July 20th - Reflection

Proverbs 9:1-18 (NRSV)
The wise and foolish women

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 of the wine I have mixed.
Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight."

Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse;
whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.
A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you;
the wise, when rebuked, will love you.
Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will gain in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

The foolish woman is loud;
she is ignorant and knows nothing.
She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the high places of the town,
calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
"You who are simple, turn in here!"
And to those without sense she says,
"Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
But they do not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Reflection
I hear a few of things here in this passage today, listen to constructive criticism of people who are giving honest advice, continue to learn all lifelong, and don't fall to the tempter. Each one of these at one time or another can be some of the most difficult advice to actually take in.

Criticism, even when constructive, usually leads to a defensive attitude. I must fight back that urge to defend myself and just listen. Listen and let it absorb. Stop my mind for a minute and open my ears. Listen to the advice and take what is valuable and learn from this to improve on myself and my relationships with others.

Lifelong learning is a long and tiring course. There are times that I just want to think that this is enough. But I must continue to open my mind to new learning. Especially learn the ways of God and hear the call to action. Use new gifts I have been given to God's glory and continue to learn.

And finally that grand temptation to sin. Sin can lure you in and trap your very life. Sin can absorb all of your learning. Sin can absorb your life. I need to recognize the smell of the stench of sin and resist sin, knowing that Jesus is my Savior.

Just a few of the things I can learn from this passage today...just a few. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, may I not fall to temptation, help me to continue learning in your way and lead me to hear ways in which I can improve my walk with you...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen