“These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”
Proverbs 1:1-6 The Message
Lord God and Father,
I struggle with paraphrases Father, but this passage from the Message reflects the translation in modern language clearly. And historically as we have reached Solomon in the Bible, they fit timewise, as Solomon wrote them. David, the musician wrote many Psalms, his son Solomon wrote much of wisdom.
The opening introduction really sorts out the wheat from the chaff, the sheep from the goats as it were. If you think you know it all whatever your age is, you do not need to read these proverbs. Some of us do know a lot. Quizzers know endless facts. Specialists know their subjects. Many have experienced much in life and learned a great deal. But how sad the person that does not think anyone can teach him anything. Or is not willing to listen, debate, discuss, research and perhaps change his mind on something?
Even the experienced need to learn says Solomon, there is fresh wisdom. Keep us open, as a child hungry to learn, and teachable. Malleable in Your love and holiness.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 1st June 2025
A heart willing to learn can be changed.
Change my heart, O God,
Make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God,
May I be like you.
Chorus
You are the Potter,
I am the clay;
Mold me and make me,
This is what I pray.
Lyrics: Eddie Espinosa