Today’s scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
I love reading Proverbs. It is a reminder to me that life is about learning, about gaining knowledge and wisdom, and learning to discern. I think a large part of this learning is self-knowledge and self-awareness.
So much of what we learn in life is that it’s all about me and what I want and what I deserve. This passage provides wisdom that is very different. It’s wisdom that leads to understanding, insight, and more awareness of God in my life.
Have you ever heard the saying, “The older I get, the dumber I get?” When I was younger, I thought I was much wiser than my years. I remember when I was 18, getting ready to leave home in Maryland for Orlando, Florida to attend Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida). I thought I knew it all. I worked two full time jobs all summer saving my money. I had carefully planned and packed all summer long for what would be needed when I entered school. Then when I arrived, I found that I did not make the dorm list, so I had no place to live. I shared a hotel room with another student until I was able to rent an apartment. The Days Inn was my dorm. I went from being a big fish in a small pond at high school, to being a small tadpole in the ocean. Yikes!
That was a humbling experience. I also made some bad choices because my own wisdom and experience was limited. I guess this is something many young adults go through. What happened to my manual on life? I grew up quickly, learned much, and had much more reverence for God by the time I was 25 — and now at almost 50 I still continue to grow!
How do I gain instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, and justice? We can seek God’s help and guidance. Verse five states, “Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill.” Perhaps there is something about acquiring skill in discerning that helps us grow in wisdom and knowledge. This reminds me of the “ways of discernment” presented by Stefan Kieche in his book, Art of Discernment. Here’s an abbreviated list:
- Stay in touch with reality. What is it that is really happening in my life? What is it that I am imagining versus what is concrete and real?
- Develop an appropriate internal sense of timing and self. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. Do I tend to drag things out, or can I be too hasty?
- Place thoughts and plans before the eyes and ears of friends you think of as wise. Seek their feedback.
- Listen to what my mind, heart, and intuitions tell me. Is this coming from God, or some sense of self-centeredness? Be careful not to judge myself too harshly. God may be laying something on my heart.
- Do not make plans or decisions in the midst of a crisis. However, it may be necessary in some situations.
- Know my limits. Be in touch with who I really am.
- Mourn the possibilities I ignore as well as the opportunities I miss; then let them go.
- Jesus should be the norm of my life and decisions. What does that kind of discipleship look like for me?
- Pray and listen. Be open to God.
Thought for the day: I am where I am today. I have the wisdom and knowledge I have gained on my journey up to this point in time. How am I hearing God speak to me, today, right now?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.