Listen Up!
Opening Prayer
Bring your worries to God as you pray, for God’s loving compassion is concerned for the big and the small issues of life.
Read Proverbs 8:1–21
Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
15 By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Wisdom addresses the everyday problems of daily living. What are those challenges for you today?The trajectory of chapter 8 will reach the heights of power and wonder, especially in tomorrow’s second half, but it begins right in the middle of everyday life, in the marketplace, where people gather to chat about the things that concern them, both personal and communal (3). Proverbs might be addressed to a future king, but its gifts are available to everyone, even the simplest of subjects (5), so we are all included. Two gifts in particular are commended to ordinary folk like you and me—prudence and intelligence.
Prudence is something we are most likely to hear about from finance
ministers or bank managers (indeed, one of the longest-established UK insurance firms is called The Prudential). It is the virtue of being “streetwise,” having a grip on matters so that you can exercise self-
control. It is one of the most important of the Christian virtues, and extends to much else besides handling your money. Accompanied by understanding, you have the tools to negotiate the twists and turns of life and remain in control of yourself and your own journey, guided by the Spirit.
Apply
How can you apply God’s prudence to the choices you must make today? Choose to base your life around God’s plans for you.
Closing prayer
Lord, I lay my burdens before You. Give me Your prudence to guide my life.
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