The Joy of Glory

Proverbs 1:20-33 (click here)
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets 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? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:20-23)

Reflection
Have you heard Wisdom’s cry?

Proverbs pictures wisdom like a woman calling out in the streets… surrounding us with offers to listen to her voice, but we are stubborn and ignore her at every turn. Yet, I have never heard wisdom calling out to me! Where are these supposed countless offers of wisdom calling? Surely, I’m not so dense as to ignore wisdom’s great wealth if it actually surrounds me… or am I?

Each morning, the sun rises… proclaiming to me the wisdom of the one who created the sun and all it shines upon. Yet, I neglect to speak to him in prayer. I’m in a hurry with too much to do.

Throughout my day, I neglect what others have to say. Many of these are people the Lord has placed in my life to provide wise counsel… but how often do I heed what they have to say?

Sunday after Sunday, I hear God’s Word proclaimed… and perhaps it entertains me, but it does not enter my heart and actually change who I am, how I think, act, and love. I keep the wisdom of the word at arms distance and admire it from afar.

And perhaps the most glaring manner in which wisdom calls and I ignore her is through my own copy of the Scriptures. Day after day, the Holy Spirit of God beckons to be heard through the words he inspired. But, I don’t have time. I leave the Bible on my bedside table as I rush out the door… and that evening I continue to ignore the wisdom that is available within its pages.

“If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”

The Holy Spirit of the living God, poured out as he illumines the words he inspired to give us wisdom unto salvation! This is the ultimate cry of wisdom that surrounds us every day! Do we hear and heed the call?

Have you heard wisdom’s cry?

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.