I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
I hope this has been for you, an amazing journey and a season of growth, as it has been for me. I would like to leave you with one final thought…
I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
The Sayings of Agur son of Jakeh
1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message.
I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. 2 I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.
4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name-and his son’s name? Tell me if you know!
5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. 6 Do not add to his words, or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.
7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
10 Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.
11 Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. 12 They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. 13 They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances. 14 They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.
15 The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!” There are three things that are never satisfied- no, four that never say, Enough!”: 16 the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire.
17 The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.
18 There are three things that amaze me- no, four things that I don’t understand:19 how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.
20 An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
21 There are three things that make the earth tremble- no, four it cannot endure: 22 a slave who becomes a king, an overbearing fool who prospers, 23 a bitter woman who finally gets a husband, a servant girl who supplants her mistress.
24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants-they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer. 26 Hyraxes – they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. 27 Locusts-they have no king, but they march in formation. 28 Lizards-they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces. 29 There are three things that walk with stately stride-no, four that strut about: 30 the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything, 31 the strutting rooster, the male goat, a king as he leads his army.
32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame.
33 As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels. (NLT)
insights
There is much speculation about the identity of Agur, son of Jakeh. In rabbinical literature, based on the meanings of the names, it is theorized that Agur was the compiler, the one who first gathered the maxims together, and Jakeh was one who spat out or despised the word of God. The literary style and the tone of this chapter are distinct, and no doubt written by a distinctly different sort of man than Solomon.
If Agur son of Jakeh is indeed the one charged with gathering the maxims and compiling the book of Proverbs, he was likely born of a servant class, and blessed to rub elbows so to speak, with the most learned men of his day.
He seems to lack self esteem, but has a street kind of wisdom all his own. He has studied the creatures of the earth and has gleaned wisdom from what he has observed. He senses the magnificence in the order of heaven and earth, and so reveres the Creator, while conceding that he does not feel a personal connection to Him.
Proverbs 30:4
In this verse Agur son of Jakeh cries out because he wants to know his creator. He is longing for a personal relationship with God. You and I can have the relationship that Agur so desired because Jesus came to stand in that gap for us, to intercede and represent us as pure and acceptable in the presence of God.
This, of all things, provides the perfect place to include one of my all time favorite worship songs, Saving the World by Clay Crosse.
Agur’s prayer is profound. He asks for only two things. One is for his spiritual life and one for his physical life. His spiritual request was to live a fair and honest life that would honor God. He did not want to deceive others. As the one charged with compiling the known wisdom of his day, he surely would want God’s guidance in order to be accurate and thorough in his work. The request for his physical needs is humbling. He must have seen much arrogance in the respected intellectuals of his day, and much desperation among the common class he most likely came from. He was in essence asking God to protect him from temptations that come with either extreme, the poor being tempted to steal to survive, and the wealthy being tempted to think they don’t need God. Agur son of Jakeh wanted to have enough, but no more. He feared success would go to his head, and wanted no part of that.
Proverbs 30:24-27
Agur son of Jakeh uses examples from nature to show wise traits and the ability to overcome adversity and long odds through wisdom. The ants, though small in stature, working diligently together to store up food for less plentiful seasons, the hydrax, or rock badger, making its home among the rocks, the locusts who march in harmony together, and the lizards who thrive in the homes of both paupers and kings. What they all have in common is that they are simply being what God created them to be.
lynnibug
To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.
I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
What Shapes Our Lives
1 Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. 2 For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.
3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. 4 Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
5 The wise are mightier than the strong,and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. 6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.
8 A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker. 9 The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.
10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.
11 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. 12 Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
13 My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. 14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
15 Don’t wait in ambush at the home of the godly, and don’t raid the house where the godly live. 16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
17 Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. 18 For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.
19 Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked. 20 For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, 22 for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?
More Sayings of the Wise
23 Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. 24 A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. 25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them.
26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.
27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.
28 Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them. 29 And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”
30 I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. 31 I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. 32 Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: 33 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 34 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. (NLT)
To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.
What shapes our lives are often things that seem insignificant when they occur. A song, an event, a chance meeting… These verses triggered a memory for me. It is a sweet memory of a major turning point in my life. It was a season in which I made a conscious decision to seek God on a more personal level.
I had always been a bit of a skeptic when I heard the older and wiser generation talk about how the music that young people were listening to would turn them away from God. I still do not support censorship, as God has given us free will to choose, but I do recognize that what we allow into our lives will shape our thinking in the same way that a repeated prayer or affirmation will.
During that time, there was a popular contemporary christian song that I heard on the radio almost every day. Thankfully it was a song that drew me closer to God. I was at “the precipice”, about to enter a very difficult season in life, a season in which I lost everything I held dear and found myself starting over with nothing but God. In that time of crisis, the radio station stopped playing it, but it still “played in my head” often.
I had not heard it for years, until I this memory surfaced as I studied this chapter. It made me realize how influential videos and music can be and how much they are a part of what shapes our lives.
Yet again I am humbled at the way God leads us and provides for us. If we allow Him, God is what shapes our lives.
When I started this project I was determined to have it published by June 1, 2010. The world pressed in as I completed chapter 20, and I could see no way to complete the project on schedule. It was on May 29, 2010 that I made the decision to publish what I had completed, through chapter 23, with the new goal of publishing the final 8 chapters over the next 23 days.
On May 30, 2010, Pastor Dawn preached on the final verses of chapter 24, and God’s plan became clear to me. I got stuck at chapter 24 to rest in His arms and await His provision. May the words of my pastor be both a blessing and a wake up call to you.
I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
Wisdom Calls for a Hearing
insights
1 Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! 2 On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. 3 By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
4 “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. 5 You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. 6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, 7 for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. 8 My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. 10 Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.
12 “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. 13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. 14 Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. 15 Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. 16 Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.
17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.
22 “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. 23 I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. 24 I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters. 25 Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born 26 before He had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil.
27 I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. 28 I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth. 29 I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations, 30 I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. 31 And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!
32 “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. 36 But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.” (NLT)
Wisdom calls out to all of us. Some will hear her, most will not.
The bible teaches us that wisdom and intelligence are one and the same. They can both be defined as “accurate knowledge that leads to correct decisions.” This is what we will gain when we trust in God. It will not simply come upon us in an instant, wisdom must be learned by observation and experience. We will never know all there is to know, we must continue to seek a deeper understanding and a closer walk with God.
Just like the seductress in chapter 7, wisdom also roams about trying to get our attention. But wisdom calls out and then waits to advise us and to help us choose the path that is God’s perfect will for us. Many will never listen, but wisdom will continue to call out to them because God wants us all to have life in abundance.
Wisdom is to be valued above all else because wisdom is a gift from God that grows ever greater. Wisdom is not prideful, greedy, or deceptive in any way.
Wisdom was with God at the moment of creation, and God used wisdom as He created. We are therefore a product of His wisdom, as much as His wisdom is a gift bestowed upon us. Rejecting her when wisdom calls is the same as rejecting life itself. This points to the Garden of Eden, where God’s presence among all mankind was rejected through disobedience. It is through wisdom that we desire to return to Him, and by His grace and the blood of the Lamb, we are able to return to Him.
I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
Seduction – Another Warning about Immoral Women
1 Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. 2 Obey my commands and live!Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. 3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
4 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. 5 Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6 While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, 7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. 9 It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. 10 The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11 She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. 12 She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. 13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said,14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows. 15 You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are!
16 My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. 17 I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,19 for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip. 20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month.”
21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
24 So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. 25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. 26 For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. 27 Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death. (NLT)
insights
In this great poem we experience the final lesson portrayed in proverbs as being told by Solomon to his own son. He emphasizes again that wisdom must be close to us, become part of us, be evident in our daily lives, and must guide our every decision.
Solomon is relating something he has observed from his window, and with this simple story he is teaching us that temptation is all around us, seduction waits at every turn. We must be both wise and vigilant to avoid danger and retain our freedom and integrity. “Be careful! Your enemy is the devil. He walks about, like a lion. He is looking for someone to kill and to eat.” (1 Peter 5:8)
The woman in the story embodies the seduction and temptation the world offers us from nearly every vantage point. We are constantly in danger because we are constantly in the midst of it. We may foolishly believe that we are in control, and can flirt with temptation to a point, but all too often we pass the point of no return and find ourselves trapped into something we know is not right for us. Now we want to run, to find an escape, but the seduction and the choices we made cannot be undone. We must face the consequences.
In this story the woman offers love, but gives only fleeting physical pleasures. The seduction offered fun, but the price was grave danger. Much of what seems to us to be attractive, when viewed in proper perspective turns out to be riddled with lies. Compromising what we know to be behavior that glorifies God, will only hurt us in the end.
lynnibug
To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.
I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
Trusting in the Lord
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2 If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17 She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, 22 for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. 23 They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. 24 You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26 for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. 30 Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways. 32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame! (NLT)
insights
As the wise Solomon teaches his own son, he is fulfilling God’s instructions given in Deuteronomy 6:7-9. ‘Teach God’s law to your children. Talk about God’s law at home! Talk about it, when you travel! Talk about it, when you lie down! Talk about it, when you wake! Tie the words of God’s law on your hands! Tie the words about your head! Write God’s law on your doorposts and gates.’ By doing this he is living God’s law, not just talking about it. he is teaching his son to do the same. In other words we are to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Those within our circle of influence will recognize and respect us when our deeds speak louder than our words.
We must trust in God, and not our own pride or worldly knowledge. Keeping God in our thoughts will keep us centered in love, and making our day to day decisions from the perspective of love. In this attitude we can “plug in” to His guidance and stay on the path which is life.
Solomon teaches his son to trust in God, first and foremost, and with all his heart. Some people trust wealth, others trust governments, an still others trust luck or fate. These may fail us, but God never fails us. Some trust God, but not all the time, giving part of their lives to God, but pushing him out of other parts. He desires and is worthy to be Lord over our lives, at home, in the work place, on vacation, all of it.
The God who created heaven and earth desires to walk with you and lead you on the path that is life. He will provide for you, He will discipline you, He will delight in filling your life with abundance and joy. He knows the future and can see what lies ahead with every choice we might make. Wisdom then dictates that accepting His guidance will result in the best possible choices, leading us to the the most joyful and most fulfilling result.
We must honor God with the best we have to offer. The best of our time, our talents, and our wealth. All that we give to Him , and to honor Him, will be returned to us many times over.
Solomon was very wealthy, but he knew that true wealth is not money. Wisdom is worth far more than money. We can put our money in the bank and earn a little interest, we can hide it in our mattress for fear the banks may not remain solvent, but wisdom will yield a higher return than any bank or financial investment we may find. Wisdom can lead you where no financial advisor can take you.
David, Solomon’s father, wrote, ‘Even when death is near, you (God) are with me. So, I am not afraid. You guide and comfort me’ (Psalm 23:4). David felt the same discomforts we do when he was in danger, and he faced many dangers; but he trusted that God’s joy was in his spirit, and was able to face those dangers with courage rather than fear.
Wisdom is the foundation of creation. Wisdom will keep us safe, guide our steps, bring us peace, and keep us steady when temptation and danger lurk. It teaches us kindness and sensitivity, to help without delay when needed, to live in harmony with others, and to be humbled by God’s grace. Seeking and embracing wisdom, will be honored by God, but foolishness will result in shame and tie us to worldly discontent, rather than the abundant life God desires for us.
lynnibug
To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.
I would offer that the word love is not a verb, it is a noun. It is not a thing you do. It is the light that you are made of and what you were created to be.
The Purpose of Proverbs
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. 3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
A Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom
8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.
10 My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! 12 Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. 13 Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. 14 Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.”
15 My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. 16 They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. 17 If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. 18 But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. 19 Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.
Wisdom Shouts in the Streets
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. 21 She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: 22 “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? 23 Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.
24 I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. 25 you ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you- 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you.”
28 When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. 30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. 32 For simpletons turn away from me-to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm. (NLT)
“Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
insights
He reminds us that in every stage of our spiritual growth, there is potential to grow in wisdom, and that life is the journey, not the destination. It is a journey that brings us closer and closer to God, if we but choose that path over the path of foolishness.
There will be worldly temptations of all kinds, and they are a trap. Once caught we will be ruled by fear and hostility, which in itself is spiritual death. Such is the fate of the foolish.
Wisdom cries out to us to return to spiritual life. Wisdom desires we return to her and live. But many, in their foolishness, mock wisdom and promote the false reality that the ways of the world have more importance than the ways of the spirit, which naturally longs to be in the presence of God.
Wisdom reminds us that when we are far from God, the spirit is starved. The noise of the world will drown out the still small voice that calls us back to life, and the more we seek our solutions from the world, the more distressed we will become, the more futile our lives will seem.
So stop and be still, listen to wisdom calling you back. Seek wise council and turn away from foolish ways. God’s grace is abundant and wisdom is calling you back to His grace.
lynnibug
To support continuation of this project and others yet to be birthed, donations are most appreciated.
