For whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the LORD. (Proverbs 8:35)
Proverbs chapter 8 is one of the parts of the book which speaks most clearly about the link between the Spirit of God and wisdom. If you go back and insert the words “the Spirit” in each place where the words “I” or “wisdom” are used, it becomes even clearer. The Spirit was present at the beginning of creation (Prov. 8:22-32), and is the giver of life to those who earnestly seek him (Prov. 8:34-46).
Solomon declares a promise of God when he writes; I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me (Prov. 8:17). This promise goes hand in hand with Luke 11:13: If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
This truth is echoed in other parts of the New Testament. Romans 8:1-4 uses the same imagery as Paul speaks of “the spirit of life” that sets us free from the “spirit of sin and death.” The chapter speaks of life in the Spirit and inseparable link between finding life and victory over the sinful nature.
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me (John 14:6).
In the New Testament authors had two Greek words to describe life: bios and zoe. Bios is the functional aspects of physical or animal life; the living and breathing of life. Zoe is the qualitative aspects of life, of feeling or loving or enjoying life. It's quite clear whch word is used to describe the life that God offers.
Life in the Spirit gives us power for living a life that makes us complete; that allows us to be the people God created us to be. It is through his dynamic presence living in us and through us that the life (zoe) of God becomes a personal reality for those who seek him.
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