So I every once in a while I spot an ad that I can really agree with – this is is a real vintage ad for using sugar as a diet plan (see original here ) – “Enjoy an ice cream cone shortly before lunch .” to lose weight. – that’s my new diet secret.
It’s funny how quickly ideas can go out of date. Yesterday I listened to a lecture by Bruce Walke on Proverbs (his voice sounds hilarious) and have been thinking about God’s wisdom. This ad reminded me about how volatile conventional wisdom is and how much I need to look to God for direction about how to live my life in line with God.
Walke brought out the development of the idea of wisdom in Proverbs compared to other parts of the Bible – in Proverbs, wisdom is always connected to God. It’s being in line with God’s will in ways that connect us to creation.
Two things struck me – 1) The contrast between convention and God – people are finicky creatures. Money, Sex and Power are indecisive gods. Wise instruction is ever fluctuating with time yet YHWH’s wisdom remains sure. The question of Proverbs is whether or not we will chase after this wisdom. 2) I need wisdom. – in Proverbs wisdom is knowing what to do in grey situations. Questions that could start with “God only knows….” is pretty much what wisdom from God answers.
Proverbs 1:33 “Whoever listens to Wisdom will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
