Intro – In Praise of Wisdom
Today’s Reading — Wisdom Calling Out to Us.
Scripture:
1 With great understanding, Wisdom is calling out 2 as she stands at the crossroads
and on every hill.
3 She stands by the city gate where everyone enters the city, and she shouts:
4 “I am calling out to each one of you!
5 Good sense and sound judgment can be yours.
6 Listen, because what I say is worthwhile and right.
7 I always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie.
8 Every word I speak is honest, not one is misleading or deceptive.
9 “If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need.
10 Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold.
11 Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.”
Wisdom Speaks
12 I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge
and sound judgment.
13 If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit
and deceitful lies.
14 I am strong, and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment.
15 By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair.
16 Every honest leader rules with help from me.
17 I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.
18 I can make you rich and famous, important and successful.
19 What you receive from me is more valuable than even the finest gold
or the purest silver.
20 I always do what is right, 21 and I give great riches to everyone who loves me.
22 From the beginning, I was with the Lord. I was there before he began
23 to create the earth. At the very first, the Lord gave life to me.
24 When I was born, there were no oceans or springs of water.
25 My birth was before mountains were formed or hills were put in place.
26 It happened long before God had made the earth or any of its fields
or even the dust.
27 I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place and stretched the sky
over the surface of the sea.
28 I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky and created the springs
that fill the ocean.
29 I was there when he set boundaries for the sea to make it obey him,
and when he laid foundations to support the earth.
30 I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day,
and I was happy at his side.
31 I was pleased with his world and pleased with its people.
32 Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy.
33 Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise.
34 Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness.
35 By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.
36But if you don’t find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me,
you are in love with death.
Reflection:
How do you hear God’s wisdom calling today?