July 8 - Prov. 8

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each day, alert and responsive as I start my days work.       Prov. 8:34 MSG

There is something about a daily habit that will reap its benefits and rewards, or reap its destruction and consequences. Some of these habits, like getting out for a daily walk, are constructive, while others, like eating donuts for breakfast, can be destructive. So too the realm of our spiritual lives.

The 8th chapter of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a lady that can be sought out. She dwells with prudence, counsel, and sound judgement (v. 12-14), and is the first work of the Lord. She was present at creation (v. 22-30) and governs the world that we live in. She is to be sought out daily and whoever finds her finds favour from the Lord (v. 35).

Compare this to John 1:1-4:  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God from the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

God's offer of wisdom to those who seek Him does not speak of quantity or a volume of knowledge, but it is a relationship with the maker of heaven and earth; the author and giver of life. What God looks for in our lives is a daily walk with him as we lay out our plans, dreams, frustrations and shortcomings, ready to speak into them with all of the wisdom and insight that we need for the day. Each day we can seek Him first, and all of the "stuff of life" will be added unto us (A loose translation of Matthew 6:33).