In Jewish tradition, "wisdom" is perceived as a gift from God. In Proverbs, wisdom takes on a real female persona (the Hebrew word for "wisdom" is feminine) which interacts with human beings: it speaks, acts, and reacts. Wisdom is an approach to life, a way of looking at the world and a way of living out in very deliberate, rational ways one's commitment to God. The "way of wisdom" is an ethical system in which humanity is responsible for searching, finding, and doing the things necessary to secure their well being in God's world.

Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, and because you have ignored all my counsel .. I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you .. like a storm .. when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”   (Prov. 1:20-33)

Prayer: God, I pray today to ask for wisdom and guidance in all that I say and do. I focus too often on a past I cannot change. I make decisions in the present, hoping they are the right ones to make. But you know the future you have planned for me. Give me insight and wisdom and help me make decisions that further your will for my life and not my own will. Thank you that you listen to, and answer prayer. Help me to listen to you. In Jesus name, Amen.