My selection of the two words each day for this April A to Z challenge is based solely on their first letters, but today's C words actually display a perfect contrast. Both words, the "good" and the "bad" have to do with WISDOM.
If you are a person who would not want WISDOM, raise your hand. Ah, there you are, way in the back. Oh, you just have to go to the bathroom? Good. I thought maybe you were an idiot!
Because everyone wants WISDOM right? Well the truth is, I think, that everyone either believes they are seeking WISDOM, or that they already have plenty.
We are called to an actual intense and deliberate quest for wisdom by the writer of these proverbs. WISDOM is characterized in chapter 3 as a very desirable woman, which in itself actually represents a completely satisfying and fulfilling relationship. One which contributes to a person's prosperous success and complete contentment.
Are we to admire WISDOM from afar? Maybe just wish she were mine, but settle for being alone, and dumb? Walking along the street with WISDOM nearby should we keep our hands in our pockets? No. We should pursue her, love her and reach out and hold her hand, tightly! According to Proverbs 3:8, only good can come from such a pursuit!
Are we to admire WISDOM from afar? Maybe just wish she were mine, but settle for being alone, and dumb? Walking along the street with WISDOM nearby should we keep our hands in our pockets? No. We should pursue her, love her and reach out and hold her hand, tightly! According to Proverbs 3:8, only good can come from such a pursuit!
embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 3:8
This selection from Chapter 1 below tells us what happens to those who reject WISDOM. It is WISDOM talking to us and giving the warning. Perhaps not so much as a woman pleading to be loved by a man, in a self-serving way, but more like a loving mother might tell her junior high kids what can happen to them if they refuse her counsel; if they are COMPLACENT about their choices.
since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the Lord.
Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the Lord.
Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
Proverbs 1:29-32
We do not want our kids to choose their way unwisely, or foolishly, but rather that they go out with eyes wide open. God wants the same for us! Notice that God does not have to invent horrible punishments for our rejection of WISDOM. But worse, we will simply reap the natural consequences of our actions. And these "fruits" of our "ways" and of our "schemes" are disastrous enough, leading directly to death and destruction.
"Lord please help me to heartily seek your WISDOM! May I stop being COMPLACENT, and start being more all around engaged, as you would lead."
"Lord please help me to heartily seek your WISDOM! May I stop being COMPLACENT, and start being more all around engaged, as you would lead."
By the way...MILLERWRITES copy is COPYRIGHTED. Why cut and paste when you can simply copy the link?
I like how you end each post with a prayer, of sorts!
ReplyDeletePaula from
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