Reading
“These teachings will help one grow wise and learn the ways of a wisdomkeeper.
Those who listen well will take hold of Creator’s right ways, doing justice and being honest and honorable in all they say and do.
The stories told by the elders will give wisdom to the ones who have not yet learned. From the elders, the young ones will gain the knowledge they need to make wise decisions.
Even a wisdomkeeper will hear and gain much more wisdom. Those who listen closely will find guidance on the road of life.
Through these wise sayings, the deeper meaning of the stories told by wisdomkeepers will unfold like a flower in bloom.”
Proverbs 1:2-6 (First Nations Version)
Reflection
To grow in wisdom, we must first admit that we need wisdom. If we think we are wise already, we will not be open to gaining wisdom—and we prove ourselves unwise. Wherever we are on the road of life, we all need wise guidance to be able to live well.
The book of Proverbs is a repository of wisdom that Jews and Christians alike have studied for millennia. Even the opening verses teach us what the wise seek: “Those who listen well will take hold of Creator’s right ways, doing justice and being honest and honorable in all they say and do” (1:3). Wisdom isn’t just about gaining insight for personal gain. It’s about character: being just, honest, and honorable. Wisdom doesn’t just teach us what to do; it teaches us what is worth pursuing.
As Pastor Mark said on Sunday, “Wisdom is about humility and listening.” It is a journey not just for the young, but for all of God’s people, even those who have accumulated quite a bit of wisdom already. As Proverbs 1:5 says, “Even a wisdomkeeper will hear and gain much more wisdom. Those who listen closely will find guidance on the road of life.” We never fully plumb the depths of God’s wisdom. There is always more.
One of the wise voices that is speaking to me recently is a new Bible translation, the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation. Through the wisdom of Native American biblical scholars, I have been able to encounter and experience the wisdom of the Bible in new ways. Our Native brothers and sisters in Christ have a unique perspective on the Gospel, and this translation has helped me receive new insights into the scriptures. Listening to their wisdom has helped me encounter God’s wisdom in a deeper way.
As we enter this journey of growing in wisdom, what wise voices is God inviting you to seek? God is generous and offers us wisdom in the Bible—the book of Proverbs in particular—the wisdom of the church, and the wisdom of the people around us—both older and younger. If we have the humility to listen closely, we “will find guidance on the road of life.”
Prayer
Spirit of Wisdom,
you are generous to those who seek you.
Help us to have the humility
to receive your truth
so that your wisdom
might guide our steps
on God’s good road of life.
Amen.
