Where Wisdom Walks

Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail - Wilderness - Western Cape

“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Proverbs 3:21-24 NIV

Proverbs amazes me!

And what an interesting concept presented here: to not let wisdom and understanding out of sight.

What is interesting is how this entire passage personifies these traits, such as wisdom and understanding (assigning human qualities to non-human things). Throughout Proverbs, Wisdom is the main character of the book, otherwise known as Lady Wisdom, and her female attendants, Understanding and Sound Discretion, encourage people to follow her life-changing ways.

Imagine ‘walking’ with these traits, as lifelong companions?

It’s something to picture and ponder on…

And it’s true: If you walk this life close beside wisdom, discernment, knowledge, sound advice and discretion, you won’t need to fear stumbling or knocking your foot against anything, as they will keep you safe every step of the way. It even says your sleep will be sweet (now, I would love to get me some of that!). 

This sense of safety even extends to the greatest safety of all—life eternal with God our Father.

In The Revised English Version, from Prov 3:19, we see the full context for our safety:

“Yahweh founded the earth by Wisdom; he established the heavens by discernment, the depths of the ocean were split open by his knowledge, and the clouds drip dew. My son, do not let these depart from before your eyes: guard sound advice and discretion, so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck. Then you will walk on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.”

May we meditate on these beautiful truths, dear friend, as we seek and walk in God’s perfect Wisdom for our lives.

May we forsake the false ‘wisdom’ of the world and even what we think is wise in our own eyes, and yield to God’s wisdom alone. He offers all the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding our hearts long for—we need only to ask Him for it.

May we boldly venture forth, knowing that His Wisdom guides our paths always. Only in the wisdom of His ways do we find true life.

Dear Father God,

Thank you that You provide all the wisdom, understanding, and sound judgment and discretion I need to live this life well.

Open my eyes and ears to Your Wisdom and Your Ways today. Lead me and give me insight, discernment, and understanding in the situations and decisions before me. Keep me in step with You so that I will not stumble, but walk in safety. I receive Your gift of rest, security, and sweet sleep as I follow You.

In Jesus' Name, Amen!