For a few years now, members of our church staff have shared their devotional thoughts with members and friends of First Pres. Family in daily e-mail devotions.  We have reflected on selected scriptures and whole biblical books.  We have shared thoughts on hymns and other Christian songs and how the different seasons of the church year help form our faith.  For the next month, we’ll be focusing on the wisdom that comes to us in the Book of Proverbs.

Why Proverbs?  The book itself answers that question:

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

For learning about wisdom and instruction,
for understanding words of insight,

for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;

to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—

let the wise also hear and gain in learning,
and the discerning acquire skill,

to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7

We all seem to be included in the intended audience.  (Decide for yourself if you are simple, young, wise, or discerning.)  And then let’s take a few minutes each day to see if we can understand a proverb which may at times be included in the words of the wise and a riddle.

It starts with this:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Do you “fear” God?  (Do you revere God?  Do you stand humbly before God?  Do you stand in awe of God?  Do you stand as a creature before your Creator?)

Prayer

Dear God, let me start this day in the proper place, as I turn to You for wisdom. Amen.