Friday, September 30, 2011

Seeking wisdom finding Jesus Part 1



I read this at first and thought, "Oy!  Another passage on wisdom. What's different about this as compared to the other Proverbs?"  I prayed.  I kept reading and thinking isn't this reference to wisdom describing Jesus?  So, I looked it up and I'm not the only one who noticed this : )  Always a good feeling...  This part of Proverbs made me smile because years ago when I went to college, I thought about what I really needed in my education.  Back then, the 70's-80's, it was known that what your degree was in wasn't as important as completing college.  Because I wasn't raised in a Christian home, I thought what I really needed most was to learn morals (wisdom).  The door opened and financially I was able to graduate from a Christian university.

If you came from a background like mine, you would have had a tendency to idolize Christians.  I thought a Christian school would be like Heaven.  No sinning, swearing, rude behavior, honesty, discretion... Boy was I in for a shock!  They were just like me.  Only their weaknesses were different.  I didn't have any rules as a kid, so I had no desire to stay out late.  Where some of the kids from Christian homes felt they were "free at last."  And continually pushed curfew.  I had all these cuss words in my mind to control, and they struggled with gossip.  And there were the ones that seemed to walk on water.  They smiled and sparkled always carrying a Bible around- I hung out with them.  We learned from each other.  It was good to know I was normal.  Some would say how horrible the campus was because "sin" happened.  I always told them, "This is the best environment I've ever been in."  I'm glad I got to go to a Christian school.

Reading this confirmed God's wisdom was the right thing to seek.   And quite honestly, I made the most money in computing- there was no such degree back then.  God knew what I needed most.
Proverbs 8:1-21

Jesus was crucified on Golgotha in Jerusalem. (Matthew 27:33)
1 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:

He came for all of mankind, Jews and Gentiles.
22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 NIV
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.

It takes discernment, careful thought, to understand His ways are right and just.
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.
1 Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.


God created us.  He is greater than any king, prince, president, or noble.  Our only perfection is through Jesus' sacrifice.
14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Hebrews 10:14 NIV

13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus...
1 Timothy 6:13 NIV
15 By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.

It's true.  By seeking God first, He has always provided my needs.  Either with jobs or money.  But, true riches are defined more in measures of contentment, love, faith, joy and peace with Him.  In how we serve others.  Jesus said-
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
NIV

If you think of other verses, please share them.  I enjoy hearing what you think as well.  Also, my apologies for no cartoon today.  I got a job designing a deli menu and I need to work on that today.


7 comments:

  1. Interesting story about your upbringing and early life and how you found your way to Him.

    I wanna see that deli menu when you finish!

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  2. Hahaha it's a deal : ) Only I hope it doesn't make you hungry.

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  3. I bet when you say "oy" it sounds right, but whenever i say it my friend just laughs at me (She's from Jersey too).
    I love the book of proverbs it has a little of everything, but wisdom is it's essence.
    ~Blessings~

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  4. That's so cute Lisa. You have to say, "Oy!" with a little punch from the diaphragm. It's actually the short version of "Oyvey!" Which is an old yiddish word. I guess it's ok to use the word, "Oy!" when you're writing about the Old Testament : ) Proverbs is a great book. It's cool how this one sort of has a prophecy about Jesus in it. Wisdom is a great thing, it can keep us out of all sorts of trouble.

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  5. Oh Lisa- almost forgot- for the full effect slap the palm of your hand against your forehead. Jersey is very expressive with all sorts of hand signals.

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  6. Hi Karen, Great post! I love the way you wove these passages together. The world is rich in learning, pseudoscience, and philosophy, but terribly lacking in Biblical wisdom, which is found only in Jesus and His Word. Praise God that He promises His wisdom to all who ask for it, without reproach: James 1:5: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Love in Christ, Laurie Collett, Saved by Grace:
    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/

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  7. Oh yes. Praise God indeed! You don't need to go to a university to find it. It's right in the Bible : ) Thanks for your comment Laurie!

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