Saturday, June 7, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31

Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
“To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all that live.

The Lord created me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of long ago.
Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth —
when he had not yet made earth and fields,
or the world's first bits of soil.
When he established the heavens, I was there,
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
then I was beside him, like a master worker;
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the human race. (NRSV)

Reflection

The traditional creation story in Genesis outlines the formation of the heavens and the earth, the separation of light from darkness, the creation of living creatures, and humanity’s emergence in God’s image. It does not, however, mention anything about the creation of hope, love, faith, wisdom, or any other virtue critical to living a full and meaningful life. And yet it makes sense that those things, along with literally everything else, also needed to be created by God in some way. In fact, according to verse 22, Wisdom was the very first of God’s creations, emphasizing its crucial relationship to all of creation.

Paradoxically, wisdom is not something we humans can create — or even learn. Wisdom starts with knowledge and then layers on perspective and judgment — two things that can only be gained through time and experience. It helps us navigate life’s complexities, make sound decisions, and respond to challenging people and situations with grace. Pursuing wisdom is a lifelong journey. It requires humility, a willingness to listen, and a desire to grow — three things that aren’t always easy but are worth striving for.

Wisdom is both a foundation and a journey — woven into creation by God and discovered by humans through experience. It invites us to grow, reflect, and embrace life with humility and grace. In seeking wisdom, we find understanding, purpose, and the courage to live purposefully.

Prayer

Lord, grant me wisdom to walk in your ways. Help me to seek understanding and discernment in all that I do. May my pursuit of wisdom draw me closer to you and guide me in truth. Amen.  

Written by Nicole Spirgen, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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