One summer, three friends and I strapped on our backpacks to hike the irrigation trail up the side of a canyon wall. This one canyon is a popular hiking spot because of its proximity to the Foresthill Bridge, the fourth highest bridge in the United States.
Halfway up the mountain, nausea hit. Due to the intermingling of 90-degree heat and a limited water supply, I felt instant regret over suggesting this vertical trail that wasn’t even meant for hiking. (It’s an irrigation trail, after all.) Wisdom sure wasn’t the one leading the charge in this decision; it was my own ego and the myth of invincibility. After we almost passed out from dehydration, two of my friends had to shoulder my body weight and help carry me the rest of the way.
Scripture says that “a person’s wisdom brightens his face” (Ecclesiastes 8:1). At the time when Ecclesiastes was written, wisdom was attributed as coming from a divine source. A bright face was considered physical evidence of wisdom in the wise person’s life, just as Moses’s face shone with radiance after spending time with the Lord (Exodus 34:34–35).
Our faces today may not emit a visible shining substance when we make good decisions or spend quality time with the Lord. But wisdom lingers with us the way campfire smoke stays on your clothes after hours roasting the perfect marshmallows. It favorably directs our steps and will be evident in our lives when we exercise it. Since our thoughts and actions affect those we are in community with, when we use wisdom in decision-making, we can also bring life to our collective environments. In doing so, perhaps our sphere of the world can better operate by kingdom values, such as justice, mercy, and love.
Proverbs offers the encouragement that “remembrance of the righteous is a blessing” (Proverbs 10:7). Those who live from a place of wisdom—whose faces are “brightened” by the Spirit of the Living God—are a blessing. It’s not that the wise avoid folly altogether. They just learn from their mistakes. As Jesus-followers, if our aim is to pursue abundant life, our lives will be marked by years that smell like wisdom.
In the end, climbing a mountain on a 90-degree day probably wasn’t wise. While our faces may have glistened, it wasn’t from nearing the Mount of Transfiguration, but from perspiring pearls of sweat that mocked our foolish decision. You’d better believe we learned from that mistake and will only plan future hikes up paths that are intended for human recreation.
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68 thoughts on "Wisdom, Authorities, and Inequities"
Honestly, I do believe we still see that today. Wisdom shining on peoples faces. You can see who radiates the presence of the Lord. We are to live different from the Lord. People would see the difference, tell me that I am different. It is because the Lord lives in me. Amen.
Thankful for wisdom from God!
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God, yesterday I struggled to trust you. Thank you for showing me today it was because I did not fear you. I did not understand just how big and powerful you are. If I had remembered this, I could have trusted you completely. Forgive me and bring to mind your teaching when this temptation comes again.
❤️
Sometimes I feel as if I pour my heart and efforts into making myself wiser, and when I hit those uncomfortable feelings I’m like “ugh but I just read so much scripture about joy and peace!” This was a lovely reminder than all of the scripture and worship doesn’t just disappear: it lingers and blesses you wherever you go. Maybe I don’t always notice the wisdom shining from my own face, but it’s nice to know it certainly happens to all who invest in the learning,
This is such a good reminder that God is in control! We may not know now what he’s doing with everything that’s going on in this crazy world but Gods got this! He going to take all the bad things in this world and turn it into good for his glory! Praying for peace amidst the chaos!
Thank you so much for this Diana!
Praying to keep growing in wisdom so that my face might radiate.
5The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though a person’s troubles are heavy on him. 7Yet no one knows what will happen because who can tell him what will happen?
We need to heed these words during these tumultuous times. No one but God knows what will happen. We need to truly think before we speak or act. Is what I’m about to say or do really going to help?
I’m sorry for posting this again, but when I did it on my phone, it wouldn’t let me finish: These are such emotional times For me. Yesterday I was pulled back into grief, Remembering my mom went to be with Jesus 2 years ago today.I took care of her for a year and a 1/2 And there were many difficult times As she developed dementia. I’m amazed how fresh those memories still are and how deeply grieved I can still feel. I sobbed and groaned for a long time yesterday. I don’t think it was just remembering my mom, but being overwhelmed by all the tragedies in our nation and recently in our family. As I wept, I read the whole book of Lamentations. This morning I read the 1st chapter again, using it as a prompt for our nation. I pray throughout the week for so many who are afflicted and who are grieving. Being 74 years old, I suppose that the deaths of so many for whom I pray should not be unexpected. But when you pray for those you have known for years, when you have six children and 20 grandchildren and all their friends, who are going through the trials of life, and when you have students and their families who are facing sickness and death, it can become overwhelming when mixed with personal grief. But I will keep praying and lamenting, as this is what God has called me to. I will exchange this burden for His lighter one. And I will weep again. Please know that even if I don’t post it, I pray immediately for your prayer requests when I read them. Thank you for this community.
This was a difficult read to follow for me, I don’t know if I’m just distracted today or what. But reading Ecclesiastes 8 in the message version helped a lot! I’m still praying that I can receive wisdom from god and that my life will be changed by it.
I understand where Kelly Minter from the podcast is coming from about being single and not having anyone to quarantine with. It has been lonely. I have turned to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit multiple times through out this “Stay-At-Home” period.
Dear Sarah D. In response to the doubt your sister had about un reached people, the Apostle Paul addressed this with the Romans in Romans 1:8-22. God has given His creation so that people will turn to Him and look for Him, so they are without excuse. But most do not want to turn to Him, but turn away and their heart becomes foolish and darkened, thinking they are wiser than God. Hope this helps.
These are such emotional times For me. Yesterday I was pulled back into grief, Remembering my mom went to be with Jesus 2 years ago today.I took care of her for a year and a 1/2 And there were many difficult times As she developed dementia. I’m amazed how fresh those memories still are and how deeply grieved I can still feel. I sobbed and groaned for a long time yesterday. I don’t think it was just remembering my mom, The being overwhelmed by all the tragedies and our nation and recently in our family. As I wept, I read the whole book of lamentations. This morning I read the 1st chapter again, using it as a prompt for a nation. I pray Throughout the week for so many who are afflicted And who are grieving.Being 74 years old, I suppose that the death
Good morning dear sisters in Christ. May I ask for you all to keep me in your prayers. I have to have a follow up ultrasound for a mammogram I had done last week. I am a bit scared but I know that God is in control.
JESSICA: Thanks for sharing the quote by Esau McCaulley; they are wise words and increase clarity on the issues in my own mind.
LEHUA K: I pray the Lord’s peace continues to surround you as you return to work.
SARAH D: I’m glad for the update regarding your conversations with your sister. My sister (actually both sisters) is in a similar place. I pray the Lord grants each of them new eyes to see his perspective. As I needed his mercy to open my eyes to the truth, so do our sisters.
I can see how my thoughts intertwine with many of yours. Here’s what I wrote before reading your comments. I’m glad for so much unity of mind!
“Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?” (Ecclesiastes 8:5-7)
It is my desire to be one with a wise heart, especially in dealing with “fooling authorities” who “abuse their authority.” According to my study Bible notes “the nearly unlimited power they possessed in the ancient world meant that those who had to deal directly with them required exceptional wisdom.”. Our present day realities tell me that we very much need the same. Then as I read on in the study notes, it said that “keep the king’s command indicates not so much ‘obeying’ as ‘protecting, guarding, keeping watch over’. The Preacher is reminding the king’s counselor that he is obligated to help restrain the king from making foolish decisions on account of his ‘oath to God’.” (I seriously would not have understood this without the study notes!)
Now it’s apparent that the majority of us are not the direct counselor of the president, or even our governors or our mayors. Yet, my thoughts are going to all the (legal) ways to “restrain” authorities who are unjust or making foolish decisions. We can contact our congressmen. We can hold peaceful protests. We can sign petitions. We can vote.
I admit that trying to keep up with all the political ideologies of various people in or campaigning for office is daunting to me. I know it’s a good thing to do, but my energies are so limited thus making it difficult to consider it all. In this great weakness, I am grateful for the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:4 which remind me that Jesus Christ was crucified in weakness but made alive through God’s power. We who are in Christ are also in weakness, yet God promises to empower us to do the good works he has predestined for us to do before the foundation of the world. Perhaps my steps of action may be less than another human being, but I aim to pray for wisdom and trust that in whatever amount of resources I have (including energy), the Lord may bless them like he did the few fish and loaves which fed the multitudes. In that way, the Lord gets the glory and not me (or us). And this is my hope and desire — to God be the glory!
After everything that has happened the last few months in my life and the last few days in the nation and in my city, I really don’t know what to say or think. I know God is in control of everything but I still have to ask “why?” Why the COVID-19 pandemic? Why did my niece have to die at the age of almost 36? Why did I get in a car accident? Why did the officer have to kill George Floyd? Why all the riots and damage? God why? Why? Why? Yes I know I probably won’t get answers in this life time but I just wonder. Maybe if I’m still long enough God will answer. Hope all of you my She Reads Truth sisters have a blessed day.
LEHUA K – THANK YOU! Have a BLESSED day!
Wow happy first day of June SRT sisters! Crazy how time is flying. Praying for you all! Prayers appreciated for my sister and I. We had the discussion on faith on Saturday and it was good…She says she believes that Jesus is the Son of God/died/resurrected, but she says she doesn’t know for sure what happens after we die. She also is not living out her faith, and supports abortion and homosexuality (I believe we should love those people but that in God’s word he tells us how to respond to these issues). She also asked the question what about unreached people who have never heard of God, which I am looking more into…hard stuff. Praying that the Holy Spirit would soften her and her husband’s hearts.
Amen…I am praying, God is merciful. The questions that she is asking is allowing you to dig deeper into your faith and will open you up to things you may not have put much thought into before. May God bless you at this time and increase your faith as you ‘bring life to your environment.’
Thank you ladies for your prayers. I just woke up (I’m in Hawai’i) and set aside an hour and a half for my morning routine, and I feel very rested and at peace now. Putting my armor on before I head out.
Ceegee, praying for your son as he heads back to work today. Mari V, also praying for you and your son. Maura, praying for you and your family. God is good, He’s got us. Blessings sisters.
MAURA – Agreeing in prayer and praises for your daughter’s recovery and your upcoming visit, prayers for your granddaughter’s hearts and that they truly know God and His goodness and faithfulness.
CHURCHMOUSE – praising God with you for the answered prayers for Julia and the victory rainbow! Continued prayers for healing.
Love how it says wisdom brightens ones face. So blessed by the verse that also says “in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” If Jesus is in us, we should be radiating Him to all, His perfume should be spreading to all around us. Though we are weak, God uses even our weaknesses, our difficulties, for HIS power and glory. Praise God! He takes the things the world considers foolish and uses them for His power and glory! Even as I see this world growing darker, He becomes sweeter to me. His power works in weak people. As Paul says HE boasts in his weaknesses — it is there Christ will shine forth ♥️
MARI V- Prayers for safety as you help clean up the mess and prayers for your son in the days ahead.
LEHUA K – GODS GLOW! (not flow, lol)
LEHUA K, Praying that God covers you with His protection and guides you through each step of your first days back to work. Our son is starting back today after 2 months off and he is quite anxious!There are a number of changes to deal with also. Praying others will see God’s flow radiating from your face!
This couldn’t come at a better time. I know I say this all the time God’s word is always always right on time. Yesterday afternoon there was a peaceful walk all the way down the main road of our town. Police led it and police was behind them. BUT it didn’t end well. After the walk. Downtown got really bad. My son has such a heart for what’s going on in our country right now. Last night he asked my daughter and I if we would join him going downtown to help clean up. We will be doing that here shortly.. Prayers are appreciated. I’m sure that it’s safe right now. And pray for my son as he would like to join a peaceful walk if there is another way. But will leave as soon as all the ugliness starts.
Praying for you and your family! May you and your sons actions bring understanding and even wisdom to those who’s hearts are hardened!
Mary V. What a good momma you are and what a wonderful son to be proud of. I celebrate you! ♥️. Praying now you remain safe in all your efforts!
Maura, I am lifting you, your daughter, and grandchildren before the Lord. Praise God she has been clean for 2 years now. Praise God for the opportunity to spend time with her and your grandchildren. May our Savior and Lord go before you preparing hearts and providing protection and provision as needed. In regards to your daughter I think of the song by Stars Go Dim, “You Know Me Better.” I pray that your daughter will know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and see her value and worth through His eyes, redeemable and worth the cross. May this be just a start to beautiful days ahead, step by step by step, but never alone. Amen.
Lehua, I have stopped now and lifted you…armor covered in prayer. He will go before you, guide, sustain, and empower you. Praise God for your willingness to step out in obedience to His guidance. Blessings sister.
In the midst of the protests for justice for our black brothers and sisters, I have been considering how to conduct myself as a white woman with the Kingdom values of justice, mercy, and love. I want to extend love to those who are hurting, mercy to those who need it, and fight for justice of the oppressed. Even if that is a conversation within my home, it can still make an impact since that is my community at the moment.
During our online church service, our pastor talked about that as Christians, our hearts must break for what breaks God’s heart. My heart breaks for our black community and the years of oppression they have suffered. However, as Christians we have something to offer – hope. Hope of eternal life where there will be no more oppression and no more suffering. Hope of unconditional love and peace. I am praying for our country and mourning with those who mourn.
Also lifting up Maura and the excitement of upcoming time with her daughter and grandkids and for Lehua K following God’s call to return to work. May the Lord be with you all today sisters <3
♥️
As my boys were growing up, each night we spoke Bible verse blessings over them. One we always said was, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
In our daily lives we face decisions constantly, some seemingly inconsequential, others…monumental.
Ruth Chou Simons, in her book, Gracelaced, states, “I have decision fatigue!” There are times I have felt the exact same way, times I have said to my husband, “I do not care what we do or don’t do, eat or don’t eat…I cannot make one more decision. You have to decide, I am done.” It can be overwhelming.
Simons states some things I have found helpful when I am at decision crossroads. I share directly from her text: “But today’s crossroads aren’t meant to highlight our own wisdom or ability to stay on course, but rather to reveal where we place our confidence.” (Perhaps each decision is not what is important, but Who guides us through. Whose coat of arms/banner do we carry? Who/what do I lean into and on?)
She also says, “The straightness of the path has less to do with the ease of our travel than the direction of our true destination. When we believe and walk in the light of His trustworthiness, we can hardly miss finding Him to be so. The biggest decision you and I face today may not be what we will do next, but whom we will trust. It is not warm feelings and wishful thinking we’re told to put our trust in. We’re to trust in the God who led His people into the desert so they might know the end of their power and the fullness of His provision. He’s doing the same with us this day.”
His strength is found in my weakness, for His grace is sufficient. That little song we sang with our children, “When I am afraid I will trust in You, I will trust in You, I will trust in You. When I am afraid I will trust in You, in God whose Word I trust,” continues to chime through my head. Whether in the difficulties of the desert or the abundance of the promised land, my prayer is that my confidence is fully on my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I also have been singing a really old song by Selah, titled, Broken Ladders. I pray I will trust, simply giving Him my heart, and leaning fully on Him.
There is much futility under the sun. We don’t understand all of God’s work, and we do not have control over the wind. But we trust in a faithful God who is worthy and loving, who cares for us in so many perfect ways. Psalm 80:3, “Restore us, God; make your face shine on us, so that we may be saved.” It is in the light of His face, that we find life and salvation. He has control and He understands and sees what we don’t. 1 Corinthians 10:13, Daniel 6:23. <3
Praying for you Lehua.
“Because the sentence against an evil act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil.” v11 I couldn’t help but think about the riots and violence being done over the past few days because this country has taken so long to repent of racism in power. Praying our country moves forward in wisdom in this area.
Maura, I am praying for your daughter, her children and you and your time together!
Oh, and praise to Jesus for helping my daughter to break chains and for His continued strength for her in this battle, as well as her heart in this time with with her two girls. Again thank you.
When I think about how my actions and words affect my community, even if right now that is just my immediate family, it makes me long all the more for wisdom to be where those choices come from! Even just as a Mom to young kids, I want them to see the evidence of wisdom in me more than emotional reactions. In my sphere of influence, my prayer is to leave a legacy of wisdom. And the first step is to daily hand the reigns of control over to the Source of wisdom and walk along beside Him as He leads the way.
Maura, praying all goes well and that this opportunity is a blessing for all of you!
Please pray with and for me SRT sisters, in less than 2 weeks I get time with my daughter and 3 precious grands. It will be wonderful and has been a long time coming because my daughter was caught in the chains of an addiction for several years. Praise God she has been clean almost 2 years and we finally get time all together. God is good there were times I had given up that which my heart so longed for. But God knew and He has been faithful through it all, as He always is. I am asking for prayer for health for us all so that nothing would hinder us coming together, His protection, provision and continued restoration of relationship and healing for my sweet grand daughters hearts as they have been living with their dad and get time they have so long been desiring with their Mama. That this time could be full of Jesus joy and peace and complete love. He is so good. We are meeting in a place none of us live in, so also praying for some places we can go without having to constantly think about restrictions. If you have someone you love caught in addiction, know that He understands the insanity and pain it causes and He hears your prayers and He loves you and your loved one and will be there to hold you in His amazing Love. I would encourage you to find a support group for family members with loved ones dealing with addiction. This was life changing for me as no one understands as those that are dealing with similar things and help you in prayer and encouragement. Thank you for your prayers, they are coveted.
I’m praying for you right now Maura. I couldn’t help but cry as I read this. I’ve seen miracles like this all the time through Celebrate Recovery! I will be praying for your family.
Praying for you and that God’s presence would be tangible while you all are together!
Praying for you and your family, Maura! Our God is so amazing, and I pray that He would continue to give your daughter strength. Wishing you many more amazing visits with your loved ones!
Lehua-praying for you in your obedience to do the work God has for you. May you be a bright light for Jesus as you point others to Him. Praying for your safety and peace of mind this week. He is with you!
Thoroughly enjoyed this and was even more convicted by this message. May be my favorite one yet out of this powerful series! I adored the metaphor of the time with the Lord lingering on us like the smell of the fire after we have roasted marshmallows for s’mores. Let it be, Lord!
I pray for wisdom for all those in positions of leadership, especially in the face of the racial tension & pain being expressed so vehemently, yet again. I encourage all of you to read Latasha Morrison’s “Be The Bridge”. It has changed my heart towards this issue. All human beings are image-bearers of our great God, & for too many centuries this fact has been denied by too many, & has caused untold pain & suffering. Please Lord, bring our hearts & minds into harmony with your Word & your Love! This is the wisdom needed! Psalm 103:6 says “The Lord executes righteousness & justice for all who are oppressed.”
The profound lessons for me from the selected verses from Ecclesiastes this morning: life on this earth isn’t fair. Many things are out of my control. Hope lies not under the sun but beyond it. Focus on the One beyond the sun. This is wisdom.
Amen!
Lehua, I am praying for you as you return to work, may the Lord hold you in His arms and put a shield of protection around you, and angels before you. As you are following His direction you will be an example to your coworkers! Some may not see it at first, but in His timing they will.
GOD IS SO FAITHFUL:)
“It favorably directs our steps and will be evident in our lives when we exercise it. Since our thoughts and actions affect those we are in community with, when we use wisdom in decision-making, we can also bring life to our collective environments. In doing so, perhaps our sphere of the world can better operate by kingdom values, such as justice, mercy, and love.”
Yes and Amen!
This was an apt and timely devotional for today. Wisdom is needed. We see the injustice, the pain, the protests. The desire to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. This has me questioning and wondering what I can do as a Christian to pursue love. I must seek wisdom and walk humbly before God. George Floyd and unfortunately many more Black men and women were killed not for being Christian but for being Black. What do we as Christians do? Thabiti Anyabwile has some wise words if you google and find his Twitter.
In regards to protests, I would like to share a wise word that I also read on Twitter from Esau McCaulley, “To be in support of a peaceful protest does not make one responsible for the riots that take place around them nor does it make the underlying cause of the protest unsound. Riots damage the most at risk communities and do lasting harm. That would be like blaming all sports fan who celebrate championships peacefully for the few who take advantage of that celebration to….that’s right, riot!”
Amen and amen
Amen
Amen!
Ecclesiastes has been easier to get through in this series, and I am glad to be going through it at this time, even though it’s sometimes still uncomfortable. (It’s really interesting that the other devotional series I’m reading right now is First 5 and it’s covering 1 & 2 Chronicles, which was also difficult for me to read but it’s going over Solomon’s life.)
Sisters, my heart has been at peace this week, despite being out from work for two months on medical leave and then deciding to return on Monday. I have been diligent with creating routines in my life that align with my faith & relationship with God, among other things like health/fitness, and personal development. I prayed out to God for discernment with staying home vs going back to work, and I believe He said that it’s time to go back. I was at peace, which is unusual because I’m usually anxious. But putting on the armor each day has helped, even though I was at home most of the time. It was good practice…
Now with hearing news about our country and seeing protests over the weekend in our own community, I admit I’m getting a bit doubtful. I feel God is still telling me to go and to not worry (reading yesterday’s verse today also was well-timed). I know I’ll probably be fine. It may not be easy but it’ll be worth it as a testament of faith and obedience, to others who see me go back and wonder why. I’m not going back for them, for the work.. I’m going back because God told me to.
Sorry for such a long post.. My heart is heavy wanting to continue to do what’s right and with the right attitude also. Please pray for me sisters, for safety and peace of mind as I transition back… I thank you in advance and I am so thankful as I read through all of the comments. There’s so much community, support and heart behind this, and I enjoy reading and praying along with all of you. Be blessed, be well.
I am praying for you Lehua, for God to continue to give you His peace and for Him to protect you everywhere you go and in everything you do.
Praying for you sister Lehua
Lifting you in prayer Lehua.
Praying for you.
Praying for you Lehua! May God go before you today as you step out in faithfulness.
Prayers all is going well for you.
The clip I linked deals with what we need to do, having more of the Jesus of the Bible and the Holy Spirit of the Bible, and call to change.please listen to his message and prayer.
With so much tragedy and heartbreak, we were praying at church. The pastor’s wife said that we have the answer. The answer is Jesus. She said that there is one race, the human race. I saw a clip talking about preaching the true Gospel. Jesus isn’t just about atonement He is about transformation.. There is so much more shared in this short clip. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CA3mhuKJK-t/?igshid=1evora9n8tewk