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Wise Up!

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Pray: 
Great and Wise God, I'm grateful that You share Your wisdom with me through Your Word. Grant me more of it today.
Read: 
PROVERBS 8:1-11

[1] Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? [2] On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; [3] beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: [4] "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. [5] You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. [6] Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. [7] My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. [8] All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. [9] To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. [10] Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, [11] for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect: 
What are the characteristics of wisdom given here?

Here it seems obvious that we are looking at a classic case of personification, where a difficult abstract idea is presented as a person--a woman--in order to convey God's truth. Those of us who are, indeed, not very wise will appreciate getting to know this awesome lady and, as we note her nature and habits, will see wisdom as something fresh and exciting, as well as good.

However, before we dismiss entirely the thought that "Wisdom" could be a flesh-and-blood woman in history, it's important to note that the quality of wisdom can, of itself, achieve nothing. It must be embodied in a person. The amazing person in question does not just sit there being wise. She calls out; she takes a stand; she teaches, governs countries and loves her people by blessing them with good things.

More than anyone, Wisdom reminds us of Jesus himself, except that in Proverbs 8 she's a woman. Can there be godly qualities way beyond our debates about gender roles, beyond our comprehension at all, which perhaps explains why God is gracious enough to give us this wonderful picture?

Apply: 
How do you go about acquiring God's wisdom? How active is it in your life? What might it be calling out to you?
Pray: 
Lord God, I pray for more of Your gracious wisdom and ask that my life may exhibit Your wisdom each day, also.
Through the Bible In One Year: 
Exodus 7,8 / Matthew 20

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