Wisdom breathes life into her children
and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.
He who holds her fast inherits glory;
wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the LORD loves.
He who obeys her judges nations;
he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her;
his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger
and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline
until she try him by her laws and trust his soul.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him
and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.
and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.
He who holds her fast inherits glory;
wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the LORD loves.
He who obeys her judges nations;
he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her;
his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger
and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline
until she try him by her laws and trust his soul.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him
and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.
I was completely caught off-guard by this passage. I think these words are absolutely beautiful. Not only that, it speaks volumes about this thing called wisdom. Wisdom is a tricky thing for me because seemingly it is something you can seek at-will…but that is where wisdom differs from knowledge. Wisdom requires patience. Wisdom comes with experience. Wisdom follows prayer.
ReplyDeleteThis passage actually really put into words for me some things I have been feeling recently. I as started a (yet another) new teaching job this week at an all-male Jesuit school I have been bumped back down to having to regain my sense of self in a new place and for a new group of young people. After so many years of coming into my own and especially finding way as a teacher for 2 years this year has plagued me with a series of small “identity crises.” That sounds silly but sometimes I find myself just afraid that I am not capable of filling the shoes God wants me to fill in all facets of my life. Teaching is certainly at the forefront of this. But this passage really puts things in perspective. A big part of silencing those fears throughout every moment of inadequacy in my day is a simple recognition that I need to go to God for true wisdom. I love that part which says “If one trusts her, he will possess her.” So very beautiful. You cannot acquire true wisdom unless you believe in God’s power to bless you with it….in HIS TIME. I read a quote by St. Therese recently also which implies that one cannot have the chance to practice patience without the presence of challenges. This quote and today’s passage suggest that challenge, doubt and dread are often inevitable. What is important is that we hold fast to seeking wisdom in these moments. “This too shall pass” and we will bless and be blessed on the other side.