Dwell | ProverbsSample

The Beginning of Wisdom

Introduction

Hi, this is Ian, and welcome to Dwell.

For the next few minutes, I invite you to join me as we recenter upon the Lord by opening our hearts to hear from him through the words of Scripture.

Thanks for joining us.

Silence

As we begin, let's sit in silence for a moment, seeking to be attentive to the presence of God, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.

Passage

And now, from Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.(NIV)

Exhortation

In essence, “fear the Lord” means to posture oneself in humility under God’s authority and ways. Today’s passage tells us that it is only when we humbly submit our lives and ways to God’s ways that we enter the way of wisdom. Now, what exactly is wisdom? From a Biblical perspective, to be wise means to live skillfully in God’s world as a result of living in accordance with His ways — it’s to live in such a way then that honors God and blesses others — and with that, as a result, it’s to live in such a way that’s really good for your own lives, too.

As we live wisely, from a posture of humility under God’s authority, seeking to learn His ways inside and out, then do we grow in the knowledge of the Holy One. It’s a beautiful cycle then that we’re invited into — as we humble ourselves under God’s authority over our own, we then grow in wisdom, which causes us then to grow in increasing knowledge of God and His ways, and then, from there, we keep growing in humility and wisdom because we have tasted and seen that indeed, God is good, and He is for us. That His ways truly are the way to life to the fullest.

Active Response

Now, I'd like to invite you to turn this passage into a short-breath prayer.

In the silence of your heart, say: “Father God, your ways are good and best,” breathing in as you do. Then, again, in silent prayer, say: “May I submit to you and gain wisdom," and breathe out.

Take 30 seconds to do that now, offering this prayer as a gift to Christ:

Father God, your ways are good and best,

May I submit to you and gain wisdom.

Begin now.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your commands throughout the Scriptures, which are lived and exemplified in the life of Jesus. Help us to recognize that your commands are invitations to a deep, good, and beautiful life that thrives for your glory and the good of others. May we submit just a little bit more today, Lord, to your ways and grow in your wisdom as a result. Amen.

Outro

Now, go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.