Wisdom of Human Ways

Text: Proverbs 30:1-4, 24-33

Reflection and Question: Proverbs, along with Job, is a book in the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. This passage reflects the same conviction as Job (particularly chapters 38 to 42) of the vast difference between God and human beings. “Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of the hand?” asks the writer here, with the answer implied that only God, not we, can do so. Having distinguished between divine and human, the writer is also wise about human nature, comparing a variety of animals to human behavior. Teaching humility seems to be the goal. How do you respond when the writer compares “the strutting rooster, the he-goat and a king?”

Prayer: Spirit of Wisdom, use these ancient words to bring to our minds and hearts a deeper understanding of our place in relationship to You and how we are to be with one another. May we be more wise than foolish today. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).