We did it! We explored the context and genre of the Proverbs and delved into the heart, mind, soul, strength, and neighborliness of wisdom. Yet, in a sense, we have only hit mile marker one. As long as we’re on life’s journey, the wisdom of God is a constant companion and coach, spurring us on in our trek to follow Jesus.
The personification of wisdom as described in the beginning of Proverbs was actually made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the wisest! In Matthew 11, Jesus actually compared Himself to wisdom when He responded to criticism for eating and drinking with sinners. In verse 19 he said, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Luke 7:35 says that “wisdom is justified by all her children.” Jesus makes the point that wisdom is not about a formulaic, legalistic approach to life, but loving God with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving other people. And there’s a divine diversity to what this love looks like, from the grasshopper-crunching wilderness dwelling of John the Baptist, to the dinner-hopping of Jesus. Wisdom is justified by her deeds.
Read the words of Proverbs 2:6–15 describing wisdom, and then read Peter’s Pentecost speech in Acts 2:14–41 (it is fire!). The wisest thing we could ever do is to accept with joy the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself was the life-giving wisdom Peter shared, that saved those who believed and plucked them from the crooked path of wickedness. When we believe, we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), and can ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously (James 1:5).
If you haven’t trusted in Jesus, would you do so now? Simply pray, Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. Your love for me compelled You to rescue me. You endured the wrath that was for me, and You died for me. I believe this, and I am thankful. I believe You rose from the dead. I want to follow You. Help me grow spiritually by the power of Your Spirit. In Your name I pray, amen.
If you already trust Christ, you have the privilege of walking in godly wisdom through Jesus. Keep going! Follow Him. Let Him be the Light and Lamp on life’s path.
Thank you Laura and ladies of Thursday evening for a sweet time of gathering together despite all the things that would try to pull us away in terms of time, distractions or sheer tiredness. You did it! We did it! I’m so happy to have met you all virtually and I pray that God will bless you, keep you and make His face to shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace! Shalom!