Saturday, January 3, 2004
Genevieve of Paris
Kellia: Proverbs 10:31-11:12 Epistle: 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Gospel: St. Mark 3:1-11
Proverbs 10:31-11:12 LXX, especially vs. 5, "Righteousness traces out
blameless paths: but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing." An earlier passage in Proverbs
(8:22-30) provides rich insight into the miracle of Wisdom's Incarnation and illumines the Lord
Jesus as the eternal Wisdom of God. As the Divine, eternal Word, He upholds "all things by the
word of His power," as the Apostle states (Heb. 1:3). His present and active power are of great
importance to the Faithful, for, as we draw into union with Him, through the indwelling of the
Holy Spirit and the good will of the Father, He will keep us from every word and deed which can
mar the soul, and will give us godly understanding and enlightenment. Wisdom, in giving
Himself, imparts a wisdom far superior to the knowledge or so-called 'wisdom' of this world (1
Cor. 1:30). He transforms us into persons that today's reading calls righteous, just, and sensible.
In fact, today's reading from Proverbs is a portrait of what those look like who strive to receive
wisdom from Incarnate Wisdom. The reading is a string of contrasts which compare those
blessed ones who receive wisdom from God with the ungodly, unjust, and senseless ones who
seek wisdom from this world and through their own effort. These two sorts of people are polar
opposites of each other in speech, business dealings, self-valuation, their estimation of others, in
coping with troubles, before God, with respect to their public worth, and in terms of what they
contribute to their nations' security.
We can expect the righteous who receive Wisdom into their lives to "drop wisdom and grace
from their mouths" (Pr. 10:31, 32) and to be sensibly quiet when speaking to others (vs. 11:12).
In the world today, what strikes one's vision on every side? Those who pervert language, abuse
speech, and sneer at their fellow men. They are ubiquitous, numerous, and influential. The
fashion of one-up-man-ship and quick, off-color comebacks prevails.
The reading reminds us that the difference between the godly and the perverse in business
dealings will be clear and marked as well. Behind the abusive speech and sneering, are the
crooked deals, shoddy workmanship covered with glitz and "false balances" (vs. 11:1). Let us
thank God that there still are those doing business and providing services who are honest, fair,
and eager to provide "a just weight" (vs. 11:1).
Centuries before Wisdom became Incarnate He taught the humble and meek the dangers of pride
and arrogance (vs. 11:2). As the Prophet David said: "the sinner praiseth himself in the lusts of
his soul....but the desire of the poor hast Thou heard, O Lord" (Ps. 9:23, 37 LXX).
In contrast with the humility which the godly holds of himself, he is held in high estimation by
those around him who are open to the truth which Wisdom imparts. Therefore, "When a just
man dies he leaves regret"(Pr. 11:3), being appreciated for his manner of living.
How different are the actions of the godly from the unjust as they face troubles and afflictions!
Having received wisdom from the Lord, the righteous "man escapes from a snare" frequently
because the Holy Spirit reveals truth and every right path to him, whereas "the ungodly man
[often] is delivered" into the pitfalls of his own making (vs. 11:7).
In the public arena, the difference between the godly and the perverse is also evident. Even
national prosperity and security are seriously threatened by those who "snare" their fellow men
with clever words and proposals but lack godly wisdom. Blessed the nation which is led by wise
and Spirit-filled leaders, for the people shall "prosper" (vs.11:10).
O Lord, our true Wisdom, open the eyes of our hearts to receive Thy wisdom as a lamp unto our
feet and a light unto our paths. (see Ps. 118:105 LXX)
