Our verses for today once again personalize wisdom. She calls out to us, encourages us to listen, and offers us gifts. What are wisdom's gifts? As you read these verses, see if you can come up with a list.

 

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out: “To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live. O simple ones, learn prudence; acquire intelligence, you who lack it. Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to one who understands and right to those who find knowledge. Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I attain knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. I have good advice and sound wisdom; I have insight, I have strength .. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries.  (Prov. 8:1-21)

First, wisdom brings prudence, intelligence, and understanding. Wisdom is more than "book knowledge" or common sense or the ability for rational thought - it is all those things combined. Second, wisdom brings the ability to differentiate righteousness from wickedness. It brings discernment and discretion: wisdom allows us to avoid the downfalls associated with pride, arrogance, evil thoughts, and perverted speech. While wealth (and silver and gold) are viewed as good possessions to have, wisdom is viewed as something far greater - wisdom enriches our lives and enriches the lives of those around us. 

Meditation suggestion: Where do you go to find wisdom? We all listen to some voice or voices. Perhaps family or friends, television, or social media. Sometimes we think we can find it in ourselves. Words of wisdom cry out to us from God's Word. The pages of the Bible describe for us the mistakes of others and allow us to see the consequences of those mistakes. The Bible tells us how Satan and the forces of evil work in this world to tempt us and to drive us apart from God. The Bible gives us the teachings of Jesus instructing us in how we are to live and shows us the example of his life. The Bible reminds us that God loves us, forgives us, and wants nothing more than for us to be reconciled with Him. Wisdom is crying out. Are you listening?