Today’s Quiet Time word for us to reflect on is “Ageless and Priceless” based on Proverbs 3:11-26.
Scripture (NIV)
¹¹ My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
¹² because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
¹³ Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,
¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies;+F32 nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
¹⁹ By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
²⁰ by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
²¹ My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
²² they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
²³ Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
²⁶ for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.
Reflection
Priceless Discipline (3:11–18)
The previous passage spoke of peace and prosperity and the advice in today’s passage tells us where that peace comes from: God’s discipline. Children who grow up in homes where they are never disciplined or taught what is right do not tend to live peaceful lives. The same is true for us. Through our choices and experiences in life, God lovingly disciplines us. As a result, we grow in wisdom and discover that this wisdom is worth more than all the riches this world has to offer. Pleasant ways and paths of peace are the true riches that come to God’s people as they seek His wisdom for their lives.
How has God disciplined you through your choices and experiences in life? Can you think of some ways you have grown in godly wisdom over the course of your life?
Wisdom by Our Side (3:19–26)
If the Lord laid the foundations of the earth, set the heavens in place, and divided the watery depths by His great wisdom, how important is seeking God’s wisdom in our personal lives? Wisdom guides us in the foundations we lay. Wisdom helps us make difficult life decisions. It keeps us from stumbling on the many obstacles this world lays in our paths. It allows us to sleep in restful peace because we look to the future with confidence and hope rather than dread. Perhaps the most encouraging point in this passage is how closely wisdom is connected to the presence of God in our lives. When we walk in His wisdom, our Lord really is by our side.
What are some occasions in which you have asked and sought God’s wisdom for your life? Can you think of times when God’s wisdom has protected you from foolish decisions?
READ: Don’t Entertain Unfaithfulness In Your Relationship – Counselor Advises Women
Prayer
Lord, You and You alone are the ageless, priceless treasure I seek. I cry out to You today, seeking Your wisdom as I walk the confusing and often perilous paths of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.