Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for your infinite wisdom. Daniel said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him” (Dan 2:20–22). Through wisdom you created the universe (Prov 3:19–20), and all that we know about the world is but the “outer fringe” of your ways (Job 26:14 NIV). Today in Your Word Today you told me about Bildad’s third and last speech to Job. Bildad, frustrated that Job would not admit that his suffering proved his sin, lashed out: ‘How can a man like you—a mere maggot, a worm—claim to be righteous before the exalted, transcendent God?’ But Job held fast to his integrity: “I will never admit you are in the right!” (Job 27:5 NIV). He also affirmed his belief in your justice, in spite of not understanding how it was being worked out in his own life (Job 27:7–23). The reading concluded with a beautiful and inspiring poem about wisdom. Job declared that true wisdom is more precious than gold, for it is found only in a loving relationship with you (Job 28:12–28). Reflection Reading Job’s discourse on wisdom caused me to ask myself: Do I value wisdom the way men value silver and gold? Am I willing to search for wisdom like miners search for sapphire and topaz? Do I put the same kind of work into finding wisdom that men put into finding gold? Request Father, help me today to receive your words and treasure up your commands. Stir my heart to call out for insight and cry out for understanding. Give me the desire to seek for wisdom like silver and search for it like hidden treasure. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Prov 2:6–7). Thanksgiving Thank you for promising that when I make wisdom a priority, “Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (Prov 2:9–10). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Unsearchable Riches” by Fanny Crosby. Meditation Verse: Job 27:6. |