I have been pondering the fact that I do not usually wake up in the morning thinking "Today, I am going to watch at Wisdom's gates, seek Wisdom in every choice I make, and try to live as wisely and well as possible."
Immersing myself in the Jewish scriptures has reawakened my awareness of how wise it is to love and seek Divine Wisdom, not just when up against tough decisions or situations, but in every day life. I can see it would make a real difference in my life if I treasured and sought Holy Wisdom as much as the sage(known as Jesus Ben Sirach) who wrote the words I offer you today from the Book of Wisdom, chapter one.
All wisdom is from God, Who created Wisdom first of all.
Her intelligence has been present from the very beginning.
Who has laid bare the roots of wisdom?
Who has understood Her subtlety?
Only God, Who created, designed, and formed Her,
and infused Her into all God's works.
To every human being God has given Wisdom in some measure;
and to those who love God, Wisdom is given in abundance.
Devotion to God brings a garland of joy.
It gladdens the heart and strengthens the body.
If you devote yourself to God, your life will be long and happy,
and your death will be peaceful.
The essence of wisdom is devotion to God.
When a human being is conceived in a woman's womb, Wisdom is present.
She lives with all people throughout their lives.
She is their constant companion.
If you are devoted to God, you will be filled with wisdom.
You will imbibe wisdom as if you drinking wine.
God has storehouses overflowing with wisdom.
From these storehouses God will give you as much wisdom as you desire and can use.
Wisdom will be like a garland around your neck, with flowers of serenity and health.
Your mind will have knowledge in abundance, and your hands will possess many skills.
Wisdom is rooted in devotion to God, and longevity grows on her branches.
My prayer of response:
God of Wisdom, may I have the good sense to be devoted to You in all I do.
May I drink the wine of Your knowledge, and be blessed with the skills, the discretion,
the health and wealth of body and soul which is Your gift.
May I also be aware of the wisdom you are always offering to me and to all people,
and be humble and smart enough to learn from those you bring into my life.
May I also see the wisdom evident in your creation, and let it form my life.
So may there be a garland of joy round my neck my whole life long,
that my heart may be glad, and my body strong.
Amen.
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