Top Ten in the Bible

     When you are planning travels, events or shopping, it is a good idea to check out "Top Ten" lists. This could be helpful to avoid the pitfalls of going with something that is not
recommended. You might also want to avoid where or what everyone else is choosing. Perhaps you want something unique. I thought of those lists with today's reading--a theme that is certainly a top ten for the entire Bible. Then I thought, I wonder how many people realize how important wisdom is consistently described or connected to in the Holy Scriptures. When was the last time you heard someone describe wisdom as a number 1 aspect of faith or discipleship? Of course, part of the possible discrepancy lies with the nature of wisdom. It is elusive and completely incapable of being transactional. You can't do a set or list of things to generate more wisdom. You can't check off a top ten list to move on to the wisdom level.

Proverbs 8:1-21

Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
On 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.
O simple ones, learn prudence;
acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right;
for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
They are all straight to one who understands
and right to those who find knowledge.
Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
I, wisdom, live with prudence,
and I attain knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
and perverted speech I hate.
I have good advice and sound wisdom;
I have insight, I have strength.
By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
by me rulers rule,
and nobles, all who govern rightly.
I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
endowing with wealth those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.

Great God of all wisdom, I pray that you would guide my discernment and decisions so that they may be found along your path of wisdom. May I not chase after vain or trivial things. Grant me the insight to acknowledge your role to its fullest. Fill me with the humility to appreciate all gifts and goodness. Turn me away from foolishness and its easy and seductive way. Be with all those that are in need in any way this day,... Grant all this and those things which I am yet ignorant of even their existence. Bless and sustain all your faithful children in the path toward greater wisdom and all its fruits. In the Name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.