January 14th

Being Wise in Foolish Times

Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice?…She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:…Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Proverbs 8:1-3,10-11

Can you hear her? Of course you can; she’s everywhere. The real question is whether you’re listening.

So many of us, especially in the last few years, have faced moments when we needed wisdom. Trying times force us to make difficult decisions, and in that moment it doesn’t matter how much you know because right then what matters is what we do with what we know.

What do I do? I need direction. I need advice. I need help. I need counsel. These are the words of someone who needs wisdom. Should I move? Should I take that job? Which college should I go to? Is buying that house the right decision right now? Is this person really the one I should marry? Should we send our kids to public school, private school, or homeschool?

And a lot of us, when we’re asking these kinds of questions, we want the answer to be quick, easy, and painless. So for all of us in this journey of life, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that wisdom is simple to understand and eager to help you. The bad news is that you will have to reprioritize your life to find her or her words won’t make any sense to you.

If you desire wisdom more than anything else, she’ll speak to you and teach you under-

standing. But if you think you can just pop into her storefront, grab your pat answer, and ditch her until your next need, then forget it. Wisdom knows the value of what she has and who she is. She is not going to give herself away to someone who doesn’t value her the same way she does.

In other words, wisdom wants to help you, but if you think gold, silver, precious stones, fancy clothes, great cars, and all this world has to offer are better than her, then you won’t understand a word she says.

Instead, choose to fear God above all else, more than what might happen if you don’t take that new job, buy that new house, or end up at the wrong college. Then, because you fear Him, seek His wisdom and will in everything you do. Then, finally, you will understand wisdom and have all the counsel you need for every decision.

Prayer Lord Jesus,

I really need wisdom, so I thank You that You are all the wisdom I need! I choose to seek You first and value wisdom above anything I could find in this world. Please teach me to understand her voice as she daily speaks into my life!

Amen