Wisdom of Solomon 8:7

Wisdom of Solomon 8:5-6

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

What is richer than wisdom? Nothing, when wisdom is Jesus! Wisdom works all things in our lives. And who, again, is wisdom? Jesus Christ is wisdom. He, as wisdom, is the craftsman of discernment. How encouraging it is to know that Jesus has us in His arms. Glory be to God!

Philippians 2:5-7

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Personal Challenge

This passage starts off with a very critical statement. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” If we are truly following in the footsteps of Christ, then not only will our hearts of stone be replaced with hearts of flesh, but our minds will be conformed to the mind of Christ. Is this evident in how we think, talk, and act? If not, then it is time for a reset. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-23

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

These two verses really highlight how wisdom in the Old Testament is the representation of Jesus Christ. Glory be to God!

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Personal Challenge

As modern, self-reliant and self-sufficient people, we have lost the importance of the community that we are in. This especially applies to the church. We have grown so comfortable with the diverse denominations and that which divides us that we have forgotten this expectation to be like-minded with our other brothers and sisters in Christ. Do we want any consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, affection, and mercy? If so, then we must be like-minded having the same love that is centered on Christ and be of one accord and mind with all believers. As true Christians, we cannot be loners. Glory be to God!

Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16

Philippians 1:27-30

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Personal Challenge

We have been given the gospel of Christ, the Good News, for all of mankind. It is our responsibility as followers of Christ to live lives that demonstrate a conduct that is worthy of that gospel. We cannot live dualistic lives, behaving one way on Sunday and another the other six days of the week. This means standing in one spirit with all Christians, regardless of how they worship, having one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. We cannot be terrified by our adversaries. Yes, we will suffer in this fallen world for living this way, but Jesus gave His all for us. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Wisdom of Solomon 6:1-3

Listen therefore, O kings, and understand;
Learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.
Give ear, you that rule over multitudes,
And take pride in yourself over a multitude of nations.
For power was given to you from the Lord,
And your lordship from the Most High,
Who will make a careful search of your works
And examine closely your plans.

Personal Challenge

In days long passed, leadership of nations came in the form of kings and lords. People had no choice in who would rule over them. In those days, scriptures such as this one were so necessary to remind those leaders that they were in their roles because God allowed them to be and that they would be eternally accountable for how they exercised that role. Listen! Understand! Learn! Give ear! These are active reminders to those leaders to seek God’s guidance and then to adhere to it. Today, we, the common people, have the ability to select our leaders. This charge to listen, understand, learn, and give ear applies to us to make the right choice. We must choose to vote according to the golden rule, the beatitudes, and all the other teachings of our Christian heritage. These teachings do not advocate rounding up our enemies, casting out the foreigner amongst us, advocating violence against others, or lying to get what we want. It is time for us to wake up and to listen, understand, learn, and give ear to the truth of God. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Personal Challenge

One of the beautiful things that I have come to appreciate about the Eastern Orthodox faith practice is the acceptance and veneration of the saints of Christianity. We are not alone in our journey to theosis, or being in the image of Christ. We have recognized saints and patriarchs that go all the way back to Adam and Eve who have demonstrated for us how to live our lives for our God. Paul’s proclamation here is such a powerful reminder that whether I continue to live my life here on earth or God chooses to take me home to heaven to be with Him, all is for gain, if I am always focused on Him. With this mindset there is nothing to fear about death. Glory be to God!