Friday, February 12, 2021

Today’s reflection is written by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” —Proverbs 3:7

Last Sunday, Pastor Dan shared with us some passages from the book of Proverbs and how they are meant as instruction for us and a guide to God’s wisdom. For the verse from Proverbs today, I think it is helpful to look at the adjoining verses as well: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body” (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We learn so much through our life experiences and through our educational institutions, and can sometimes become arrogant about what we know or what we think we know. Yet when we seek out wisdom, we sometimes ignore the wisdom from the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments and how that wisdom can guide us to be better people, following God’s path for us. But looking at the verses above, we see that when we trust God and follow in his wisdom, it can be healing for us, easing our stress and giving us the strength and knowledge to deal with everyday life.

We all value wisdom, and I, for one, wish I had more of it. But what a blessing to be able to go to something as near to us as our Bible to gain insight when we need it! So, let us put our trust first in God, and then gain from the wisdom in the Bible. And may that wisdom help us to find peace and healing and insight from our Lord. Amen.