Transition day . . . after almost 7 months with the Psalms as a part of my daily readings, I now shift to Proverbs. Always kinda’ sad to leave the Psalms . . . always anticipation, though, as I enter the Proverbs. I love the praise of the Psalms . . . I so enjoy connecting with the emotion of the song-writers and having their experience direct my heart heavenward. But we’re not to love God with our heart only . . . but with our minds too . . . enter, the Proverbs. Oh, to be wise . . . to have a heart like Solomon which sought a mind in tune with God . . . that too is a worthy pursuit. And so, entering the Proverbs, I desire to grow in wisdom . . . to become more a master of “skillful living” . . .

To help me, I’m going to look to change up my coloring scheme for this book so that I can be on the look for repeating themes and topics addressed by Solomon and others in this piece of “wisdom literature.” One of the shifts I made this morning was I took the color I use for Jesus, shaded navy blue, and I used it for wisdom. Though I’m not necessarily looking for connections between my “default colors” and my “Proverbs colors”, in this case, this one does seem appropriate. Is it too much to think of Christ as the embodiment of wisdom?

“Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words; ‘ . . . Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you . . . whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.’ ” (Proverbs 1:20-21, 23, 33)

Oh, to hear the voice of wisdom calling out above the world’s din. Though being in the marketplace or caught up on the rat race, to still hear her voice providing context to the fast paced encounter I have each day with life. To know the voice which can envelope my carnal experience with a spiritual dimension. To see things not through just my own eyes, but through the eyes of the One who created all things and seeks to redeem all things.

There’s a promise for those who are open to wisdom . . .who have their “ears on” for her words . . . for those who are seeking to catch what she throws. To those, she will pour out her spirit . . . and reveal her thoughts, make known her words. To those, she will provide a safe and secure place, a place without fear of evil . . . not a tribulation-free place . . . but a fear-free place.

And as I consider wisdom calling out this morning I hear these words: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

I hear that voice crying out in the open squares and concourses. These words calling me to bind my life with His that He might pour His life into mine. A promise of soulful rest . . . a security and peace that passes understanding that comes only from hearing and heeding His voice.

Oh, that I might be tuned to wisdom’s frequency . . . that the Spirit of wisdom might have free access to lead me in ways of wisdom and truth . . . that the Son of wisdom might live through me as I’m conformed more and more to His image and participate more and more in His mind . . . that the Father of wisdom might be brought some pleasure through my navigation of this world by His light.

Yup, I love the Psalms’ praise . . . but I’m looking forward to the Proverbs’ wisdom. Call aloud . . . raise your voice . . . I’m listening . . .