Proverbs 8:32-34 (ESV)
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me:
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.
34 Blessed is the one who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting beside my doors.
Wisdom strongly encourages her hearers to listen to and keep her ways, as those who follow her advice will be blessed. The wise will miss no opportunity to learn from her. How much effort and energy do you put into listening to Wisdom’s call? At church, when you gather to learn from your pastors, do you expect to hear Wisdom’s ways? Or do you secretly scoff at your pastors’ and teachers’ sermons, thinking, “I already know this” or “I don’t like this style,” even verbalizing these thoughts to your husband or friend and damaging another’s pursuit of Wisdom? Are you easily distracted by your phone, the hairstyle of the woman near you, or thoughts of the day’s lunch menu? Many interruptions can deter us from actively seeking, expecting, and waiting to hear wisdom. We can carelessly tune out, drift, or even grow numb to her voice. The next time you attend church, engage your mind and your will as you wait for Wisdom to speak directly to you. The Lord has much to say to those ready to listen.