Proverbs 2
Yesterday the Proverbs writer painted a picture of a father pleading with his son to search for wisdom so he does not fall into the pitfalls of life. Evil would entice him into schemes that would backfire and boomerang the evil back on him. Wisdom, in contrast, sits in public and calls and pleads with us to follow her advice. Chapter 2 presents the benefits of searching hard for Wisdom. The ultimate reward after a hard search will be an understanding of the fear of the Lord and knowledge of God. This implies success, shielding from blame, protection, and justice. We will have developed discretion that will protect us. As a bonus we will have the strength to refuse the adulteress, the non-wise woman. He concludes, v.21, “For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”
Those are tough words to hear as we watch pictures of refugees and the innocent victims of evil fleeing for a safe place to live. For many, faith is not a guarantee of no persecution from harm and death. Bad things happen to good and innocent people. We are broken people living in a broken world and wisdom does not eliminate evil but helps us to live wisely in the face of the evil we must deal with. Wisdom directs our eyes and feet to the God who walks with us and is whispering “this is the way, walk in it.” The path is not easy but it is more rewarding than following evil that definitely leads to a bad end.
Think of someone whom you would consider wise and consider that person’s life. What are three words you might use to describe the person? What were a few benefits that you had from knowing that person? Thank God for the person and pray for the person. If the person is literary, you might still have learned a lot. If the person is deceased, prayers of thanks can be offered. Whom might you bless and who looks to you for wisdom? Taking a month to meditate on wisdom may be time well spent. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 