How Wisdom As a Big Sister Protects You

Dec 1

Dec 1 How Wisdom As a Big Sister Protects You

Proverbs Devo, God's Word, Personal Faith, Wisdom, Character, Integrity, Truth

Wisdom as our big sister

Siblings have a unique relationship. It's more than the relationship of best friends—although I know siblings who are truly best friends. I've seen this with my mom and her sister and my own daughters. This can also be true of brothers and some brother-sister relationships.

The relationship between siblings is unique because they share similar DNA. This can be a good and bad thing and leads to what I call the love-hate element of sibling relationships. They can be each other's protectors or advocates, then arch-enemies within minutes of each role.

I’ve seen this repeatedly in my family and with other siblings. It's no coincidence that Solomon says to call wisdom a sister—a close member of the immediate family. It characterizes the somewhat love-hate relationship we all have with doing the right thing at the right time.

Once again, this chapter is an admonition spoken by a father to a son. It begins with seven specific admonitions—“… pay attention… treasure… obey… follow… tie… write… say….”

The father tells the son to stay attentive and focused on wisdom as if his life depended on it. Because it does.

Then an allegorical story is told of a young man who didn't keep wisdom in focus. He falls prey to the smooth seductiveness of an unfaithful woman. The illustration pits loyalty to wisdom in contrast to the temptation that leads to unfaithfulness, which leads to destruction.

Scripture

My son, pay attention to my words. Treasure my commands that are within you. Obey my commands so that you may live.

Follow my teachings just as you protect the pupil of your eye. Tie them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister.” Give the name “my relative” to understanding

in order to guard yourself from an adulterous woman, from a loose woman with her smooth talk. (Proverbs 7:1-5 GW)

(Context—Proverbs 7:1-27 GW)

Proverbs 7

Simple Insights

Seduction is a process.

It’s not a simple choice but involves a series of opportunities to make wise choices. When we don’t make wise choices, the pull to do something unwise grows intensifies. It becomes an inescapable trap.

Immorality is a stereotypical example of temptation. But temptation can come in many areas of our lives, in many ways. A temptation can be to do something that jeopardizes our health, allows us to get away with something, or to seek influence or power for selfish reasons.

Temptations focus on anything that is a weak point or shortcoming in us. It’s like the physical effect of stress. Stress can bring on migraines, backaches, an upset stomach, or fatigue. Once those set in, we lose the battle with stress.

God’s Spirit can tap into any reserve of God’s wisdom in us to awaken us to subtle dangers and all forms of temptation. Understanding spiritual truth gives us the ability to see beyond the immediate to the result of what tempts us.

The discipline of keeping wisdom close to you, like a sister, can help you win the daily battles you face in life and prevent you from falling headlong into various temptations.

Reflection—

It's easier to resist the subtle pull of temptation when it begins before it gets stronger. Better yet, to avoid a common temptation altogether is the wisest of all choices.

Prayer Focus—

Ask God to show you how He has already kept you from falling into temptation. Also, daily ask His help to be aware of and avoid whatever temptations may cross your path.

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