PROVERBS 8
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord,
36 but he who fails to find me injures himself;
all who hate me love death.”
– Proverbs 8:32-36
PROVERBS 8 WISDOM IS LIFE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
If you hear wisdom calling you, do not run
Instead, listen to it and you will find life
When she calls you, follow her advice
If you don’t, you will experience darkness.
So many people fail to listen to the truth that only comes from the word of God. Even in the midst of believers, we still hear of those people who do not follow wise words. Solomon gives us the benefits and also the detrimental effects of not following wisdom.
When we hear it, there is still a response that is expected from all those who heard it. They ought to do it and follow what it says. That is the only way it could bring them life. Just like the book of James says in 1:22 to be doers of the word and not hearers only because when we just hear and not do it, we become deceived. Deception then leads to more lies, confusion and sin. Habitual sins draw us away from the light that only comes from Scripture, thereby leaving us groping in the dark. So, now that Solomon gives us a clear picture of the benefits of heeding wisdom against the disadvantages of not following it, why are there still many of us who do not listen and follow her?
REFLECTION
- What could be some reasons why people do not heed wisdom?
