DAY 251

WISDOM: WILL YOU SEEK IT?

Proverbs 1 & 2 and 1 Corinthians 16

As we come to the end of 1 Corinthians we see the amazing personal nature of the letter and the vision of a unified body…there is a common theme and a wisdom in this message. Wisdom is the dominant subject in Proverbs. What follows is the introduction of that book from the English Standard Version Bible.

“Practical wisdom for living is the central concern of the book of Proverbs. We are told that the beginning and essence of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (1:7, 9:10). Proverbs often contrasts the benefits of seeking wisdom and the pitfalls of living a fool’s life. While the wicked stumble in “deep darkness” (4:19), “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full day” (4:18). Proverbs is a collection of Israelite wisdom literature, including an introductory section (chs. 1-9) that gives the reader a framework for understanding the rest of the book…it dates from between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C.”

Throughout this book we will be given short pithy phrases, some that are quite humorous and even “politically incorrect.” The first two chapters deal with a more fundamental situation. The value of wisdom is extolled and the folly of foolishness pointed out…But beyond foolishness's folly is its forcefulness. Proverbs speaks of all that opposes wisdom as an adulterous woman with smooth words. Quite simply this book will highlight the wrestling we do as we try and choose good.

Today ponder the worth of Wisdom…is it worth pursuing for you? The Bible suggests that if you are to pursue it, then you are to start with the Lord…for the beginning of wisdom is to fear, “to be in awe” of the Lord.