Now if riches are a possession to be desired in life,
What is richer than wisdom, who works all things?
And if discernment shows itself in action,
Who more than wisdom is its craftsman?

Encouraging Words…

Wisdom is the greatest treasure in life that any one of us could ever seek. And when we find it, and continue to pursue it, it becomes truly manifest in our lives through action. Being a Christian is not a noun but a verb, a verb whose craftsman is wisdom, or Christ.

Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-23 LXX

So in herself, wisdom is a spirit that is rational,
Holy, only- begotten, manifold, subtle, easily moved, clear,
Undefiled, manifest, invulnerable, loving what is good, keen,
Unhindered, beneficent, man- loving, steadfast, unfailing,
Free from worry, all- powerful, all- surveying,
And penetrating all spirits that are rational, pure, and most subtle

Encouraging Words…

And people wonder why we worship and love the risen and living Christ! Glory be to God! The Orthodox Church teaches that through deification or becoming like God, humanity is given the capacity to share in the uncreated energies of God — His power, purity, light, and goodness. (Orthodox Study Bible notes). Again, we choose to worship God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, because through the work of Christ, death has been defeated and we can share in His glory.

Wisdom is radiant and unfading
And is easily perceived by those who love her;
For she is found by those who seek her.
She comes upon those who long to know her beforehand.
He who rises early in the morning to seek her
Will not grow weary,
For he will find her sitting at his gates.
For to think deeply about her
Is the perfection of discernment,
And he who keeps watch for her
Will soon be free from worry;

Encouraging Words…

The early church fathers taught that the wisdom spoken of in the Old Testament is Christ. He is radiant and unfading and easily perceived by those who love Him. He is found by those who seek Him and truly comes to those who long for Him. He gives strength to the weary and renews those who pursue Him. He perfects discernment in those who think deeply on Him and takes away the worries of those who keep watch for Him. Glory be to God!

Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-16 LXX

But the righteous live forever,
And their reward is with the Lord;
And their care is by the Most High.
Therefore they shall receive a kingly dwelling of dignity
And a crown of beauty from the hand of the Lord,
Because He will shelter them with His right hand
And protect them with His arm.

Encouraging Words…

Many people might ask why do we, Christians that are committed to our Lord, spend so much of our time and resources doing things that seem archaic to them. Why? Because we believe in the Lord Most High, His precepts, and His promises. We look forward to our lives that will be continued throughout eternity and the rewards that our God will bestow upon us for following Him and attempting to live righteous lives. We live this way in faith, with a hope in what we have not seen, but has been evidenced to us throughout history. We cherish His care, His shelter, and His protection.

When virtue is present, people imitate it,
And when it goes away, they long for it.
Throughout one’s lifetime,
Virtue leads the struggle for undefiled prizes,
Wearing a crown and conquering.

Encouraging Words…

We were created in the image of God, and in this fragile, earthbound package there has been placed this desire, this yearning for virtue in our lives. It is our responsibility to pursue it, to embrace it in our lives, and to pass it on to those around us…even when many around us do not have it or even appear to desire it. Living a virtuous and godly life may be difficult at times, but it will lead us through the struggles of life and bring us to those prizes that are undefiled. Living this way will also bring us to our place in eternity wearing a crown, the crown placed upon us by our Lord, and being conquerers for Him.

The Jews, though, maintained their goodwill and unswerving faith toward the throne. But because they worshiped God and lived by His precepts, they kept themselves separate from others with regard to food, and therefore appeared hateful to some. But they adorned their way of life with the good deeds of righteous people, and thus established themselves as honorable to all men.

Personal Challenge…

The Egyptian Jews lived under great oppression and persecution in the time of Maccabaeus. Even though the government that they lived under was hostile towards them and passed all types of laws that conflicted with their beliefs, they still openly practiced their faith. Most importantly they lived their lives demonstrating goodwill towards those around them, giving unswerving faith toward the government (knowing that God had put them in this situation for their refinement), and living lives of good deeds. In doing this they endeared themselves to their neighbors and were clearly established as honorable people serving a good, righteous, and honorable God. Am I expected to do any less as a child of God? Should I not live my life in a way that is set apart and obviously following God’s precepts, all the while being submissive and supportive of the leaders that God has put over me? Once again it is about God and His glory and not about me!