A Foolproof Wish? (November 28, 2004)

I was intrigued by a question posed to Marilyn Vos Savant, columnist
for Parade magazine and holder of the Guinness record for "Highest IQ." A reader sent her the following poser: "In stories, a wish granted by a genie never turns out as expected. The request always backfires. Can you think of any wish that couldn't possibly go wrong?"

She responded: "One answer appears at the end of the column. But before you look at it, readers, exercise your mind and think of your own answers. The question isn't as easy as it seems. For example, you could wish for youth but find that it ruins your marriage. Or you could be granted a fortune only to see your children drop their career goals. What wish is foolproof?"

What do you think - is there such a thing as a foolproof wish?

I was surprised by Marilyn's answer - surprised, I mean, that she thought it was a good one. She said, "One could wish for happiness." This does not work at all. What if you are a serial killer, and your happiness consists of carrying out lethal desires and never getting caught? Or what if you are the kind of person who could be a perfectly contented slave trader, and the fulfillment of your wish plunged society into despicable 18th century practice with regard to Africans? You might be happy enough, but at the cost of being wicked, and at the cost of doing unspeakable harm to others.

Solomon got closer to a foolproof wish when he asked for wisdom. (The story is in 1 Kings 3:5-15.) The Lord was pleased with Solomon's request, because he had not asked for something selfish like long life or wealth or the death of his enemies (or, for that matter, happiness.) He wanted to benefit the nation that had made him king, and so asked for a gift that would help him rule well. The best wishes are like that: selfless, seeking the good of others, more concerned with how to bless than how to be blessed.

This focus on benefiting others is what guided the Apostle Paul's wish list. In 1 Corinthians 14, for example, he contrasts the gifts of tongues and prophecy and says, "I would rather have you prophesy" (verse 5). Why? Because "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church" (verse 4). Better to build up the church (or one's family, community or world) than oneself. Even when it came to the most delightful thing that Paul could think of - enjoying the presence of Jesus - he subordinated that wish for the good of the church. While facing possible execution, he wrote, "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far" (Philippians 1:23). But he decided "it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith" (verses 24-25). He was telling his readers that he would do his best to stay alive strictly for their sakes!

No genie will ever grant you a wish, but God might grant you a few. Wish for the best things. Wish to benefit others. That is the closest you'll come to a wish you will never regret.