January 3rd - Reflection

Proverbs 1:20-33 (NRSV)
Give heed to Wisdom, live without dread
Wisdom cries out in the street;
in the squares she raises her voice.
At the busiest corner she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
"How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?

Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused,
have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,
and because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when panic strikes you,
when panic strikes you like a storm,
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel,
and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way
and be sated with their own devices.
For waywardness kills the simple,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
but those who listen to me will be secure
and will live at ease, without dread of disaster."

Reflection
Wisdom springs to life here. Wisdom is personified. Wisdom cries out words of warning to all the people. It seems that most of the people ignore the pleas of Wisdom. The people fall into a few groups.

One group is the Simple. The Simple are easily persuaded by those that would lead away from the advice of Wisdom. Wisdom's advice to turn from evil and obey the Lord.
The second group is the Scoffers. They shout arrogance and defiance towards Wisdom. They are the type that put Wisdom down.

Finally we have the Fools. This comes from the word nabal. Recall the story of Nabal, married to Abigail. David requested food from Nabal. David had done no harm to Nabal, but Nabal responded with insults. Luckily his wife Abigail was smart enough to act for Nabal's good. Nabal died and Abigail became David's wife.

This proverb teaches us to listen and learn from Wisdom - source of God. Don't be simple, a heckler or a fool about Wisdom. Listen and heed the word Wisdom has to give.

Prayer
Lord, your Wisdom is something I need to pause and listen to. Be easy with me and help me to understand the deep meanings and the profound actions you wish for me to take this day, following the Wisdom you have to offer. Send now your Holy Spirit to lead me today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen