They represented a dominion that the new King would rule. They were spoken of many times in the Jewish scriptures. Gentiles who would find their way to Israel’s God. Who would come seeking to worship him. To hear his words.
They represented us, if you like. They showed the appropriate response to news of the birth of God’s King. This is what people should do once they learn that God has sent his Son as ruler of the world. They should worship him. Offer him not just royal gifts, but their whole selves. Why?
Because the King came to rescue them from death and God’s judgment. They owe him their life. More than that, they can only have God’s life from him and on his terms.
Wise? Too right. Did they know everything there was to know? No. But they were drawn to seek the God who made himself known to them. That was their wisdom: to search for what they were shown. To seek it out. We too can be wise like that.
Dale