meeting started, he came into the room alone and walked to the front of the hall and gave a speech, one portion of which says,

“If my conduct heretofore has not evinced to you that I have been a faithful friend to the army, my declaration of it at this time would be equally unavailing and improper. But as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common country. As I have never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty. As I have been the constant companion and witness of your distresses, and not among the last to feel and acknowledge your merits. As I have ever considered my own military reputation as inseparably connected with that of the army. As my heart has ever expanded with joy, when I have heard its praises, and my indignation has arisen, when the mouth of detraction has been opened against it, it can scarcely be supposed, at this late stage of the war, that I am indifferent to its interests.”[1]

After his speech was completed, it was clear it didn’t go over well. He then says he is going to read a letter from a member of Congress explaining the financial difficulties of the government.

“After reading a portion of the letter with his eyes squinting at the small writing, Washington suddenly stopped. His officers stared at him, wondering. Washington then reached into his coat pocket and took out a pair of reading glasses. Few of them knew he wore glasses, and were surprised.

‘Gentlemen,’ said Washington, ‘you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.’

In that single moment of sheer vulnerability, Washington's men were deeply moved, even shamed, and many were quickly in tears, now looking with great affection at this aging man who had led them through so much. Washington read the remainder of the letter, then left without saying another word, realizing their sentiments.

His officers then cast a unanimous vote, essentially agreeing to the rule of Congress. Thus, the civilian government was preserved and the experiment of democracy in America continued.[2]

Why did they weep? Because he had been with them through everything—he had never taken a vacation, he had been at the front lines, he had been shot at just like they had, he had held them together for eight years and undergone everything they had, his hair had turned gray, and he lost his sight. He wasn’t immune to their plight—he was intimately familiar with it and he still remained faithful!

Washington spoke and acted wisely because he knew his men. Day in and day out, he had lived, worked, and fought right alongside them. He knew that he couldn’t influence his men if he hadn’t gone through what they had gone through, if he hadn’t faced the same problems and pains they had faced. Had he been aloof or removed from their situation, he wouldn’t be able to have influenced them and saved the country.

The same is true with our God. He identifies with us and we can see this supreme identification by His sending of His Son, Jesus, to go through life with us. He was at the front lines and had experienced the onslaughts of Satan and He remained faithful through it all. He has compassion for us because He can identify with us, as book of Hebrews says,

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin”—Hebrews 4:15.

God in His vast wisdom came to live among us, take our pains and infirmities upon Himself, showing His immeasurable love for us in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus personified the wisdom, we are to esteem and seek after. Learn to live by the wisdom and love of God, for it is more valuable than anything this earthly world has to offer. Amen.

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[1]General George Washington, “Prevents the Revolt of His Officers,” March 15, 1783, http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/washington.htm. 

[2]Ibid.