Matins Devotion: June 19, 2023

Proverbs 22

One of the interesting things we learn about wisdom from the Proverbs is that you don’t have to be very wise to be wise. That is, you don’t have to be especially educated. You don’t have to spend a copious amount of time reflecting in thought and analysis of the world. You just have to think about things for five seconds. This is certainly something we see in Proverbs 22.

You don’t have to be especially wise to understand the wisdom that a good name is greater than riches. Because a man’s money perishes with him, if it even lasts that long. Gold and silver are destroyed by famine and stock market crashes and foolishness. But a man who lives in such a way that his name becomes synonymous with honor and decency continues to have the riches of a good reputation long after he dies, a treasure that is passed down to his children for generations. This is something that's obvious. It happens all the time. But because we blind ourselves with greed, we can't see it.

You don’t have to be especially wise to understand the wisdom that scoffers and forbidden women will poison your life so you should not hand yourself over to them. You don’t have to be especially wise to know that those who oppress the poor and deprive them of bread will eventually be brought to ruin by the God who loves the poor and the oppressed. Again, our pride blinds us to the obvious.

And so, in all of this, we see a simple truth. Sin makes you foolish. Righteousness makes you wise. So seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and wisdom will naturally be added to you. Look to the cross where Christ made foolish the wisdom of the world by giving His righteous blood to the unrighteous, by taking the enemies of God and making them His sons. Look to the cross because that’s where you were clothed in the good name that is infinitely greater than riches. Look to the cross because that’s where the foe who scoffs at God’s mercy and sought to destroy you was driven away from you forever. Look to the cross because that’s where the Son of God lifted you up from poverty and oppression into the arms of His Father. Look to the cross, and you’ll find the wisdom of God that belongs to the wise and the simple alike.