The Voice of Wisdom
“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks” Proverbs 1:20-21
As I was pondering the subject matter for my first blog entry, I began to think of the many times wisdom had spoken to me, specifically regarding the importance of being a godly wife and mother. Often, I either refused to listen or didn’t recognize her voice. There’s an old saying, “Hind sight is always 20/20.” Sometimes that holds true and sometimes it doesn’t.
I don’t know about you but I could have avoided plenty of mistakes had I simply listened and obeyed the voice of wisdom. Proverbs 1:20 states wisdom speaks loudly and shouts in common places such as the market and the busiest streets. One day, after reading this passage of scripture, I asked myself, “If wisdom is always speaking so loudly then why did I not hear her and why are there so many people doing foolish things?” Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “It’s because the voices of society and the American culture are drowning me out.” Then, I realized I had allowed societal trends and views of women to drown out the voice of wisdom. I believe many Christian women today battle with this same issue. Many of us struggle to discern, hear and obey the voice of godly wisdom because of societal pressures, which I’ll discuss more in depth in future posts.
The primary way in which the voice of wisdom speaks is through the written word of God (the bible). Every question we could ever pose has already been answered by the word of God. It is up to us to study God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the answers.
The voice of wisdom can also speak through individuals. “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom,” I Corinthians 12:8. It is very important to remember, people who possess the gift of word of wisdom will never give advice that contradicts God’s word. “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” Proverbs 21:30
I’m learning to discern the voice of wisdom and to surround myself with seasoned godly women who possess it. In retrospect, I realize that God was not only using his written word but He was also using specific individuals to provide wise counsel. I just decided not to listen, at that time, because it wasn’t what I wanted to hear or do.
Often when wisdom speaks, it doesn’t say what we want to hear. It only speaks the truth in love and that’s what we need. In a world that is constantly speaking lies to us about what it means to be a woman, wife and/or mother, we so desperately need the voice of true godly wisdom. Only truth has the ability to set us free. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
I encourage you to identify, listen to and obey the voice of wisdom and open your heart to receive wise instruction. In doing so you’ll find true happiness. “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 3:13-15
