Ears to Hear Sunday January 28
Proverbs 3:13-26
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who obtains understanding.
14 For her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are very pleasant,
and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,
and the clouds drip down dew.
21 My child, do not let them escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.
22 So they will give life to you,
and grace to adorn your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way with security,
and you will not stumble.
24 When you lie down you will not be filled with fear;
when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.
25 You will not be afraid of sudden disaster,
or when destruction overtakes the wicked;
26 for the Lord will be the source of your confidence,
and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.
Response by Miriam Mohler
A pun-loving minister disguised as a Family Ministries Admin
When I was growing up my dad challenged me to memorize scripture by chapter; this was the first chapter I learned by heart. Over the years the words have been brought to mind more times than I can count. Proverbs is intended to make its readers understand and gain wisdom. Proverbs 3:13 states, “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.”
Wisdom does not guarantee that I will live to be 100. Wisdom does not guarantee that I will be wealthy financially. Wisdom does not guarantee that I will have prestige. What Wisdom does offer is brighter days of joy because of the skillful way I live my life. Wisdom offers honor by displaying integrity to the world. Those who are wise are protected from stumbling and have confidence that God is delighted in them! We begin to be wise when we fear God.
Proverbs 3:18 says that wisdom is a tree of life. The tree of life is found in 2 places in the Bible. It is is the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2) and in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22). So when the writer of Proverbs says we can have the tree of life by attaining wisdom, this is powerful! By holding tightly to wisdom and relying on it for all of our decisions, we are assured the joy filled, blessed life now! So our well-being is not granted once for all; rather, we will be forever sustained and renewed by His provision. That is really living!!!