Day Forty-Six -- Woman Wisdom and Solomon's Proverbs

Proverbs 7:1 to Proverbs 20:21

Wisdom gives her second speech, and leaves me with a few questions.  Exactly where does she fit in with our understanding of God?  She says that the LORD brought her forth, that she was "given birth, before he made the world or its fields or any if the dust of the earth" (Proverbs 8:26).  She was at the LORD's side when when all things of this world were made. What might her role have been that God placed her there?  A companion, an observer, a counselor?  Does she act independently from God or is she sent forth with specific instructions and duties?  Far be it from me to pretend that I have a neat answer to something that both Jewish and Christian theologians have wrestled with for centuries.  At this point I say let's just let her words stir our spirits and challenge our minds.

We then enter the portion of the Book of Proverbs that is attributed by some to the wise King Solomon whom we recall asked The LORD not for power or wealth or victory over his enemies, but for wisdom and a discerning mind so that he could rule well over the people.  They are proverbs of instruction, of living well, of avoiding troubles and seeking righteousness.  Thankfulness and lawful living is stressed along with humility: "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife" (Proverbs 17:1); and "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done" (19:17).  This latter one makes me think of Matthew 25, but that is best left for another day.

So, which of the proverbs have caught your eye?  Are there any that speak deeply to something that the LORD might be trying to say to you at this moment in your life?