All Scriptures are from The Message Version
Wisdom is a word we see repeatedly in Scripture, something to be valued, sought, and treasured. True wisdom is a gift from God which guides our lives along the right paths and saves us from folly. Jewish Wisdom literature includes several of the books of the Old Testament including Proverbs, Psalms, Daniel, and Job. In that tradition Wisdom is feminine and given a number of attributes as we can see from these words from Proverbs:
God sovereignly made me—the first, the basic— before he did anything else.
I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start.
And then staked out Earth’s Foundations, I was right there with him, making sure everything fit.
Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enjoying his company…
• What are some of Wisdom’s attributes? Are any surprising? What does the writer want us to know about Wisdom?
• Notice these similar words from John 1 about Jesus: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
Today’s Lectionary Scripture is attributed to the Solomon, that man of wisdom. Proverbs is filled with practical advice about the benefits of wisdom and the downfall that comes with temptation and folly. Let’s look at today’s scripture for what it says about Wisdom - both the lady and the attributes:
Proverbs 9:1-10 Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home; it's supported by seven hewn timbers. The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted, wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers. Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice: "Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread—fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines. Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning."
…It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you.
• First of all what does this tell us about the dispenser of wisdom, how would you describe her? Does it appear that access to Wisdom is difficult?
• What words are used to describe wisdom and its benefits? How would you use to describe it? Is it different from knowledge?
• What would you point to as examples of wisdom in your life experience? What was the impact of the wisdom on your life? Who have been examples of wise people in your life?
• Have you connected wisdom with your faith life? Has your spiritual life been a source of wisdom? In what practical ways has this wisdom made a difference in your life?
Paul speaks repeatedly about wisdom, that of the secular world and that of the spiritual, telling both of the source and the failure of the worldly to grasp it:
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 … God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you.
• What is your take on the way in which Paul describes wisdom? What do you agree with and what question? Would you add anything to his description? What is added to the ideas about wisdom in Proverbs?
• What is the heart of the wisdom he refers to, what is its source? Do you see Jesus’ life and teachings as a source of wisdom for us? What are some of them that are particularly important to you and help guide the way you live your life?
• It can sound like wisdom will bring us wealth and true happiness – what happened to the Master of the God-designed life? What does this say to us, how is it instructive in understanding the meaning and purpose of wisdom? Is the ultimate goal of the Christian life to live safely, comfortably and contentedly or are there other dimensions?
John’s Gospel has Jesus assuring his disciples the night before he was crucified:
John 14:25-27 "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
• Do you think that this scripture relates to God’s wisdom? How did the disciples receive wisdom from Jesus as they traveled with him and what happens now that he is leaving them? Do you think that his words apply to us?
• Have you experienced nudging, God moments, guidance, ah-has, or inspiration you attribute to your spiritual life? Have you sensed the presence of the Spirit in the day to day? Do you associate these things with the idea of wisdom?
• What are some ways we can strengthen this spiritual blessing to our daily lives? What are some things that shut it off?
• What would you now tell someone who asked you to describe wisdom? How does wisdom fit into your faith story, would you include it in describing the impact of your faith on your life?
Closing Litany
Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
His miracles are his memorial—
This God of Grace, this God of Love.
Amen
Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 or Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, Psalm 84 or Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69
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