Listen when I rebuke you. I will tell you everything that I know, and I will help you understand what I say. Proverbs 1:23, English Bible for the Deaf

 

My daughter, who will turn three in a few months, is constantly chatting. And if she’s not chatting, she’s singing – anything from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to her recent favourite, Fishing for Jesus, in the bits of English she can manage. But the one song that randomly pops up from her little mouth now and then is an Afrikaans song, "Dwase man, huis op die sand! Dwase man, huis op die sand!" (It loosely translates to: Foolish man, house on the sand! Foolish man, house on the sand!) Hours later, also out of nowhere, she sings another part, "Wyse man, huis op die rots! Wyse man, huis op die rots!" (Wise man, house on the rock! Wise man, house on the rock!)

 

They’re just simple words from a song she doesn’t yet fully understand. But they are so powerful and true.

 

The same is true for the Bible. It’s a book filled with stories, insight, truth and guidance. When you start reading the book of Proverbs, it becomes so clear, the wisdom is there. So are the truths about life, as well as the tips and advice on how to navigate it. It’s there for each of us to read and take to heart. Yet, we so often take it for granted, failing to make enough time for it or put in the effort to engage with it.

 

Each of us could benefit from pausing more often, allowing these lessons to sink in and finding ways to live them out practically. It’s so much more than just wise or beautiful words on paper.

 

We are fortunate. God has given us his Word. We don’t have to go through life without wisdom and insight – it’s already there. We just need to take the time to rediscover it.

 

Prayer: Lord, help me to rediscover your Word, and apply the wisdom and insight found therein to my life in a practical way. Amen.