THE WORLD OF WISDOM
20th Sep 2023
I have a parallel Bible which enables me to read both the NIV and also The Message. I usually read both, and am often challenged by the way The Message shines light on a familiar text.
Recently in reading Proverbs 2, we are instructed to cry out for wisdom and understanding, and in The Message this passage was very clear and challenged me greatly.
Verses 2 - 5 say, “Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That’s right—if you make Insight your priority, and won’t take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt. Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.”
I began to question my own desire for wisdom and insight, and search myself to see if I have that hunger within, driving me to search for more knowing and intimacy with the Godhead. There is so much to seek and find, but we can stop and be satisfied with what we have already found.
Verses 6-8 speak of what is to be found as we search, “God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.”
I want to partner with God and proclaim His purposes for this time on earth. What am I believing for? What is He doing? What are you and I doing to extend His Kingdom?
God wants His Church to wake up, to seek His face, and to gain insight into His purposes at this time. To be watching, waiting in faith, to be excitedly searching for treasure and finding it.
Life is not easy, but it’s purposeful when you are fully awake, working with insight and wisdom, seeing what God desires right now and knowing you are part of His redemptive plan, and that He is the soon coming King!
by Joyce Sibthorpe
