The Sister Letters

The Proverbs Challenge Day 9 - Chapter 9

Hi, Woman of God

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs Chapter 9 (the chapter as a whole with emphasis on the verses as mentioned below). 

OBSERVATION

I observe that there are two ways of man: the way of wisdom (v1-6) vs. the way of folly (v13-18).This chapter is full of parallels between Wisdom and Folly. I see how both cry out from high places to get the attention of man (v3 and v14) . I see how both encourage the simple to come to their ways (v4 and v16). Every day of our lives, both wisdom and folly are calling out to us, seeking to draw us to their ways. Yet, the decision as to who we follow will always be ours to make. Making the decision to follow Wisdom is not a one-time event, but a life-long commitment. It is choosing every day to hear wisdom concerning the situations that life brings and following her direction, as opposed to the voice of folly. I remember a story I heard about the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon. Astronaut, Neil Armstrong, spoke about how despite setting their target for the moon and launching off with everything they needed to land at the desired point, once the spacecraft was launched from earth and in motion towards the moon, it would deviate from its course to the left and right because of the forces influencing its path. As a result of this, Neil Armstrong spoke about how every couple minutes they were required to stir the craft in the necessary direction in order to correct its course. It was far from a 'set off and relax' journey. In order to get to where they intended they were constantly course correcting, constantly realigning themselves, constantly ensuring that they were on track - as frequently as every 3 minutes. This is so true for us too. We may set off with the goal to obey wisdom and to become the women that God has called us to be, but this is not a one time decision. It is a decision we make everyday in our actions and we will have to keep course correcting and aligning ourselves with God's Word every day in order to stay on track. It is an on-going commitment to choosing wisdom, every few minutes, every day, every month, every new year. We need to keep aligning ourselves with wisdom so that we can land where God has intended us to. Praise God for helping us through this beautiful journey! verse 10I also observe from this verse that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. From yesterday’s chapter we saw that to fear the Lord means to hate evil (proverbs 8:13). When we begin to hate the things that God hates, we will receive wisdom and understanding to see things the way God sees them.The verse adds that "the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." There are people trying to figure out this life without God. Yet this verse is powerful to me because it highlights that the folly of people who are looking for answers to their deepest questions but refuse to acknowledge God in that process. They want to be wise but refuse to acknowledge the creator of wisdom Himself. It’s like doing an equation without all the necessary numbers. Removing God will only ever lead to confusion. Trying to make sense of anything without the knowledge of God is a futile exercise. But when you know Him, you receive understanding. Praise God! 

APPLICATION

This chapter reminds me that pursuing wisdom is a daily commitment. I will continue to allocate time to spend with God and study His word. I will seek wise counsel in the matters that I am facing in my life, so that I will be led by wisdom. I will study God's ways so that I am able to discern when I am not on track and then course correct by His leading, to ensure I continue in alignment with His will for me.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for providing the way of Wisdom to assist us through life. Help me to discern the voice of Wisdom from the voice of folly as they both call out. Allow me to continue to seek wisdom daily and course correct as You lead. In Jesus name, amen.

See you tomorrow for Day 10 sister-friendFollow me on Instagram at @creatortochi for updates and encouragement throughout our challenge. With my love,Tochi