Wisdom Wears a Name
Today, as I begin my reading in Proverbs, I can’t stop thinking about Jesus. Of course, the story of Jesus unfolds all the way through the Bible, but this seems more clear to me today. Maybe the Bible school teachers and ministers from my youth made the connection between seeking wisdom as Solomon instructs us to do and seeking Jesus who is wisdom personified, but if they did, it went over my head. Today it is stuck in my head.
Solomon opens his proverbs saying that to know and possess wisdom we must listen intently and constantly increase our learning. According to the wise king, we must come with reverence and awe to God Almighty if we hope to gain wisdom and understanding. I am particularly struck by the instruction we receive in 1:23:
“If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”
Receiving wisdom is rooted in our repentance. John the Baptist taught his listeners:
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Only those who are humble and surrendered to God can receive the abundant life that Jesus offers and the wisdom that he is willing and able to provide. Solomon prayed for God to give him wisdom, and God answered his prayer. Solomon wrote in Proverbs many of the things God had revealed to him, both broadly about wisdom and its source but also in many practical ways that we as humans can apply God’s wisdom to daily life.
When we surrender our lives to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus not only offers forgiveness and an abundant life, he also promises to give us the Holy Spirit as a gift. We literally have God’s Spirit living in us to guide us all through each day and all the way until we join Jesus face to face in eternity.
Solomon made clear, and Jesus taught as well, that there will be many who seek to distract, deceive, and ultimately lead us down roads of destruction. However, when we choose to not heed their advice or walk in their paths, we are shielded from their ultimate impact on us. Since we know that we often make mistakes and fall to the deception of others, we still have the opportunity to repent and turn back to God and receive his guidance, wisdom, and blessing in all we do.
If you read the gospels alongside the book of Proverbs, you discover the wisdom that is found in many of the parables that Jesus used in his interactions with both small and large groups. But Jesus not only spoke words of wisdom, his life exemplified wisdom. He showed us how to live a life that is full. He didn’t just speak of love, he loved. He didn’t speak of forgiveness as a concept, he forgave. He didn’t just talk about generosity; he gave his all.
Father, today we surrender ourselves to you. We confess that we are sinners in need of your forgiveness. We confess our arrogance in the many ways and times we think that we are smart enough to navigate the fallen world around us. We ask that you come and abide in us, fill us with your Spirit, and grant us the wisdom we need to live like Jesus. In his name we pray, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Proverbs 1:1-7, 10-19, 23, 32-33; 1 Corinthians 1:24 ESV
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