Throughout the Bible, “wisdom” is always sought after and almost always held in high esteem. I say, “almost always” because the New Testament contrasts “earthly” wisdom, which is not wisdom at all, with divine or “Godly” wisdom. This weekend’s passage from the book of Proverbs is an invitation to all to partake of that ongoing experience of Godly wisdom.
In this weekend’s passage from the Book of Proverbs, Wisdom is portrayed as a wealthy, generous woman who has built a fine home with 7 pillars, prepared a lavish meal, and sent “her maidens” to invite all to partake. She does not limit her invitation to the elite. Instead, she invites “all who are simple.” She wants all to partake of her feast and live the life that God has designed for us. This life includes God’s generous gift of wisdom which is always available to us. The book of Proverbs reminds us that wisdom can always increase even among the wise. In the book of James we read, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” James confirms that God is the source of wisdom and that His wisdom is available to all.
With wisdom, we “walk in the way of insight” which means that we can discern and follow God’s path for use. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul declares that Christ is “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” If Christ takes on Proverb’s role of Wisdom, then walking “in the way of insight” is walking in the way of Christ. Paul reinforces this point in his letter to the Ephesians where he writes, “Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise…try to understand what is the will of the Lord.”
And so, as we contemplate wisdom, let’s remember that: All wisdom comes from God; God invites all of us to partake of His wisdom; and, gaining wisdom is a continuous, lifelong endeavor. As the 70s rock band, Kansas, sang, “If I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don’t know.” We must be humble enough to admit that we can never be wise enough.
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