Wisdom’s Body Parts

On Proverbs 4:23-27

In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is passed from one generation to the next. I imagine the father in chapter 4 reading from his scroll like he’s handing off a baton to his son for the next leg of the race.  These were more than phrases to pause and memorize and more than sage-like sayings to stop and admire; these were words to live. 

Wisdom itself lived in a physical body when “Christ Jesus…became to us wisdom from God…” Jesus epitomizes Proverbs. His life is passed on to us as more than truth to study; His life means transformation in mine (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-31). So if Jesus is wisdom, and Jesus powerfully lives in me, how can His wisdom affect each part of my body?

Wisdom in My Heart 

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (4:23) 

Isaiah uses this word for guard when he explains that God watches over His people like a skilled gardener. Day and night, He tends to them and waters them so nothing destroys them. He’s alert to their condition, threats, and needs, and He does what’s necessary to protect them so that they thrive (Isaiah 27:3). 

Through Jesus, I tend to the garden of my heart so that life flourishes from it.

Wisdom in My Mouth

“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from you.” (4:24)

The same Spirit of wisdom inspired Paul to write centuries later to God’s people, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather, thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4) 

Through Jesus, I throw out leftover perversion and excuse myself from the table of thankless conversation.

Wisdom in My Eyes 

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (4:25)

Mankind’s downfall came through the eyes, and humanity was marred for the rest of time: “[Eve] saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye…” (Genesis 3:6) 

Through Jesus, I focus on His ways to avoid the disaster of going my own way. 

Wisdom in My Feet 

“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet, and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” (4:26,27)

“...your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths.” (Proverbs 5:21) We evaluate our steps together with the Lord, not all on our own, and it’s both a comfort and an accountability to know His eyes are on our feet.

Through Jesus, I rake out obstacles that could deter me or trip me so that my next step is stable. 

Because of Jesus’ wisdom in us, “let not the wise man boast in his wisdom…but, let him who boasts, boast in… the Lord.”  (see Jeremiah 9:23,24)

For the college-bound

Inspired by Proverbs 3:1-6

We’re in the season of making college visits with our oldest son, so when I came to Proverbs 3 in my devotions, all I could think about was when his actual send-off comes next year. I’ll need as much help as I can get on that day, and these six verses prompted me to parallel each one with what I’d say if I wasn’t sobbing my eyes out…so maybe a letter, tucked between layers of clothes in his suitcase, would be better. I’d write it like this:

My son,

Keep this instruction in your heart: 

Those phrases I repeated every time you walked out the door 

and those things I’ve said about the kind of lifestyle that’s best - remember it all! 

You’ll experience a better life and a more peaceful one if you do. 

I’ve tried to follow my own advice, and now it’s your turn. (v.1,2)

Carve these initials on your heart:

L+F. They’re together forever. 

Love + Faithfulness go hand in hand like an aged couple 

with decades of character between them. 

These qualities, straight out of God’s heart, 

form the foundation of all lasting relationships, between God and you 

and between you and others. (v. 3,4)

Trust the Lord with your heart:

You might feel grown up and like you understand everything (at least, I did at your age)

but don’t just live by your instincts or your best guess.

Instead, with every decision ahead of you, talk to God. Ask Him.

You’ll be surprised at how He makes the unclear, clear 

and the crooked, straightened out. (v.5,6)

Of course, there’s more I could say, but if you’re intentional about what you do in, on, and with your heart, you’ll be off to a good start.

With love, 

Mom