Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, Proverbs 25:2-10       

Proverbs 25:2-10

Dear Dr. Mitchell at the seminary used to love to remind us of the quip from King Solomon, “In all thy getting, get wisdom.” Solomon’s great collection of proverbs holds a great position of importance in the Old Testament, but I fear it is not referenced as much as it should be in our day. Perhaps because in our general ignorance of the Bible, we may take the arrogant position that all those “pithy little sayings” really couldn’t speak to the complexities of our advanced age.

Truly, the most evident advance in our age is our increasing lack of wisdom and therein lies the very necessity of treasuring the Proverbs. Our arrogance works against the very theme of this week’s reading. Solomon reminds us in 25:6 that we are not to put ourselves forward in the presence of the king. For he may see our general ignorance and incompetence and therefore we may not be as useful to the king as we may surmise. I think it is a good thing to remember even without reference to a king. Our world is filled with those who thrive on making sure they are seen, heard, and out in front. I find I heed them less and less these days. I want to listen to, follow, and be counted among those who think not too highly of themselves. How about you?