Read
In Praise of Wisdom
1 With great understanding,
Wisdom is calling out
2as she stands at the crossroads
and on every hill.
3She stands by the city gate
where everyone enters the city,
and she shouts:
4“I am calling out
to each one of you!
5Good sense and sound judgment
can be yours.
6Listen, because what I say
is worthwhile and right.
7I always speak the truth
and refuse to tell a lie.
8Every 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.
10Let 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.”
Reflect
Ever feel like your voice is not heard? Do you feel that other voices crowd yours out, interrupting and speaking over yours? It’s not a nice feeling.
That is the experience of the voice of wisdom; God’s voice personified for us here. He calls out, raising his voice wherever people are, in the public squares and where their paths meet. He does not shrink back into quieter corners but calls out boldly and confidently, raising his voice to all people, calling out continually. He calls out to you.
His is a lonely voice though. It is lonely because his words are entirely pure; never crooked, never perverse, having nothing to do with wickedness in any form. Those who love that path won’t hear his words and his voice is drowned out by that other love.
His voice is also a lonely one because it is up against the call of silver and gold. It’s often thought that both can be pursued equally; wisdom and wealth. But one will always rise and take precedence. Truthfully, wisdom is a lonely voice when it’s up against the love of money. Just think of the last time you were in the store and the desire for that . . . whatever; it was gripping your will and begging to go home with you! The problem—you did not need it and really could not afford it.
Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” Matthew 6:33 (NIV). It is when we seek God’s voice of wisdom first and above all else that wise decisions follow. The question we must ask ourselves is: are we listening to that lonely voice which calls at the crossroads in our lives.
Respond
Heavenly Father, you are the One who relentlessly calls out to me. Your voice is altogether wise. Help to hear your voice amidst the clatter of my life. Give me discernment to hear your voice and courage to follow it. Amen.
Donna Dyck
Donna and her husband Bill are parents of 4 adult children and have 9 grandchildren. They have been pastoring at Toronto Alliance church for 28 years. Donna has written 2 books, Confessions of a Not So Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastors wife. She has spoken at many conferences, seminars, and events over the years. She and her husband have just written a Devotional called Hope for an Unwanted Journey which will be published soon and is for parents, especially those who are walking through the valley of addiction or mental illness with their loved ones.