You’ve heard the old adage: “You learn something new every day.” I confess there have been several times in my life where I’ve twisted that adage around a bit, stating: “Well, I just learned something new. I guess I’m done for the day!”
Even though that adage is familiar, is it actually something we say
every day? Proverbs 8:34 says, “Happy are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorposts.”
The “me” in this passage is Lady Wisdom – the one who was with LORD “at the beginning of his work” (Prov. 8:22) and the one who was “set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth” (Prov. 8:23).
Wisdom tells us we’ll be happy if we listen to her daily. It’s an active listening – not something that just happens to us. The Message paraphrase gets at the urgency: “Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day’s work.”
“Awake” and “ready.” “Alert” and “responsive.” We are to be
actively seeking out Godly wisdom – each and every day. These daily activities could include meditating on the Scriptures or prayer. Or, they could include more formal activities, like small group Bible study or Sunday School.
I have benefitted greatly from the Continuing Education events sponsored by SVMC. Each class I’ve taken has increased my knowledge – which Proverbs 8:10 says is better than gold – and wisdom – which verse 10 says is better than jewels. These classes are open and available to all – what a gift! And the fellowship with other learners is a joy as well.
Like Lady Wisdom, I call out to you to seek Godly knowledge and instruction – daily. Don’t neglect it. For whoever finds wisdom finds life and obtains favor from the LORD (Prov. 8:35).
Angela Finet serves as pastor of the Nokesville Church of the Brethren in the Mid-Atlantic District. She is a 2016 graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary, and a current member of the SVMC Governing Board.
