May the mumbling commence!
From now until June sixth, we will be immersing ourselves into the book of Proverbs. Let us mine carefully for wisdom. Let us drink deeply from the life-giving and life-enhancing stream. As Proverbs 2:4 says, “Look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure.” Read this description of Lady Wisdom from Proverbs 3:13-18 –
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Better returns than gold! Long life! Riches and honor! Lady Wisdom cultivates all these things. But, that’s not all! Lady Wisdom also cultivates peace. Why wouldn’t we seek her with all our being? So, what can we learn from Lady Wisdom today?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5a). Do not trust is your own figuring. Acknowledge the Lord, and He will keep you on the straight and narrow path (Proverbs 3:5b-6).
Honor the Lord with your wealth (Proverbs 3:9a). Give the firstfruits of your labor to the Lord. You cannot out give God (Proverbs 3:9b-10).
Accept the Lord’s discipline (Proverbs 3:11). Accept it “because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:12)”
If we can learn to do these things, then we will benefit greatly. We will be able to rightfully wear the descriptors found in Proverbs 2:7-8 –
He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
When we walk this walk, we will help create community by using our power to act on the behalf of others. Read Proverbs 3:27-28 –
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" –
when you now have it with you.
Yes, the light of our actions will shine a light that grows ever brighter like the first gleam of dawn until it shines like the noonday sun (Proverbs 4:18). And these actions are built on the attitude of our hearts, the words of our mouths, and the focus of our eyes. Let us keep our eyes on the prize! Let us seek to be “Little Christs” everywhere we go.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you. (Proverbs 4:23-25)
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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