Lady Wisdom

A reading for Monday, February 13, 2017: Proverbs 8:32-36.

In the ancient Hebrew Bible, there is a literary genre called wisdom literature. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and of course the Psalms are all included. These books come from the "Ketuvim" section of the Hebrew Bible, known as "the writings."

In such literature, the concept of wisdom is portrayed as a lady. Ancient readers and adherents to faith were encouraged to have a relationship with lady wisdom. Our lesson today encourages such a relationship, describing a mother calling to her children to listen. "Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors." Like a mother raising and caring for her children, lady wisdom watches over the people of God in search of a good and fruitful life. The Bible is sometimes criticized for its male imagery. Today we see a feminine portrayal of wisdom...

Our world is still in need of people with wisdom. People who will listen for what's right and commit to doing what's right as if committing to a relationship. In the midst of so much emotion and desperation on the part of so many, the people of God have a role to play in service to wisdom.

As we continue to pray, "Come Lord Jesus" we also and at the same time give thanks and praise to God for the blessings of scripture as we pray "Visit us Lady Wisdom."