Throughout the book of Proverbs the author exhorts us concerning the merits of a life lived with wisdom at the core. In these verses he stops and presents us with examples of how God used wisdom, knowledge and understanding. It might appear obvious that God would use these tools to create the majesty of the mountains, rivers of earth and the far flung reaches of space with its spectacular displays. And of course the complexity of the natural laws and the systems in our human bodies would require immeasurable wisdom and knowledge.

Counting the number of “likes” on your postings? Seeking to find more friends on social media? Most of us like being centre stage, if not in real life, then in our imaginary world.

When John’s disciples reported to him, seemingly at their dismay, that people were going to Jesus (rather than coming to him), John showed no eagerness to remain centre stage.

Two topics are often off-limits when meeting new people: politics and religion. People have their own opinion, and true exchanges of ideas are quite rare. After all, religions only divide people, right?

In today’s text, a Samaritan woman comes by herself to draw water at the well, much later than other women.

Badges, tags, titles. CEO, President, Commander, Officer, Honorable, Prime Minister, Professor, Doctor; societies lack no titles. Used improperly, titles pretend, deceive, abuse. But in the best case scenario, titles identity, testify, certify.

Jesus had just left Samaria where many had put their faith in him. On his way to Cana, he met an unnamed man. The text says the man was an “official,” a member of King Herod’s court. Herod was considered by most Jews to be a poser “King of Israel” installed by the pagan Romans. This man came and asked Jesus to heal his dying son.

Young love. I remember when I fell in love with the man who is now my life partner and lawfully wedded husband as if it was yesterday. I couldn’t wait to see him. My heart longed to love him. I spoke of him and sang his praises everywhere I went to whoever crossed my path. I loved spending time with him, often over a good meal. I would think of him before I went to sleep, and when I woke up I was thankful for a new day so I could spend more time with him.