August 9, 2022
Friends,
In Proverbs, Wisdom is always calling, always inviting, always hoping that the simple will listen and grow wise. “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you” (Prov. 2:23). “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Prov. 9:5-6).
At the same time, there is another call. Folly is also inviting. “She is seductive and knows nothing” (Prov. 9:14). Her voice is sweet and alluring, but her invitation is to darkness and death.
The path upward and the path downward both begin at the same level, but they end in vastly different places. What feels like just a few easy steps downhill is the beginning of a journey that ends in a tumble to the bottom. The more difficult steps uphill seem like they’re not worth it if you’re comparing the scenery just a little ways down the road.
That’s helpful in recognizing and avoiding the call of Folly. She’s always saying things like, “just a little bit” or “it’s not a big deal” or “no one will notice” or “you deserve something for yourself.” Do not let her fool you! “‘Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’ But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol” (Prov. 9:17-18).
On the other hand, Wisdom’s invitation is all light and truth. Yes, the way is hard, but the reward is worth it. Yes, you may grow weary, but there is a promise of rest in the end. Yes, there are pleasures and delights and passions you must refuse now, but they are like a vapor. They’ll be gone in a moment anyway. The blessings of Wisdom are concrete and eternal.
But remember, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” We’re not talking about worldly wisdom here. We’re talking about the wisdom on offer in God’s Word. It is the knowledge of what is true and good and beautiful according to the maker of everything. It is the knowledge of sin that corrupts and destroys and kills, the same sin that is lurking in our hearts. It is the knowledge of love revealed in Jesus’ selfless sacrifice on the cross. It is instruction in loving as he has loved us. That is the benefit of gaining wisdom – you become more like Jesus. What could be better than that?
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:22-24).
Christ crucified for you – that is the center of all wisdom.
Hear the call to grow in wisdom and obey! “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:1-2). Read your Bibles, come to church, pray, eat and drink the body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of your sins! Seek Wisdom and rejoice in her blessings!
God bless and keep you,
Pr. Buchs
COMING EVENTS:
Elders’/Council Meetings – Thursday, August 11 @ 6 and 7pm