Proverbs 8:12-21 — Uncage the Wisdom

READ THIS: Proverbs 8:12-21

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth. 17  I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?
 
Lady Wisdom is trying to explain why we should pick her over foolishness. That seems like it should be obvious, but sometimes it just isn't. Verse 13 gives a bit of insight into what we choose instead of wisdom. We choose evil, which shows up in pride, arrogance, terrible behavior, and nasty language. We feel somehow that we only have freedom if we are free to act how we want, without caring about how other people (including God) might feel. But real freedom comes through living the right way. It is easy to choose sin and to act how we want to act...and when we get in a habit of that, it seems like we can't escape our sins no matter what. Where is the freedom in being trapped in sin? Isn't real freedom having the choice to not sin?

That's what wisdom has to offer. Or, in other words, that is what Jesus has to offer! Remember, Jesus is the truest of all wisdom, and with that there is true power in wisdom...the power to break free from sin and to be able to act in the world in a just way that leads to the betterment of all! 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. There's a rabbit on the outside of a cage, and it has the choice to jump in the cage and check it out OR to remain outside the cage. If it remains outside the cage, it will never know what it's like, and it won't have that experience. What should the rabbit do?

2. Do you think sin is more like the cage or do you think being a goody two shoes is more like the cage? (Seriously, think about it. Don't give the church answer...in the first question the rabbit cage could potentially lead to some great new adventure for the rabbit with a kind owner, etc...think critically!)
 
TRY THIS:
 
Draw a rabbit on your hand. Throughout the day as you see it, think about what cages you might be walking into!








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