“On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand …” Proverbs 8:2
Proverbs, in any generation, are common sense sayings that circulate by word of mouth. They are instructions in the art of living well.
Tradition says the Book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon because he was wise. Perhaps some parts can be attributed to Solomon. But really, Proverbs is a collection of sayings that span many years, even generations. Imagine them handed down, even as you read them!
Many of the sayings are little poems. They must be lived with and puzzled over. We wake up to their meaning over time.
The Book of Proverbs also introduces us to Wisdom. I love her.
Wisdom is found in the streets.
She is at the crossroads.
She is in the marketplace.
She is standing among the people.
Wisdom is always where people are.
Wisdom is always seeking us out.
Wisdom stands at the crossroads. That’s a powerful image. Wisdom stands with us in our indecision and hesitancy. Wisdom accompanies all our ambivalence and uncertainty.
Wisdom is where the paths meet. Wisdom is there when we turn the random into the real. Wisdom connects. Wisdom weaves knowledge and insight and vision into truth.
Wisdom takes a stand.
Wisdom is a creative power.
She was in the beginning.
She is ever at play.
She will always tease us into artful relationship with the Divine.
Wisdom is you
seeking her
seeking you.
Wisdom is in the streets.
Wisdom is where the paths meet.
Wisdom is where people are.
Wisdom is life lived wide
and awake.
Proverbs are meant to be lived with over time. Is there a simple saying, line, or truth that has slowly revealed its wisdom in your life?
Proverbs places Wisdom, not in places of learning or religious buildings, but in streets and marketplaces. Where have you encountered wisdom recently in ordinary places or unexpected voices?
Wisdom stands where the paths meet. Where in your life are you standing at a crossroads, listening for deeper guidance?
Go for a walk with Wisdom. Take a slow walk through a place where people move through daily life — a street, market, park, or path. Invite Wisdom to help you notice where paths cross, where people gather, where something ordinary catches your attention. You might choose to sketch, remember in your mind, or take a photo of the crossroad that asked for your attention. You might spend time with it and notice what wisdom or truth arises for you.
[Proverbs] Wisdom in the Streets
0 Comments