Proverbs Daily Devotional: Day 8
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.”
Proverbs 8:12
An African Proverb tells the story of three travelers, Wisdom, Wealth, and Food, who are searching for a place to dwell. The three come upon a man sitting under a tree. “Who are you and what are you doing?” he asked. “We are Wisdom, Wealth, and Food, and we are looking for a place to live,” they replied. “I’ll take Food and let you live with me,” he invited. “You fool!” Food said. “How long do you think you could keep me without Wisdom?”
They moved on, and happened upon another man walking along. “Who are you and what are you doing?” he asked. “We are Wisdom, Wealth, and Food,” they repeated, “and we are looking for a place to live.” The man welcomed Wealth to come and dwell with him. “You fool!” Wealth responded. “Without Wisdom, do you really think I would remain long in your home?”
Again they moved on, and found a man working in a field. “Who are you and what are you doing?” he shouted. They responded as they had earlier. “I would like Wisdom to live with me,” the worker replied. “Because you have chosen Wisdom, all three of us will dwell with you for the rest of your days. You have chosen wisely,” they said to the man.
The Bible tells a similar story in 2 Chronicles chapter 1, about King Solomon. Ancient sources of wisdom reveal that when one chooses to invite Wisdom into one’s life, things such as wealth, food, honor, and long life often take up their dwelling as well. In the Proverb above, it is prudence, knowledge, and discretion which all come along with wisdom. It is a principle in life that one thing leads to another. Our choices matter. When we choose foolishly, we invite additional folly into our lives. When we choose wisely, we invite additional partners of wisdom into our lives. What choice will you make today?
— Pastor Jeff
