July 23rd, Proverbs 30-31
Like Psalms, proverbs has a grand finale as well. It looks a bit different however. The grand finale of Psalms was a bursting forth of praise concerning the character and nature of God and our call to praise him. Proverbs is a bit different. Proverbs is about wisdom, wisdom personified in the image of a woman. In some ways it feels impossible to measure up to the woman portrayed, but if our lives were lived well, here's what wisdom would look like...
Trusted by family
Supportive of others
Willing worker
Sees beyond immediate surrounding for ways to bless family
Gets up early to take care of responsibilities
Does business to advance her family
Runs business with the extra of what she has already done
Takes care of self and lives in strength, not weakness
Produces a product that is useful
Looks after the poor
No fear of trouble because of preparedness
Family is well known and respected because of the one who is wise
Strength and dignity envelope her
Wisdom is deeply rooted inside so when she speaks people want to listen
Not idle
Family is quick to praise her
Charm and beauty are not relied upon to receive praise as they don't really help much in living the kind of solid life exhibited by wisdom. The results of her life prove who she is, not some vain proof we tend to look for. Of all the plastic surgeries older people seek out, the best surgery would have taken place during every choice between wisdom and folly. As the proverbs say, do everything you can to get wisdom!! Wisdom has a look to it
Hmm, Terry I like your comment on our tendency as we get older to fix the outside. That is easier, that is less painful. Still, wouldn't we all benefit more as a society, and be more effective as the family of God if we focused on asking God to change our attitude and help us to be wise and God fearing? Good post, good thoughts.
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