Listen:
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. (Proverbs 3:15-16)
Reflect:
The book of Proverbs begins with a father’s instructions to his son and ends with a mother’s instructions to her son, and was written to teach young men how to function in society, finding meaning and order in the world. As a whole, Proverbs is united by recurring female imagery and the personification of God’s wisdom as a woman: Lady Wisdom. As our readings remind us today, nothing is more precious than godly wisdom, which offers us a life full of purpose and meaning.
We live in a world saturated with information to justify almost anything, and dismiss what we don’t like. It is quite literally at our fingertips. But having correct information, knowing how to apply it, and then living out what we know is harder than it sounds. Godly wisdom is taking the time to study God’s word and then prayfully discerning how to apply it in our daily lives – in word and deed.
Proverbs encourages us to know that when humans walk in God’s wisdom, they most closely exemplify the image of God as they were intended to, and it brings them great joy. As we, the community of Lifesprings, saturate ourselves in the third chapter of Proverbs together, may we each humbly and faithfully discern what is wise, faithful, and true. Nothing is more precious than that.
Prayer of Response:
Wise and everloving God, thank you for giving us your word to guide us. May we seek wisdom in all we do, knowing that nothing we desire compares to you. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- What information are you letting saturate your thoughts lately?
- Are you intentionally seeking Lady Wisdom (praying for wisdom)?
- How can you honour those who have demonstrated godly wisdom for you?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale(Breathe in): Lady Wisdom
Exhale(Breathe out): Guide me
(Repeat)
—Submitted by: Christa Eisbrenner
Christa is an ordained Anglican priest in Canada, shepherding two rural parishes. She is married to her high school sweetheart, who was a faith promise 20 years after they met. Like a mother hen, Christa has gathered six daughters into her flock. Three have flown the coop, but the three little chicks continue to keep her running. Christa attended the first Lifesprings retreat some 19 years ago and now participates on the LET, leads Lifesprings Canada, and co-hosts the Lifesprings Podcast.