Simple Wisdom

The Rev. Nancy E. Gossling

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom has built her house,

she has hewn her seven pillars.

She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,

she has also set her table.

She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls

from the highest places in the town,

“You that are simple, turn in here!”

To those without sense she says,

“Come, eat of my bread

and drink the wine I have mixed.

Lay aside immaturity, and live,

and walk in the way of insight.”

The book of Proverbs, known as part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, is a series of collections written by the sages of their times. These were the times after the reign of King Solomon when the country of Israel had become divided. The sages were considered wise men, and came from what was considered the social class of the intellectual elite. They served as counselors, bureaucrats, and teachers of their traditions and culture; they claimed that knowledge of God came through the study of creation and human nature. The sages, both then and now, have concern for the daily morality of their people. (HCSB)

Wisdom built her foundation on the “fear of the Lord” which was defined as “the awe, obedience, and proper relationship to God that necessarily undergirds all attempts at living wisely.” How does one live wisely then? By following in the ways of God which are goodness, truth, unity, and beauty. How does one learn about God? Through our experiences as human beings and the study of our human nature. Our choices can make us look like fools or sages.

“The quest for knowledge may be pursued at higher speeds with smarter tools today,” writes Arianna Huffington. “But wisdom is found no more readily than it was three thousand years ago in the court of King Solomon. In fact, ours is a generation bloated with information and starved for wisdom.” (August 4, 2015, Christian Century) Certain actions invariably produce reliable consequences; and so wise people will consider the effects of their actions. Insight comes through results being reflected upon and reconsidered..

Wisdom is simple. Do good. Do the next right thing. Learn from your mistakes.The wicked are foolish. They scoff at correction. They act impulsively. They are self-serving rather than God-fearing. Sound familiar?  Fortunately, God’s intentions are not thwarted by human actions; “against Wisdom evil cannot prevail. Strongly, she reaches from one end of the world to the other and she governs the whole world for its good.” (The Book of Wisdom, 8:1, New Jerusalem Bible)