June 21, 2020, Proverbs 8:8-14, 17-21 – ISSL Reflections

I.
This week our attention will be drawn to some selected verses from Proverbs 8.

Take you time as you read and reread the passage. Who do you hear speaking to you in this passage?

II.
Proverbs 8:8-14 (New Revised Standard Version)

All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
They are all straight to one who understands
and right to those who find knowledge.
Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
I, wisdom, live with prudence,
and I attain knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
I have good advice and sound wisdom;
I have insight, I have strength.

Proverbs 8:17-21 (New Revised Standard Version)

I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
endowing with wealth those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.

III.
Let’s expand our reading beyond these verses.

Take a moment to read Proverbs 8:1-4.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+8%3A1-4&version=NRSV

Who is portrayed as the speaker in this chapter? The Proverbist?

It seems to be Wisdom is speaking. Not just in a small voice. She is in the middle of streets, at the crossroads of the city, speaking, even crying out to get everyone’s attention.

Does she have your attention?

IV.
What does Wisdom promise for us if we give her our attention? Where will paying attention to her advice and following it lead us? What will it lead us away from?

How valuable does she think her words are for us?

Do you think she gets it right or does she overstate her case?

Is she offering us what can be the foundation of the good life?

Consider her words and we’ll get back together later.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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