—by Lois Lang

Proverbs 1:20-23...Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the gates in the city, she utters her sayings: “How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity?  And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing, and fools hate knowledge?  Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”

How do we miss it?  Why are we not all full of godly wisdom?  I know that almost daily I include in my prayers a request for wisdom.  As I sit quietly at my desk requesting wisdom, Wisdom is shouting in the streets, in the square, at the entrance gate.  It’s like I’m sitting down at table and praying earnestly for a bit of food, when there is already a banquet laid out right in front of me.  Wisdom is not hiding, or obscure, or hard to find.  She is out in the open, yelling to get anyone’s attention, and promising to pour out her spirit on us.

She also grieves for us.  She cannot understand why we prefer naiveté and scoffing and ignorance.  She continues to try to get our attention, to save us from our stupid selves.  She knows the result of living a life without wisdom, and yearns to deliver us from that fate.

Yes, pray for wisdom from God--then get into a position to receive it!  Wisdom “shouts” from God’s Word, from godly preachers, from trusted friends, from prophets and teachers.  Hear the shouts, and respond.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll get smarter!

Heavenly Father, we do seek Your wisdom.  Forgive us for not hearing Wisdom shouting all around us.  Help us to hear it and live it and share it.  No good gift does the Father withhold from His children--thank You.  Wisdom is a very precious gift, and we are grateful for it.  Thank You for Your patient love.  We pray in the Name of Jesus, the Faithful Witness.  Amen.