@csloughrige2019
As protestant pastors, we don’t regularly read the Deuterocanonical books of the Bible, and we are grateful for irregularity today. This morning’s reading packed a wallop and led our desperate prayers.
God of Wisdom, we need you. May we seek wisdom, love her and then, choose wisely. We pray for children, parents, grandparents, church and government leaders to love wisdom. May we hold fast to her in all our pains and vicissitudes. Teach us to address our grime with the glory of One who is wise. Oh, God, how we need a good dose of Ecclesiasticus in our generation. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Ecclesiasticus 4:11-20
11 Wisdom exalts her sons
and gives help to those who seek her.
12 Whoever loves her loves life,
and those who seek her early will be filled with joy.
13 Whoever holds her fast will obtain glory,
and the Lord will bless the place she[a] enters.
14 Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One;
the Lord loves those who love her.
15 He who obeys her will judge the nations,
and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure.
16 If he has faith in her he will obtain her;
and his descendants will remain in possession of her.
17 For at first she will walk with him on tortuous paths,
she will bring fear and cowardice upon him,
and will torment him by her discipline
until she trusts him,
and she will test him with her ordinances.
18 Then she will come straight back to him and gladden him,
and will reveal her secrets to him.
19 If he goes astray she will forsake him,
and hand him over to his ruin.
20 Observe the right time, and beware of evil;
and do not bring shame on yourself.