Read
5Be wise and learn good sense;
remember my teachings
and do what I say.
6“If you love Wisdom
and don't reject her,
she will watch over you.
7The best thing about Wisdom
is Wisdom herself;
good sense is more important
than anything else.
8If you value Wisdom
and hold tightly to her,
great honors will be yours.
9It will be like wearing
a glorious crown
of beautiful flowers.”
Reflect
The writer of this proverb repeats his admonition to his son to “be wise and learn good sense.” He charges him to remember the advice and act upon it. Perhaps the father is imagining those times when his son will face challenges in his life and be tempted to follow a path that is not wise. He knows that if his son has pondered truth in his heart and mind, he will be more likely to follow it.
The writer likens wisdom to a woman highly valued. He encourages his son to love wisdom as he would a woman and “hold tightly to her.” The father himself is showing wisdom and understanding as he relates it to something a young man would indeed prize. He dangles the carrots, the promises, of being cared for and receiving high honours if his son follows this instruction. He uses the analogy of a garland of beautiful flowers that is like a crown, the symbol of one who has succeeded and is worthy of great honour.
The father charges the son to value wisdom for wisdom’s sake because he knows that true wisdom will always lead to God. All fathers want their sons to do well, to be well thought of, because it will reflect well on them. Our Heavenly Father wants us to do well, to be well thought of, because it will reflect well on him, and bring him glory. There is no better goal for a Christian, young, old, male, female. Our love for our heavenly Father should drive us to reach that goal.
Respond
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word that gives us images and metaphors that sink deep into our minds and hearts and move us to a closer relationship with you. Help us to ponder these things daily.
Marcia Lee Laycock
Marcia Lee Laycock is an award-winning writer and sought-after speaker. Having lived a few kilometers from the Arctic Circle, and two degrees off the Equator, her writing draws from a rich field of experiences. Marcia was the winner of the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel, One Smooth Stone, and she now has four devotional books and a fantasy series in print, which have also garnered awards. Marcia lives in central Alberta with her pastor husband. They have three grown daughters and two huge Great Dane grand-puppies.