Proverbs 8 reminds me of the game we played
as children that we called Hotter/
Colder. One person would
leave the room while an object is hidden. Then as the seeker
wandered around, while the others would direct him, by telling him
that he is getting warmer, as he moved closer or colder as he moved
away from what was hidden. It is pretty simple if they listen
to one clear voice, but sometimes the searcher is fooled and get
colder. Other times they can be “red hot”, but until they
find the object they must look into everything equally. As
adults, we have lots of voices competing to tell us what is warm and
what is cold. Many young adults wander around, checking
everything because they do not know which voice to follow. Some
do not even know what they are looking for. The
proverb begins, “Does
not wisdom call out? At the highest point along the way… she
takes her stand“.
Solomon personifies wisdom to allow her to speak, “I
raise my voice to all mankind… I have trustworthy things to say…
My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness… Choose
my instruction instead of silver“.
There are things that keep us from listening at all. Wisdom
notes, “I
hate pride
and arrogance,
evil
behavior
and perverse
speech“.
Every generation has their own way of rebelling against authority,
but wisdom warns not to reject all of the rules of the game, “Counsel
and sound judgment are mine;
I
have insight, I have power. By me kings reign and rulers issue
decrees that are just“.
Are you getting colder?
Wisdom continues, “I
love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
With
me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
My
fruit is better than fine gold“.
People
that play Hide and Seek with wealth as their highest priority, tend
to miss the real riches in life.
Enduring wealth is always shared with others and comes filled with
memories. Wisdom continuously calls, “I
walk in the way of righteousness… bestowing a rich inheritance on
those who love me and making their treasuries full“.
It is much more fun when you can tag someone else along the way to
include them. Do you have a Home Base that is full?
All of the board games came with the “How
to play” instructions inside the box top. Any time there was
a disagreement, we went back to that. We found that over time,
families modify rules, so everyone keeps the lid! Here Wisdom
describes the beginning, “The
LORD brought me forth as the first of His works… when the world
came to be I was there when he set the heavens in place“.
Meanwhile Wisdom was having fun, “I
was constantly
at
his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always
in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in
mankind“. Are you
captured? “My
children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways“.
Are
you hiding? “Listen
to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it“.
Before you Kick the Can, listen to Wisdom, “For
those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.
But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love
death“.
Are you ready for a do-over?
Jesus said, “Let
the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who
will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never
enter it” (Luke
18:17). The streetlights are coming on soon. Maybe
today is the day to start getting Warmer?