I remarked to a men's group recently that the point of the book of Proverbs is simple: Don't be stupid.
Well, that's not technically incorrect. But the better way to say it is that the desire of Proverbs is for us to obtain the wisdom of God.
Same difference.
Proverbs 3 says that wisdom is "a tree of life to those who lay hold of her." I imagine the writer wanted us to think back to the tree of life in the garden depicted in Genesis. That tree is a symbol of life as God intended it to be. Rooted and sustained by God. Sin disrupted that life when the created couple traded walking in step with God for pursuing their own desire. And we continue that story when we try to build life on our own terms, reaching for what looks good and feels right to us.
More often than not, we end up wondering why we're so exhausted and disconnected. It's like we're always searching for something deeper.
That's why Proverbs wants you to know and have wisdom. Lady wisdom is not just good advice or moral instruction. You can get that almost anywhere. As Proverbs portrays it, wisdom is a return to life. To "lay hold" of wisdom, then, is to reach for what nourishes your soul by choosing God's way. And doing so teaches you to trust more that God's way leads to life.
So, how do you lay hold of wisdom? Think of your spiritual practices. Prayer, reflection, worship, Bible study, and service, for example, should not be empty routines. They are ways you keep reaching for the tree. They reorder your life and open up to you the life that only God can give.
To be sure, laying hold of wisdom is an intentional act of discipline and trust. You don't just grow into it. You have to decide to not be stupid about it.
Stay blessed...john
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