Proverbs 1:10-19

My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, "Come and join us. Let's hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let's ambush the innocent! Let's swallow them alive, like the grave; let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we'll all share the loot!" My child, don't go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money (or possessions); it robs them of life.

I am considering how hard it is to live differently than my culture...that life is, that I am, more than I possess. And that for everything I possess, there are others who have so much less, and perhaps were even robbed of life in order that I may have more.

It's interesting that right after these verses in Proverbs, we find this set about wisdom: (vs. 20-23)

Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: "How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise."

What is the value of wisdom? Is it worth more than a new car, a new shirt, a new book? Most days I think I'd rather look good than be wise and have life. Today I long for wisdom, in order that where life has been stolen, I can help it be renewed.