Wisdom Calls to You
Personified as a woman in the book of Proverbs, Wisdom calls a young man to choose the right path, to choose morality.
As we grow up, our parents teach us right from wrong. Do this. Don’t do that. That is how we gain knowledge. Then, it’s our responsibility to apply that knowledge to our lives, to choose the right path. That is wisdom.
Of course, we don’t live in bubbles, and proverbs are not promises. They are truisms. All other things being equal, if you do this, that will happen.
Unfortunately, we may be influenced by Wisdom’s counterpart – Folly. Our friends may persuade us to take the wrong path. Circumstances beyond our control may damage our psyche and cause us to stray. However, it’s never too late to get back on track.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)
Godly parents and consistent Bible teaching at our church offered wisdom that protected me from making serious mistakes during my teen years. Oh, I certainly erred along the way, but I navigated those years relatively unscathed.
I graduated high school with high grades, and my teachers suggested I go to college. But my parents could not afford to send me. Then a high school principal explained that I could apply for a scholarship. I respected his wisdom, got the scholarship, borrowed money from a brother, and off I went.
Decisions. Decisions. Who to marry. When to have children. How to support ourselves. How to plan for the future in a world that sometimes seems to spin out of control. We never outgrow the need for wisdom.
Now that I’m older, I gain wisdom about aging from godly friends and professionals. I know exactly who to call when I feel overwhelmed by health issues – my own or my husband’s. I know who to call when I need to hear an encouraging word.
A little book of resources tells me what agencies can help me navigate the senior years. But my greatest source of wisdom continues to be God’s Word. Psalm 119 explains how God’s Word sheds light on our pathways.
I read Scripture each day to mature in my faith. I’m never too old to learn something new. Wisdom–my lifelong pursuit.
Questions for Reflection:
- What is your primary source of wisdom besides God’s Word? How does it line up with God’s Word?
- What wisdom have you gained from a life experience? How has it equipped you for the future?
- What is something for which you need wisdom? Where might you gain it?
- Read a chapter of Proverbs every day for a month and each day reflect on one verse that offers insight to your current life situation. Each week, share with someone something you’ve learned.
