Wisdom Has a Voice

Can you think of a time when someone confronted you and your first impulse was to clap back; and, if you're honest, you felt completely justified?

Then, somewhere in the quiet of your heart, a different voice whispered. No. Walk away. Breathe. Let it go. I have experienced many of those moments. Some days I listen to that voice. I take a breath, quiet my pride, and offer a gentle answer. More often than not, the outcome is peaceful; sometimes it's even better than I expected. Other days, I fail miserably. Thankfully, forgiveness is a gift, and I know the greatest Gift Giver. God graciously calls us to sincere repentance and lovingly invites us to begin again. Perhaps you've experienced similar moments.

Maybe it was the temptation to join in gossip, take a dishonest shortcut, withhold an apology, or make a decision you knew would compromise your values. What if, in those moments, wisdom was calling?

Proverbs 1:20–21 says, "Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square... at the city gate she makes her speech."

Wisdom is not hidden or difficult to find. She calls to us in the ordinary places where everyday decisions are made—in our conversations, relationships, workplaces, homes, and even our private thoughts.

Think about this.

Wisdom rarely competes for our attention by shouting louder than our emotions. Instead, she faithfully calls while inviting us to quiet our pride long enough to listen.

Proverbs continues with a challenge: "Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you" (Proverbs 1:23).

Wisdom not only corrects us; she invites us into God's way of thinking. But how do we recognize her voice? James 3:17 gives us the answer. God's wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. It will never encourage pride, excuse cruelty, or justify wounding someone simply because we have the opportunity. Sometimes wisdom calls us to remain silent. Other times, it calls us to speak, but always with truth, humility, and love. Every day, wisdom is calling. The question is whether we will quiet our pride long enough to hear her and humble ourselves enough to obey.

I don't know about you, but I want to sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.