Prov 8:3 [ESV] beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
Have you ever disregarded a voice that you should have listened to. I think on my journey of recognising God’s voice to me, I have often recognised it in retrospect, but missed it in the moment. Sometimes it was to make a call, or to visit someone, or even to apologise. Although with that last one it’s more likely that I did not want to hear what God was saying than that I genuinely missed it. To me I believe that God has lots to say to us/me each day, and whether I hear him or not is not an “ears” issue, but a “heart” issue. Am I willing to be second, to not put myself first. Am I willing to wait, not rush in to the day with all my plans. Am I willing to be wrong – as faith is spelled r.i.s.k.
So each day it’s important to start with a soft heart, patience, humility, and a willingness to step out as directed. That reminder is challenging me right now even as I write this thought out.
KNOWLEDGE wisdom is found in the places where we meet others, make decisions, hear of others decisions, and take action. It’s readily available in all those key places to those who have a will to listen and a desire to obey. It’s hidden from those who have no need.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
The word for ‘gates” in Hebrew is pronounced as “sa’ar” – and refers mostly to the entrance to a city, and a key point in the city’s defences. It was also commonly the place where public hearings were held, and public decisions announced. It was a place of influence and importance for all. In the LXX Proverbs 8:3 reads as “For by the gates of the mighty ones she is occupied and in the entrances sings saying…” The word used for “gates” in Koine Greek is πύλαις [pulais] and this word appears 10 times in the New Testament – Matt 7:13 being a good example.
WISDOM
Before I go about any business each day have I made enough time to listen to the right voice or voices?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Empathy feels what the other is feeling and reaches out to connect and bring comfort and hope. Empathy can be left carrying another’s weight if not careful for decompress.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – “holding the important places that have the testimony of the town, at the gateway of all the openings she awakes to sense.”
Beside – holding
the gates – the places of importance
in front – the testimony
of the town – of the town
at the entrance – at the gateway
of the portals – of the openings
she cries aloud – she awakes to sense
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Help me to listen to the voice of wisdom each day and to humbly submit with a cheerful heart to your ways.
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