Listen:
“My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck” (Proverbs 3:21-22).
Reflect:
I bought my favorite necklace—a shimmering, blue-green Roman glass pendant—in Israel. It is beautiful and brings up lovely memories of a life-changing trip.
Proverbs 3:22 says that wisdom is “adornment for your neck.” In other words, it beautifies character. It sparkles with good choices. It shines grace and truth. It radiates the inner peace of self-discipline. It is “life for your soul.”
Recently I was studying Song of Songs, and it struck me that our heavenly bridegroom has given us many gifts of “diamonds and rubies” such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These adorn our lives. To that wonderful collection, I would add the beautiful pearl of wisdom.
James 1:5 says that the Lord gives pearls of wisdom “generously to all, without finding fault.” Though the value of sound judgment is far beyond calculation, He charges no dollar amount, only the price of our humble obedience.
Our culture idolizes beauty and resists “aging gracefully,” but I’ve come to appreciate that growing old is a gift from the Lord. It gives a final opportunity to invest in what matters most—the “unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight ” (I Peter 3:4). Now, whenever insecurity rises about sagging jowls, batwing arms, or crepey skin, I remind myself to wear those “pearls of wisdom” proudly and celebrate the Lord’s inner glow!
Prayer of Response:
Even as we age, let us sparkle for you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- How might “adorning yourself with wisdom” help you age gracefully?
- In your experience, how has wisdom been “life for the soul”?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Giver of Good Gifts
Exhale (Breathe out): adorn me with wisdom.
(Repeat)
—Submitted by Ruth Wood
Ruth is a US/Swiss citizen and lives with her husband in Oregon. They have two grown sons, two awesome daughters-in-law, and two new kittens. She works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and loves blogging at EspressoForTheHeart.org.
Feature image by Elle Stallings from Pixabay