Introduction
What will a new season bring? What will I do to improve my world, my family, and myself? How can I contribute to the building of peace, joy, and love on earth? I have been reading in Proverbs about wisdom. Did you know that “Wisdom” is a woman? Wisdom states, “Have two goals: wisdom—that is, knowing and doing right—and common sense. Don’t let them slip away for they fill you with living energy and are a feather in your cap … with them on guard you can sleep without fear” (Proverbs 3:21–26 TLB). What do you think? Wisdom enhances our lives and directs us on how to live a vibrant life full of joy. This knowledge will allow us to be comfortable in our own skins. It is empowering. The knowledge is real that we can build our lives on a solid foundation of truth and common sense. The ability to be able to discern right from wrong is assuring. It provides peace of mind and lasting stability.
Any new beginning requires a time of reflection and planning. What do I want more of? Wisdom. The Living Bible states, “Learn to be wise and develop good judgment and common sense … Cling to Wisdom—she will protect you. Love her—she will guard you” (Proverbs 4:5–6). I need guidance throughout the year. There is so much that I want to do, but finding that area in life that needs to be cultivated and improved and then developing the right habits will get me to my destination. So many times we are so close to what will give us fulfillment, and then we sabotage it by wrong thoughts and actions. I want to get things right the first time, learn from my mistakes, and move into new territory. I don’t want to keep going around the same mountain like the children of Israel in the Bible, who kept wandering in the wilderness. It is time to learn from Wisdom so that she can protect us and guide us. How can we improve in these areas of mind, body, soul, and spirit with Wisdom as our guard and protector?
Women can make a difference in their communities. Becoming the leaders in their communities will empower them to make the right changes that our people need. Decisions are being made concerning our children, money, health and wellness. Where are our voices? How do we begin to move forward in living wisely? We need to find out how to act appropriately in situations to create a good end. How can we be more understanding, just, and fair in our dealings with others? Lady Wisdom speaks to us—but are we listening? (Proverbs 1:1–6 TLB).
How can women be wise? Trust and respect the Lord. That is what Proverbs tells us to do. Yet do we really know how to worship the Lord in our daily living? We need to find out how to do that. A devotion to what is good and right needs to take center stage in our lives. It must be part of our daily meditations. We must have contempt for what is unjust and undeserving of our attention. Our focus must be unwavering and steady toward knowledge and understanding of truth. With this truth, we must act.
How we treat others determines how much we trust and have reverence for the Lord. Our actions tell us about our character. Are we women of integrity? The need to look out for number one (me.) can interfere with our ability to consider others. In finding the balance, Lady Wisdom can help. Trusting the Lord is a faith thing. We need to know what the Lord is saying to us. How do we know that it is Lady Wisdom speaking? I believe that our success in life is determined by our ability to listen and obey the voice of Lady Wisdom. Speak, Lady Wisdom, for your servant hears.
Situations in life require that we make decisions. Traps are set, and we must navigate around them. Will we fall for the trap or will we be wise and listen to Lady Wisdom? If we listen, then we will experience peace and safety. I think peace is the way to go. I want an exciting and peaceful journey; therefore I am going to listen to Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 1:17 TLB).
Nuggets of truth. Hidden treasure. Lost money. That is how Lady Wisdom describes the words of wisdom. Finding gems in the natural state will require cleaning and polishing. It takes time to do the work. There has to be a passion or desire to see what it would look like in the end. I love jewelry and specifically gemstones. What will the gemstones of wisdom look like as a finished product? We will have to wait and see. “The Lord’s blessings is our greatest wealth. All our work adds nothing to it!” (Proverbs 10:22 TLB).
her sayings and ponder her words in your heart. Take the time to journal your thoughts and note your insights here in this book. How will you use the nuggets of truth to awaken your dreams and destiny? How will you dispense this knowledge to others, enhancing your sphere of influence, your family, your work and community? This enlightenment will motivate you to pray and ask for guidance on your journey. Ask the Lord for help. Write your own prayer for the day.
If we want to receive, then we need to know how to give. Giving opens us up to blessings. When we ask the Lord to direct our giving, he shows us where the overflow is so that we can give some more. Giving is a principle of Lady Wisdom. I give to you the words of Lady Wisdom.
Lady Wisdom proclaims, “The Lord formed me in the beginning before he created anything else. From ages past, I am” (Proverbs 8:22 TLB).