Day 3 - the wisdom of God
Today's Reading is Proverbs 2:1-15 (NIV)
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, ²turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— ³indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, ⁴and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, ⁵then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. ⁶For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ⁷He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, ⁸for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. ⁹Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. ¹⁰For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. ¹¹Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. ¹²Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, ¹³who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, ¹⁴who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, ¹⁵whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
Questions to Consider about the Reading:
What actions does this passage encourage us to take in pursuit of wisdom?
How does the text describe the relationship between God and wisdom?
What protections does wisdom offer according to this passage?
How would you describe your own pursuit of wisdom?
Is it casual or as dedicated as searching for treasure?
In what ways does this passage help you understand your relationship with Jesus, who is described as "the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24)?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I often don't pursue wisdom with the same passion I pursue other things in my life. Help me to value Your wisdom as a precious treasure worth seeking. Thank You that You are the source of all true wisdom and that You freely give it to those who ask. Protect me from crooked paths and guard my steps with Your discretion and understanding. As I continue this journey through Proverbs, remind me to seek Your wisdom not just for knowledge's sake, but to deepen my relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.