Tiny Devotional for Wednesday, 04-03-2024

 A great good morning to all my friends and neighbors in Internet Land! And to family who might drop by, eat Cheerios, and do so cheerily!

Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
Proverbs 3:17, NASB


This verse speaks of benefits of walking with wisdom; seeking after her, instead of seeking after selfishness. A superficial read of the verse suggests it promises peace for-ever-after, if we accept wisdom as our guide. The naive person, who foolishly believes that all will be peaches and cream if they make a few good choices, may then use unpleasant conflict as justification for abandoning the way. That's especially likely if they are really seeking an excuse to return to selfishness.

That's a trivial understanding, not fit for the mature. The mature will correctly see that some unpleasantness is bound to happen to us all. As long as we deal with other people, some conflict will arise, even if we don't seek it.  

Here's the key to understanding this verse: a way, or path, doesn't exist in isolation. It's a path THROUGH something and TO something. And wisdom is a path THROUGH the uncertainty of life's circumstances, taking us TO the kingdom of God. The wounds we take are from that which surrounds the path; they aren't the path itself. 

Imagine a literal path through a literal, and wild, forest. You might get scratched by overhanging branches, you might get wet from crossing a creek, but as long as you stay on the path, you won't wind up in a robber's den. The fool refuses to endure the scratches, seeks an easier way, and leaves the path. Don't be a fool! Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God; that's the path of wisdom.

Peace be on your household.

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 3, 2024 at 9:11 AM

    I like your perspective on this! Love you!! Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 3, 2024 at 1:26 PM

    ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jesus SavesApril 4, 2024 at 5:31 PM

    Amen and Amen my Brother Pat. Praise God!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 9, 2024 at 6:09 AM

    Words of wisdom for sure!

    ReplyDelete

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