Wisdom Is Radiant and Unfading: 7 days of wisdom and 7 reasons why you should find her in your bible
"Wisdom is radiant and unfading,
and she is easily discerned by those
who love her,
and is found by those who seek her." ~Wisdom 6:12
The Bible's hidden gem...
The Bible includes a portion towards the end of the Old Testament known as the "Wisdom literature." I am pretty pumped (not a biblical term, lol) about this section of the bible and would love to share that with you! Basically it includes the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom of Solomon, and Sirach.
Daily mass readings...
Last week in the Catholic Church's daily mass readings, the 1st reading - given before the gospel reading - was all taken out of the Book of Wisdom (or Wisdom of Solomon). I think the Wisdom literature is a really amazing part of the Bible, and you might find that venturing into the Bible by starting here could be a great launching pad. You might be really surprised at how profound it is!
Truly wisdom does jump off the page in abundance. I hope if you give some of the readings a try you will have a good experience.
7 days and 7 reasons...
I am going to reflect a little bit on each of the 7 readings offered by the Church. The 7 readings themselves - given by chapter and verse (remember religion class! lol) - will help you find your place and give you a portion of the text to focus on. I encourage you to open your heart. All Christians believe that scripture is the inspired Word of God.
Monday
1) Upright living - Wisdom 1:1-7
This passage talks about "upright living" and encourages fleeing from deceit and leaving foolish thoughts behind. A big feature of many of the wisdom books is discerning and exposing the difference between those who are wise and those who are foolish. Consequently, it helps you and empowers you to shift as much of your life as possible (howbout all of it!) into the "wise" category.
The opening verses in this passage are profound in reminding us to respect God in His goodness and to seek Him with a sincere heart.
If you ever feel that some of these verses 'convict' you or make you feel like they are being harsh, try to remember down the line the part of the Bible where we learn all about God's mercy and forgiveness. We all have been foolish: use these inspirations to help you become wiser!
We live in a society that doesn't always put a premium on "upright living" or "righteousness." Maybe righteousness seems undesirable. One of the goals of the wisdom books is to probe your heart (Hebrews 4:12) and to help you discern the greatness of desiring the spiritual wealth of wisdom (Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 16:16).
Tuesday
2) Wisdom and immortality - Wisdom 2:23,24 - 3:9
(Seems like a confusing chapter/verse reference, but you'll see that verses 23 and 24 are the last 2 verses of chapter 2; and then just read straight through chapter 3, from verse 1 to 9.)
This passage shows off some of the power the wisdom books can have. Verses 23 and 24 of chapter 2 throw you a couple big zingers that reveal some powerful truths of the faith. We were made to live forever in imitation and likeness to our Creator (Genesis 1:27). As if that weren't enough, verse 24 goes on to say that death entered our world through the devil, and we can share in his death if we like. But don't despair at that last part, more wisdom is on the way...
The parts of chapter 3, up to verse 9, highlight the joys of being a part of God's company, and the rewards of living righteously; even when others think our efforts are "in vain."
Wednesday
3) Kings should seek wisdom - Wisdom 6:1-11
If kings should seek wisdom, so should we! This passage is pretty cool. One of the biggest encouragements I took from this passage when I heard it proclaimed at mass was the idea of there actually being a "great" and a "small" in this world. It reminded me of when Jesus talked about some getting "1 talent", some getting 5, and others getting 10 (Matthew 25:14-30).
I loved it because then I realized, "maybe I don't have to be as amazing as Padre Pio!" haha. Not to give myself an excuse to not seek to be who God wants me to be, but it's nice to know that we really do have different talents and we aren't all called to look exactly the same.
The other cool idea of kings needing wisdom is God's great call of showing deference to no one. If you are great in this world, get to work! Serve the poor, use your greatness, your gifts for good! You may be judged more harshly.
God searches our hearts, he knows them, and he wants to see that we are honestly seeking to be wise and to be holy. Great and small alike; each called in their own way!
Thursday
4) Don't think your religion ain't cool - Wisdom 7:22 - 8:1
To me, the Book of Wisdom is showing off again. We tend to think the coolest religion or spirituality consists of going elsewhere and exploring Buddhism, or the sayings of Confucius, etc. and we marvel at the wonder and beauty of the sayings of the wise ones of the world. Little did we know the bible is stuffed with treasure troves of divine truth that are arguably more profound and, more importantly, even more practical and applicable to our lives. The words we are reading here can have an immediate impact on our lives.
Again, my impact of reading this passage privately was the power of the series of words given as a list right at the beginning. I meditated carefully on each one and it brought me a great joy in the knowledge of wisdom. And about the great benefits I've already experienced from living aligned to God's word. Ultimately, we must remember that we don't worship wisdom per se, but we remember that God is the author of wisdom.
We will see soon enough, and in other books of the wisdom literature, that wisdom can be known to be personified as she, and represents a divine attribute of God. Remember, we know about the Father and the Son (and calling God Him), but God by nature is neither male nor female, but obviously contains within himself all of our traits and everything we love about the world.
Friday
5) Atheists beware - Wisdom 13:1-9
This one's another zinger towards not believing in God, or doubting His existence. To me, it's pretty remarkable and I'd like to think that an atheist or skeptic with an open heart might be profoundly moved by this passage. It is a powerful reminder of why surveys consistently show that a profound majority of us believe in God. It's obvious. We see it.
But I'm still glad for passages like this in scripture. It's a great reminder and it's powerful. The last verse includes a reminder for the notion of the "popular scientist" who claims that he's searched the world and sees no evidence of God.
I also like the bit in verse 2 that I think reminds us to give God the credit he is due.
Saturday
6) Final judgment and restoration - Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9
(That chapter/verse breakdown indicates that this is sort of a 'split passage.' Read chapter 18, verses 14 to 16... then stop and read chapter 19, verses 6 to 9.)
Chapter 18's section discusses the final judgment, and includes strong language (and I don't mean swearing). I would say it's very moving language, and reminds us that God has been in control all along, and that we hope to find ourselves in line with his word when he comes. For now, the gentle silence envelopes us, but we must be ready for our end when it comes.
Carrying the sharp sword of authentic command. God in his goodness gives us his words freely. God isn't trying to spring a trap. Jesus, who is known to be called Wisdom incarnate, came and gave us his words of authentic command. They are good words and wise words... We are called to live them (Matthew 7:24-27).
Chapter 19's section focuses on the excitement of the world being restored to its original harmony and goodness. Something to be enjoyed by the wise ones who heeded God's commands and learned of his saving help.
Bonus passage!
Sunday - Wisdom 6:12-16
(This was actually read on the Sunday before we launched into the Monday to Saturday passages.)
This passage receives the award for being the most pretty. It is the only one that brings us into the idea of personifying Wisdom as a she.
It brings us to the true beauty and joy of Wisdom. She's free for the taking. Rich or poor, black or white, slave or free... We need ways to think rightly and to live rightly. God gave us this special portion of scripture to be a reminder that we don't always have to travel long distances to find right living, to find the joy we want. God's words offer us truth and life in abundance. It's all through scripture, but I hope you enjoy taking a trip through the wisdom books with me.
(Note that a "Protestant Bible" actually won't include the Book of Wisdom [or Sirach], so find yourself a "Catholic Bible." Dunno, something to do with some amendments made by Luther during the Protestant Reformation of the 1500's.)
So go find a bible (or use google if you must!) and enjoy the journey... you might find it to be life-changing.
Joe
amdg
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock." -Mt. 7:24
and she is easily discerned by those
who love her,
and is found by those who seek her." ~Wisdom 6:12
The Bible's hidden gem...
The Bible includes a portion towards the end of the Old Testament known as the "Wisdom literature." I am pretty pumped (not a biblical term, lol) about this section of the bible and would love to share that with you! Basically it includes the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom of Solomon, and Sirach.
Daily mass readings...
Last week in the Catholic Church's daily mass readings, the 1st reading - given before the gospel reading - was all taken out of the Book of Wisdom (or Wisdom of Solomon). I think the Wisdom literature is a really amazing part of the Bible, and you might find that venturing into the Bible by starting here could be a great launching pad. You might be really surprised at how profound it is!
Truly wisdom does jump off the page in abundance. I hope if you give some of the readings a try you will have a good experience.
7 days and 7 reasons...
I am going to reflect a little bit on each of the 7 readings offered by the Church. The 7 readings themselves - given by chapter and verse (remember religion class! lol) - will help you find your place and give you a portion of the text to focus on. I encourage you to open your heart. All Christians believe that scripture is the inspired Word of God.
Monday
1) Upright living - Wisdom 1:1-7
This passage talks about "upright living" and encourages fleeing from deceit and leaving foolish thoughts behind. A big feature of many of the wisdom books is discerning and exposing the difference between those who are wise and those who are foolish. Consequently, it helps you and empowers you to shift as much of your life as possible (howbout all of it!) into the "wise" category.
The opening verses in this passage are profound in reminding us to respect God in His goodness and to seek Him with a sincere heart.
If you ever feel that some of these verses 'convict' you or make you feel like they are being harsh, try to remember down the line the part of the Bible where we learn all about God's mercy and forgiveness. We all have been foolish: use these inspirations to help you become wiser!
We live in a society that doesn't always put a premium on "upright living" or "righteousness." Maybe righteousness seems undesirable. One of the goals of the wisdom books is to probe your heart (Hebrews 4:12) and to help you discern the greatness of desiring the spiritual wealth of wisdom (Proverbs 3:14; Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 16:16).
Tuesday
2) Wisdom and immortality - Wisdom 2:23,24 - 3:9
(Seems like a confusing chapter/verse reference, but you'll see that verses 23 and 24 are the last 2 verses of chapter 2; and then just read straight through chapter 3, from verse 1 to 9.)
This passage shows off some of the power the wisdom books can have. Verses 23 and 24 of chapter 2 throw you a couple big zingers that reveal some powerful truths of the faith. We were made to live forever in imitation and likeness to our Creator (Genesis 1:27). As if that weren't enough, verse 24 goes on to say that death entered our world through the devil, and we can share in his death if we like. But don't despair at that last part, more wisdom is on the way...
The parts of chapter 3, up to verse 9, highlight the joys of being a part of God's company, and the rewards of living righteously; even when others think our efforts are "in vain."
Wednesday
3) Kings should seek wisdom - Wisdom 6:1-11
If kings should seek wisdom, so should we! This passage is pretty cool. One of the biggest encouragements I took from this passage when I heard it proclaimed at mass was the idea of there actually being a "great" and a "small" in this world. It reminded me of when Jesus talked about some getting "1 talent", some getting 5, and others getting 10 (Matthew 25:14-30).
I loved it because then I realized, "maybe I don't have to be as amazing as Padre Pio!" haha. Not to give myself an excuse to not seek to be who God wants me to be, but it's nice to know that we really do have different talents and we aren't all called to look exactly the same.
The other cool idea of kings needing wisdom is God's great call of showing deference to no one. If you are great in this world, get to work! Serve the poor, use your greatness, your gifts for good! You may be judged more harshly.
God searches our hearts, he knows them, and he wants to see that we are honestly seeking to be wise and to be holy. Great and small alike; each called in their own way!
Thursday
4) Don't think your religion ain't cool - Wisdom 7:22 - 8:1
To me, the Book of Wisdom is showing off again. We tend to think the coolest religion or spirituality consists of going elsewhere and exploring Buddhism, or the sayings of Confucius, etc. and we marvel at the wonder and beauty of the sayings of the wise ones of the world. Little did we know the bible is stuffed with treasure troves of divine truth that are arguably more profound and, more importantly, even more practical and applicable to our lives. The words we are reading here can have an immediate impact on our lives.
Again, my impact of reading this passage privately was the power of the series of words given as a list right at the beginning. I meditated carefully on each one and it brought me a great joy in the knowledge of wisdom. And about the great benefits I've already experienced from living aligned to God's word. Ultimately, we must remember that we don't worship wisdom per se, but we remember that God is the author of wisdom.
We will see soon enough, and in other books of the wisdom literature, that wisdom can be known to be personified as she, and represents a divine attribute of God. Remember, we know about the Father and the Son (and calling God Him), but God by nature is neither male nor female, but obviously contains within himself all of our traits and everything we love about the world.
Friday
5) Atheists beware - Wisdom 13:1-9
This one's another zinger towards not believing in God, or doubting His existence. To me, it's pretty remarkable and I'd like to think that an atheist or skeptic with an open heart might be profoundly moved by this passage. It is a powerful reminder of why surveys consistently show that a profound majority of us believe in God. It's obvious. We see it.
But I'm still glad for passages like this in scripture. It's a great reminder and it's powerful. The last verse includes a reminder for the notion of the "popular scientist" who claims that he's searched the world and sees no evidence of God.
I also like the bit in verse 2 that I think reminds us to give God the credit he is due.
Saturday
6) Final judgment and restoration - Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9
(That chapter/verse breakdown indicates that this is sort of a 'split passage.' Read chapter 18, verses 14 to 16... then stop and read chapter 19, verses 6 to 9.)
Chapter 18's section discusses the final judgment, and includes strong language (and I don't mean swearing). I would say it's very moving language, and reminds us that God has been in control all along, and that we hope to find ourselves in line with his word when he comes. For now, the gentle silence envelopes us, but we must be ready for our end when it comes.
Carrying the sharp sword of authentic command. God in his goodness gives us his words freely. God isn't trying to spring a trap. Jesus, who is known to be called Wisdom incarnate, came and gave us his words of authentic command. They are good words and wise words... We are called to live them (Matthew 7:24-27).
Chapter 19's section focuses on the excitement of the world being restored to its original harmony and goodness. Something to be enjoyed by the wise ones who heeded God's commands and learned of his saving help.
Bonus passage!
Sunday - Wisdom 6:12-16
(This was actually read on the Sunday before we launched into the Monday to Saturday passages.)
This passage receives the award for being the most pretty. It is the only one that brings us into the idea of personifying Wisdom as a she.
It brings us to the true beauty and joy of Wisdom. She's free for the taking. Rich or poor, black or white, slave or free... We need ways to think rightly and to live rightly. God gave us this special portion of scripture to be a reminder that we don't always have to travel long distances to find right living, to find the joy we want. God's words offer us truth and life in abundance. It's all through scripture, but I hope you enjoy taking a trip through the wisdom books with me.
(Note that a "Protestant Bible" actually won't include the Book of Wisdom [or Sirach], so find yourself a "Catholic Bible." Dunno, something to do with some amendments made by Luther during the Protestant Reformation of the 1500's.)
So go find a bible (or use google if you must!) and enjoy the journey... you might find it to be life-changing.
Joe
amdg
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock." -Mt. 7:24
Greetings from the UK. I enjoyed reading. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
Amazing! I assumed my only audience might be some of my facebook friends who I post the link to. I put a lot into this and I really do love the wisdom books! I was very glad to see a comment before I even posted it to my facebook. My first comment ever on this blog too! Thanks for letting me know that you never know who could be reading. :)
DeleteGreetings from Canada! Joe
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