Re:Verse passage – Proverbs 9:1-18 (day four)
I love that the invitation to wisdom is open to all. There’s not a screening to prove your aptitude. Wisdom calls openly, allowing all who are confused, naive, or struggling to freely enter. This reminds me of the words of Jesus saying to the crowd, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Wisdom, the very Spirit of God, calls openly for all to enter, all to gain insight, all to find rest. No application necessary.
However, this same proverb does show us one of the ways we know if we’re growing in wisdom. It shows us where the rubber meets the road, if you will. It tells us that those who are wise will receive correction gladly. A wise person will love the one who rebukes them, because it allows them to grow in wisdom all the more.
How well do you take rebuke? How do you handle it when you receive correction? I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not great at it – I become defensive and put my hands over my ears. This is the first sign that I still have much growing to do when it comes to wisdom. The wise are teachable, and teachability requires humility. Are you willing to walk humbly with God and others? It’s the first step to growing in wisdom.