June 13 | Proverbs 1:7, 22-33

Carmel Elmer
Jun 13
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Learning the Hard Way

By Carmel Elmer

I imagine we can all think of someone in our life who just seems to learn most things the hard way. My son comes to mind for me. From the time he was just a little guy he just had to test the waters and try to figure things out on his own. I have to admit, he comes by it honestly! I admire and respect so many things about my son, but what I admire most about him is that he learns from his trial and error, and he doesn’t seem to make the same mistake twice. Me…not so much!

If you Google the definition of the word wisdom, you’ll likely find something along these lines, “The ability to make sound judgments and decisions by applying accumulated knowledge, experience, and deep understanding.” By that definition, the trial-and-error approach is the way to go. But according to Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. That kind of fear is not a fear that has you running for cover, but a fear that gives you a sense of awe & wonder. It’s the kind of fear that recognizes God’s incredible power over ALL things and His sovereignty as the source of ALL truth and ALL knowledge. That kind of fear requires humility, a quality that society doesn’t really value so much; and something that I didn’t value much when I was younger and felt like my future was fully in my control. Maybe you can relate.

I have learned with age that every choice we make, every decision, has consequences. Even some of the choices we make that seem very good at the time they are made can have dire consequences for us and for others, if we don’t first begin by asking ourselves whether we are using worldly wisdom or Godly wisdom. We just don't always know the difference.

“They will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.” vs 31

In other words, ‘You made your bed, now lie in it!’ Ouch! That one hits way too close to home for me. As I look back, I can honestly say that most often, the times I found myself in a situation I hadn’t planned for are the times when I thought I knew best or I trusted someone else who convinced me they knew best.

I’m not sure why, but this makes me think about a commentary I listened to on Sirach 2. Many of you may not be familiar with the book of Sirach and it probably doesn’t appear in your bible unless you have a Catholic bible which includes the Septuagint. But these words from Sirach 2:4-6 stuck with me.

“In times of humiliation, be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and human character, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in the Lord, and he will help you. Walk straight in His ways and put your hope in him.”

In today's passage we hear the voice of wisdom speaking to the people of Israel and asking, “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” vs 22

I wish I had asked myself that question years ago and I wish I had trusted God more than I trusted myself or others. I have found myself saying more than once, “I was such a fool” and I have wondered why God would have allowed me to take the path I did. If you wonder that too, consider that maybe it’s because He loves you and He knows what you need to become the best you there is. Maybe like my son you just have to try on your own the first time. If you are, know that even though God would prefer we look for Godly wisdom to determine the choices we make, He knows we won't always do that. Sometimes we all just need a little fiery furnace of humiliation to build good character. I'm going to try to remember that next time I fail to make the best choice and I hope you will too and cut yourself a little slack. God will after all!

PRAYER

Consider praying over that talk on Sirach 2 that I mentioned. You can find it here: Praying with Sirach 2:1-11

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CARMEL ELMER

I have attended UALC for nearly 25 years, but faith has always been at the center of my life. My mom was an incredible role model, demonstrating a trust in God that surpassed any circumstance. I will always be grateful for her incredible example of faith, and I pray that one day, my children will say the same about me.