Showing posts with label Proverbs 8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Proverbs 8. Show all posts

Thursday, 30 April 2020

Wisdom as a Person - a new insight

bible verse, psalm 143:8, bible quote, direction quote, guidance ...
If you enjoy the collection of Proverbs you will note that the flow of chapters 1 to 9 is different from the later Proverbs. In the first 9 chapters, we see that the writer (Solomon?) speaks about wisdom as being an abstract object - almost as a character trait that we all need to get and then hold onto.

However, in the focal point of the first 9 Chapters, Solomon suddenly changes his language and now starts to speak about Wisdom as a PERSON. Now, this is not really a huge jump to make because Wisdom is referred to as 'sophia' in Greek and 'hokmah' in Hebrew - both of these are female personifications. (So ladies you can now joke with us men-folk that you are the truly WISE ones :)

What is more, when we read about this WISDOM, we note the massive parallels with the person of Jesus. The Apostle John wrote about Jesus that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God!" (John 1). Now this may be a little tricky to understand at first, but very simply, John was reminding us that Jesus was present in the beginning of Creation. From this understanding we get our concept of the Trinity.

Now, as we read Proverbs 8:22-33, we see that Solomon is suggesting the same thing. This person, referred to as Wisdom, could really be referring to Jesus, the Messiah. Take a read of these words and see what you think...

"From the beginning, I was with the Lord.
    I was there before he began to create the earth.
At the very first, the Lord gave life to me.

When I was born, there were no oceans
    or springs of water.

My birth was before mountains were formed
    or hills were put in place.

It happened long before God
    had made the earth or any of its fields
    or even the dust.

I was there when the Lord put the heavens in place
    and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea.
I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky
    and created the springs that fill the ocean.
I was there when he set boundaries for the sea
    to make it obey him, and when he laid foundations
    to support the earth.
I was right beside the Lord, helping him plan and build.
I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side.
I was pleased with his world
    and pleased with its people.
Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice,
    and you will be happy.
Listen carefully to my instructions,
    and you will be wise."

Regardless of how we feel about this possible connection with the Christ, Wisdom is a necessity for all of us, especially as we navigate through turbulent waters. Let us turn to the Wisdom of Jesus and also pray for those who lead us through our current Pandemic.
So many people would like to have guidance from God because obviously, if you have a word from God, it's the best possible thing. But they don't relate that to life as a whole. Often they want guidance as a way of opting out of the responsibility of making decisions. Dallas Willard
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/guidance-quotes

"So many people would like to have guidance from God because obviously, if you have a word from God, it's the best possible thing. But they don't relate that to life as a whole. Often they want guidance as a way of opting out of the responsibility of making decisions." - Dallas Willard

So many people would like to have guidance from God because obviously, if you have a word from God, it's the best possible thing. But they don't relate that to life as a whole. Often they want guidance as a way of opting out of the responsibility of making decisions. Dallas Willard
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/guidance-quotes
Living in Grace
D3LM3

Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Living in the same house

Wisdom Knowledge Discernment 💜 Proverbs 8:12 NLT | Bible apps ...
During these days of Lockdown most of us are learning how to live in the same space with our family (or community) without getting on each others nerves. There are of course some days when we all end up feeling that the 'living space' is a little cramped, don't you agree? However, we know that staying in the same house is good for us and helps flatten the curve.

So, why am I sharing this with you? Well, as I was reading through Proverbs 8, I came to verse 12, where it mentions that 'wisdom' and 'judgement' live together and it is a good partnership. Have a read of these verses and see what benefit there is from bringing out the best in each other.

"Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding. If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil. For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind. “I, Wisdom, give good advice and common sense. Because of my strength, kings reign in power, and rulers make just laws. I love all who love me. Those who search for me shall surely find me. Unending riches, honor, justice, and righteousness are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold or sterling silver!" - Proverbs 8:12-19 (Living Bible)

Euripides - "Whosoever neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead for the future."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Tuesday, 27 March 2018

8 - Finding Life

“Now then, my children, listen to me;
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life
    and receive favour from the Lord.
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
    all who hate me love death.” - Proverbs 8

Easter is a fantastic time to remember that, in embracing Jesus, we are 'finding life.'  
May you get to experience LIFE in all it's fullness.

Living in Grace
D3LM3