Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Seeking Wisdom - Proverbs 8

Yesterday I read Proverbs 8 (NLT), and found many lessons I had never seen before, and throughout yesterday and today, I've been "chewing" on these thoughts about wisdom.

#1 - Verse 4 says: " I call to you, to ALL of you! I am raising my voice to ALL people." The use of the word ALL is what captivated me. ALL - really - ALL of us can seek wisdom. Not just the educated, the rich, and pastors, the most beautiful, but ALL of us. Everyone has the opportunity, and has the choice to seek out wisdom.

*2 - Verses 7-14 state that wisdom:
  • speaks in truth and hates deception
  • gives wholesome advice
  • is not crooked or corrupt
  • shows good judgement
  • discovers knowledge
  • has discernment
  • hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverted speech
  • gives good advice
My first thoughts here are: "if this is what defines wisdom, why shouldn't we ALL want it?" and my second thought has been "Do I live a life that is marked by wisdom?" Sadly, the answer is no - I am not perfect! But, what a desire to live a life, based on these traits, that is marked by wisdom!

#3 - Verse 17 says: "Those who search for me will SURELY find me." (my own emphasis added). With the previous thought in mind, God assures us that if we seek wisdom, He promises us that we will SURELY find it! Not maybe, not hopefully, but SURELY. What a promise we can rest in as we strive to be more like Christ each day!

#4 - Verses 27-31 - WOW, what a CREATOR. He "set the clouds above" and "set limits to the sea." He "marked off the earth's foundations." Incredible!

#5 - Verse 36 says: "But those who miss me [wisdom] have injured themselves." This verse really made me pause and think through this....When we are injured, we typically can't work or live to our fullest capacities. We are hindered by our injury. The potential of what we can do is often limited by the injury. What a thought to think that if we don't seek out wisdom, we are hindering our ability to live the life God intends for us. We are limiting our potential.

I'm sure these thoughts will continue to mull around in my head for several more days to come as I process them, but most importantly, I hope I remember them - daily - so I can strive to live a life marked by wisdom, fully performing whatever He as for me.

No comments:

Post a Comment