Today's Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 15:1-29; John 15:12-27

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9:10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The time we live in is filled with many confused people who think they are wise, but are not. The prevailing wisdom of our age is to reject the clear teaching of the Bible about what is true and false, right and wrong. Those who have rejected God's Word and His ways cry aloud to people to follow after them on the path they have chosen. You can hear their siren call in the government, schools, and streets. It's in much of the media and all over the internet.

How can a young person today distinguish what is actually wise when there are so many voices shouting their own brand of "wisdom"? The book of Proverbs is a good place to start. It's filled with Holy Spirit-inspired wisdom regarding how to walk in a good way through this mixed up world.

In Proverbs 9:1-12, you hear Wisdom calling out to you to hear her teaching and fear the LORD. She tells you the good you will get from her: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it" (Proverbs 9:10-12).

In Proverbs 9:13-18 you hear a different voice: Folly calls out to you. She entices you to a life of sin that sounds sweet but leads to death. She calls you to forget God and come to her feast of pleasure. But the guests at her feast are already dead--they just don't know it yet.

Proverbs is an exceptionally good book to read regularly. It calls you to fear the LORD. To respect that He is God and He is a just judge. To trust that He is merciful to forgive all who repent and trust in Christ Jesus for forgiveness. Proverbs teaches you to reject the dangerous things of this world that lead to death, and to trust in God, who leads you to life everlasting. . In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Wisdom's highest, noblest treasure, Jesus, is revealed in You. Let me find in You my pleasure, and my wayward will subdue. Humility there and simplicity reigning, in paths of true wisdom my steps ever training. If I learn from Jesus this knowledge divine, the blessing of heavenly wisdom is mine. ("One Thing's Needful" LSB 536, st.3)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch