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- 🙏 Wisdom is simple and attainable . Proverbs 8:1-5
🙏 Wisdom is simple and attainable . Proverbs 8:1-5
(2 min read) Proverb of the day visualized
Erick Vargas
May 08, 2023
Good Morning 🙏
This is Proverb Pic, the daily devotional newsletter that helps Christians become wiser in 2 minutes a day.
Proverb of the day
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
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Meditation
In this passage, Wisdom extends an invitation to people, encouraging them to learn from her. However, she does not do so from a secluded or elitist position but rather from public spaces in the city. Wisdom is cultivated through experience; it is only by engaging in real-life situations that graduates from medical, law, or business school can truly become wise in their respective fields.
The book of Proverbs is not designed to be merely "inspirational," with catchy phrases that instantly captivate readers. Wisdom cannot be transmitted through a sequence of TED talks or quick executive summaries. Instead, it remains elusive to those too preoccupied to embrace its methodology. Wisdom is acquired through experience, followed by profound and sincere reflection on that experience.
Here are some implications of the text
Accessibility of wisdom: Wisdom is portrayed as calling out and raising her voice in public places, implying that it is available and accessible to everyone who seeks it. This emphasizes the universal nature of wisdom, which is not reserved for a select few but can be attained by anyone willing to listen and learn.
Wisdom's desire to be heard: By taking her stand at the highest point along the way and beside the city gate, wisdom demonstrates a proactive desire to reach out to people. This suggests that wisdom is not passive but actively seeks to engage with individuals to help them grow and develop.
Addressing all of humanity: Wisdom raises her voice to all mankind, indicating that her message is meant for everyone, regardless of their background, social status, or education. This reinforces the idea that wisdom transcends cultural and societal boundaries.
The importance of seeking wisdom: By placing wisdom at the center of these verses, the passage emphasizes the vital role that wisdom plays in living a successful and righteous life. It serves as a reminder that wisdom should be valued and actively sought after to guide our decisions and actions.
To gain wisdom, we must ask probing questions: When did I last witness this principle in action in my own life or someone else's? Where do I need to apply this wisdom? How would my life change if I practiced this principle? What misguided beliefs and attitudes arise when I neglect this wisdom? Recall how Jesus, our teacher, often spoke in parables and responded to questions with further questions, pushing us to contemplate, think, and grow in wisdom (Matthew 13:10; Luke 20:4; John 16:29).
Prayer
Lord, we think we are smart and make excuses. Your wisdom is simple and clear. Help us not to complicate it.
Application question
Rather than excusing disobedience away to your specific circumstance, how can you obey wisdom quickly?
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