Squirrel! And Other Distractions from Wisdom
One of my favorite scenes in Pixar’s Up involves Dug the talking dog. Dug is remarkable in that he has learned how to talk. However, if anyone says “squirrel,” Dug freezes and completely loses his focus and reverts to his dog instincts. In our family sometimes we simply say, “Squirrel!” to indicate that someone has lost their attention span!
In chapter four of Proverbs, Solomon writes as a father guiding his son about the source of wisdom and how his sons can find it. His very first instruction is “listen…and be attentive.” While we know that Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God, there is no doubt that he also reflected on his own experience as a son and knew the struggle of keeping one’s focus on the right things. In fact, we know that over time Solomon failed to follow his own advice and became distracted and maybe even consumed by his wealth, his wisdom, and for the purpose of alliteration, his women (700 wives and 300 concubines).
The living word of God is also prophetic in that it anticipates and is relevant in every generation. Solomon’s instructions arrive in 2025, where we all daily struggle to keep our attention on God and his wisdom while being constantly bombarded by hundreds of messages on our devices that buzz and ping, demanding our attention.
Where do you get your best advice? The latest business or self-help book? There are some good ones that are worthy of our attention. But remember what Solomon said next in chapter four: “I give good precepts, don’t forsake my teaching.” How often do we look first to the best-selling books for advice when the greatest source of wisdom in history is at our fingertips, waiting for us to give it proper attention?
All through chapter four, we are encouraged to:
Get wisdom.
Do not forget wisdom.
Prize wisdom.
Keep hold of instruction.
Similarly we are warned:
Do not enter the path of the wicked.
Do not walk in her way.
Put away crooked speech.
Do not swerve to the right or left.
When we keep our hearts and minds clearly on the wisdom of God and make choices to turn away from distractions and weaker sources of insight, then we will find the path that shines brighter because it originates from God himself. When we follow the wisdom of God, we discover his full and abundant life.
Father, today we turn to you first before we glance at what the world might bring our way. We ask that you grant us wisdom as we attentively listen for your words that bring us life. May we experience the light that comes from you until the full day when we stand before you in glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Proverbs 4:1-27 ESV
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