For we have saw His star in the east and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2
What does it mean to be wise? That definition is elusive. I have known some very well educated people who seem to lack basic common sense while I have known people who never finished high school who possess more knowledge than I could ever hope to have.
The men who came to Bethlehem have been referred to down through the ages as the "wise men" (possibly because they actually stopped in Jerusalem and asked for directions). It's a form of the ancient word magi, an eastern caste of learned men who specialized in astrology, medicine and the natural sciences. Some believe they came from Babylon and were descendents of the magi who were taught by a wise man of God, Daniel.
There were more than three, but since thy brought three types of gifts, it's been the tradition to call them the "three wise men." Some traditions even give them names, but they are never named in the Bible.
I realize their education set them apart, but I think there was much more to these men than that. For centuries they watched the sky looking for a sign from God (Daniel's influence?) and when the star appeared, they sought the Promised One to worship him.
The magi could have called a conference and debated the meaning of the star. They could have done more research or took more readings to see if they were actually seeing a star. They didn't. They packed up and headed toward the star intent on worshipping who they would find at the end of their journey.
These Christmas season, learn from the magi. Set aside all the busyness of the season and seek the peace that He brings. Then you too will be truly wise.