What are you building?

TODAY’S PROVERB: Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. Proverbs 9:1

Maybe because I’m the daughter of a builder, but I love this verse. I can almost smell the fragrant freshly sawed wood; hear the pounding of the pneumatic nail gun. Ah.

Knowing what it takes to build a house can make you appreciate your home even more. After building several homes, when it came time to build this new residence, I knew I wanted it designed to be able to accommodate God’s love and hospitality. That meant the layout was such that people could be together.

If I had to prepare a meal or clean up, I could still be part of the fellowship. There are spaces for a group and spaces for quiet discussions.

Wisdom designed her home as well. She carved out seven pillars. While that is impressive, I wondered what they represented.

Many scholars have many explanations. But, I know that the number 7 in Judaism represents, completion — perfection. So whatever she designs is perfect for what she needs.

One Bible scholar drew a connection with the first and third chapter of James. Now, remember, this book was written by Jesus’ half-brother, Jacob.

I imagine Jacob grew up being taught the wisdom of Proverbs. This was a cultural thing in the homes of the followers of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to read and recite the writings of the Old Testament (Psalms, Proverbs, etc.).

James 1:5 is one of my most life-changing passages. It’s what began my wisdom journey:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 

In chapter 3, Jacob demonstrates a lifetime of understanding from living Proverbs. And, interestingly enough, he writes of seven attributes of that wisdom:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. James (Jacob) 3:17

Was this one of those cultural givens that every Jewish child knew growing up? Or perhaps, it was simply the experiences of a Jewish man who had been trained up in the way that he should go (Proverbs 22:6). I don’t know, but I like thinking how I can build my life around them.

Part of that is reaching out to people through hospitality. We do it so that

these dear souls can feel God’s love through us. Whether with a cup of tea, or conversation, or a meal, we hope that they leave refreshed and revived. And, perhaps, just a little hungry for more of our Heavenly Father.

In today’s proverb, God’s wisdom invites others for a meal. Wisdom’s hospitality will feed their souls.

We can do the same. Why not invite a friend, or someone you would like to get to know. Something simple like a cup of coffee or just a few minutes of conversation over a glass of water. Get to know your neighbors — in a safe manner.

You can begin by preparing your home. Just one little space that is comfortable. Then begin praying who God wants you to get to know. To pray for. Build a healthy, Godly relationship based on wisdom’s attributes. Who knows, you may find a Proverbs partner. And that would be an amazing thing.

May we build our home, my friends.

Proverbs 9:1,  #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs