June 8

June 8

Solomon & his Wisdom -- Solomon's 3000 Proverbs & 1005 songs.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: 1 Kings 4:29-34

Reading 2: Proverbs 1

Reading 3: Song of Solomon 1

It would be a mistake to think that the wisdom Solomon displayed in our reading yesterday was a one-off! Today we read that God gave him greater wisdom than anyone on the earth. His output of wise sayings (proverbs) and songs was prodigious, and he was also a scientist with knowledge of the natural world. So Solomon combined left and right-brain excellence in artistic creativity and scientific reasoning.

And it was that combination that drew the powerful and famous to learn from him. The wise make their wisdom available to others, and we all benefit from seeking out those with more wisdom than ourselves! Our reading from Proverbs tells us that wisdom shared is wisdom grown, while foolishness can be defined as turning away from wisdom, learning, and discipline.

Solomon characterizes wisdom as feminine, just as the Holy Spirit is described in scripture with feminine pronouns. This shows us that wisdom is a gift of God's presence. And foolishness is turning away from God to go our own way, trusting in our own wisdom.

And that romantic image of wisdom wooing us to God carries over into Solomon's Song of Songs, a love song celebrating God's love for us in the love of the king and his bride.

Today, you are loved by God in just the same way!

Have a great day!

Mark.