Digging Deeper
We are all in a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. - Prov. 3:11-20
But wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing.
In today's reading from Proverbs, we are told not to be upset if God looks upon us disapprovingly, because he does so out of his love for us as his children.
What he wants for us is to help us attain wisdom and understanding.
Anyone can memorize and recall facts and opinions. In today's world where posts and memes are the trade of knowledge, you can hear headlines recalled and restated everywhere, but is there depth behind them?
Do we actually read the whole post and discover if what is advertised is true?
When we take the time to dig in, to go beneath the covers and try to understand what we are reading and being told, we can discover amazing things.
This is what the prophet is telling us. Everything in this world comes from wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. These are the gifts of God for all of us, and yet we often miss this point.
Jesus came to help us understand what we were blind to see and deaf to hear.
So, maybe it is worth spending a little time to try to discover that treasure hidden in the parable or sign that Jesus gave us.
If we remember that every word we have was handed down from person to person, we might be more open to delving into the possible meanings those words can convey.
I am not saying these are not the words of God. But listen to the prophet and you will see that even God wants us to dig deeper.
More to come...